NOTE: This web page is archived for the Class of 2005. To see the Commencement site for this year's class, click here.

Class of 2005…

Plant your roots for UMass Amherst

The planting of the class tree is a time-honored tradition dating back to 1867. 

When walking across campus, look carefully at the base of trees.  You will see stone markers engraved with the year of the class that planted that particular tree.  This year’s Senior Class planted a Betula alba, a European White Birch tree, outside of Goessmann Lab National Arbor Day, April 29. An ice cream social followed.

As the end of the school year approaches, you -- UMass Amherst seniors -- have many tasks to accomplish before saying farewell to campus.  Not only do you have to study for finals and finish projects, you need to meet up with various friends for a last hurrah, pick up their caps and gowns, make post-graduation plans, attend senior events, plant your class tree, and make a gift to the Senior Campaign.

The Senior Campaign, a tradition that dates back to 1917, is the first chance for members of the Class of 2005 to show appreciation for the campus while beginning a tradition of philanthropy. Contributing to the Senior Campaign gives you the opportunity to say “Thanks!” for the experiences and opportunities you’ve had here.  It is a way for you to leave a lasting legacy to the campus, to give something back, and – most importantly – to help make a difference in the lives of students who will follow in your footsteps.

Gifts to the Senior Campaign can be designated to any area of campus. You are encouraged to give back to your school or college, department, any RSO, sports team, or other area of interest on campus.  Gifts can even be made in honor of a favorite professor! 

In addition to making gifts to the Senior Campaign this year, seniors are encouraged to leave remaining UCard debit balances to the Senior Campaign.  All UCard proceeds will be designated where needed most on campus.  Please note: the UCard office automatically retains any remaining UCard money less than $10 at the end of the school year, so this money will neither be returned to you nor given to the Senior Campaign.

If you are a senior and have not yet contributed to the Senior Campaign, there are several ways for you to get involved:

1. Mail a check to:
   Senior Class Gift
   Memorial Hall
   134 Hicks Way
   University of Massachusetts Amherst
   Amherst, MA  01003-9271
   (Please make your check payable to “UMass Amherst”)
   
2. Make a gift online using your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card at www.umass.edu/development
   
3. Visit the basement of Memorial Hall to drop off your gift.

Congratulations Class of 2005 on your upcoming graduation!  Please join your classmates for Karaoke Night sponsored by the Senior Campaign at the Bluewall on Thursday, April 28 from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  You will be able to learn more about both the Senior Campaign and the tree planting at this gathering while celebrating with your friends.