The Senior Class Gift Committee has narrowed down the suggestions sent in by the Penn State community to the final three options for a senior vote. The graduating Class of 2016 will get to choose between commissioning an artistic mural in the HUB, starting a permanent and annual source of funding for Penn State’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), or commissioning a mosaic to be featured in a prominent location on campus.

The committee accepted suggestions from all members of the Penn State community to allow for a wide variety of ideas to be considered; however, only the senior class will be able to vote. The suggestions were narrowed down by a committee made up of university staff, faculty, and students. While the three gifts listed below are the only options for the 2016 Class Gift, the proposals that didn’t make the cut will be given to the Office of Physical Plant (OPP) so that all opinions are considered for campus improvements. Seniors are allowed to vote only once, but those who make a pledge before October 9 will receive an additional vote. The final three proposals and their descriptions are:

1. A Mural in the HUB

“Penn State is committed to providing an educational experience that is inclusive and accessible to all. Diversity of population allows for diversity of thought and provides an understanding of, and empathy for the varying perspectives, conditions, and experiences of our fellow human beings. Promoting these values, the Class of 2016 would commission the creation of an artistic mural representing the university’s diverse population in all of its many aspects. Space is available in the HUB-Robeson Center to house this testament to the lives and values of the Penn State family.”

2. Funding to Support The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

“Penn State’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides a vital service every day by helping students manage a range of personal and mental health challenges. College is an exciting time for many students, but the challenges of college life and young adulthood can be stressful. The need for additional funding is growing as more students recognize the essential support that CAPS is able to provide to them. By creating a permanent, annual source of funding to support CAPS, the Class of 2016 can help ensure that accessible and timely care is available to all students if and when they should need it.”

3. Mosaic Featuring Classic Penn State Iconography 

“The Penn State community is bonded by ties of tradition and loyalty. These core tenants have become part of our pride in our alma mater and woven into the fabric of our daily experiences at the university. To express these sentiments, the Class of 2016 would commission a mosaic representing our pride through the depiction of classic Penn State iconography. It would be located at a prominent site on campus.”

The Class of 2013’s gift, the “We Are” statue, was installed over the summer and was dedicated just a few days ago. The class gift that is chosen can have a significant effect on the aesthetic of Penn State or impact students by aiding one of the university’s helpful programs like CAPS.

The mission of the Class Gift Campaign is to, “promote a philanthropic spirit among the graduating class by providing students an opportunity to start their legacy of giving to the university.” So the choice is up to you, Class of 2016: What will be the first thing you leave behind as Penn State alumni?