The Senior Class Gift Committee for the Class of 2013 has announced that this year’s gift, as voted on by current Penn State seniors, will be the “We Are” sculpture. Here is the official description according to the Committee and posted on Penn State Live:

The class of 2013 would create a sculpture of Penn State’s iconic slogan “We Are.” The sculpture would consist of large, three dimensional letters, with the words of the Penn State Alma Mater inscribed across them in the original handwriting of Fred Lewis Pattee. Composed in April 1901 by Pattee, professor of American literature, the Alma Mater’s words embody Penn State pride. The Alma Mater inscription on the sculpture would serve as a visual representation of what it truly means to be a Penn Stater.

The gift was voted on from three choices last week, whittled down from 150 original proposals. Overall Chair of the Senior Class Gift Committee said that the sculpture was a “very clear winner” from over 1,700 votes. The choice was unveiled at the HUB this morning, and the proposal was accepted by President Erickson. “This legacy you’ve left us is a permanent part of the history of our campus,” he said.

Right now, only the conceptual idea for the sculpture has been chosen; there still needs to be a specific design chosen as well as a location on campus.

In addition, Ed and Helen Hintz will endow a $50,000 scholarship in the name of the Class of 2013 if 3,300 seniors pledge donations to the Senior Class Gift. When you first arrive at Penn State, the Bursar’s office sets aside $100 of your account ostensibly for the “unforeseen expenses, fees and emergency costs,” according to a press release, but that money can be redirected anywhere. So, to pledge, you will have to indicate that money as going toward the Gift, plus or minus what you will. For all the ins, outs, and what-have-yous of that, visit giveto.psu.edu.

What do you think of this year’s choice? Let us know in the comments. If you are a senior, did you vote? For which gift choice?