Have questions about Northwestern’s Senior Class Gift program? You've come to the right place! Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
Where does my money go?
That's one of the best things about the Senior Class Gift—you choose where your gift goes!
Were you part of an amazing student organization? Did you enjoy conducting research on campus? Have a favorite academic program or department? Is there a Northwestern program or cause you’re passionate about? Perfect!
You can direct your gift to that school, program, student organization, scholarship, or other area of Northwestern that matters most to you.
Why should I make my Senior Class Gift?
There are plenty of reasons to participate, but here are just a few of our favorites:
-
Honor what you love about Northwestern. Celebrate the professors, programs, student organizations, experiences, and opportunities that helped share your time at Northwestern.
- Celebrate your senior year. Your Senior Class Gift is one more way to commemorate your Northwestern journey and leave your mark before graduation.
- Support future Wildcats. Your gift helps provide resources and opportunities that allow future students to create their own memorable Northwestern experiences.
- Every gift adds up. Senior Class Gift is about collective participation. When Wildcats come together, gifts of all sizes can make a meaningful difference across Northwestern.
- Enjoy exclusive donor perks. As a Class of 2027 donor, you'll receive exclusive donor merch, recognition on Senior Class Gift honor rolls, a philanthropy honor cord to wear at Commencement, and invitations to donor-only events like Picture Perfect and Cheers on the Lakefill.
- Join a community of Northwestern donors. Your Senior Class Gift begins your journey in Northwestern's giving societies, with opportunities for recognition through Infinity, NU Loyal, and the Northwestern University Leadership Circle (NULC).
Whatever your reason, making your Senior Class Gift is a meaningful way to leave your mark on Northwestern and begin your next chapter as an alum.
Don’t wait— make your Senior Class Gift today.
How do I participate in the Class of 2027 Senior Class Gift?
It’s easy! Simply make a gift to any area of Northwestern. As a Class of 2027 senior, your gift will count toward the Senior Class Gift.
Seniors are encouraged to give $20.27 in honor of your graduation year, but any amount counts and is appreciated. The minimum for online gifts is $10.
Once you make your gift, you’ll qualify for Senior Class Gift donor benefits, including exclusive merch, donor recognition, special events, and a philanthropy honor cord to wear at Commencement. The earlier you give, the more opportunities you’ll have to enjoy your donor benefits throughout senior year!
What are Northwestern's giving societies?
Your Senior Class Gift is more than a one-time gift—it can be the beginning of a lifelong tradition of supporting the areas of Northwestern that matter to you. As a senior donor, you can receive recognition through several Northwestern giving societies.
Infinity
Infinity is a special recognition for donors who have given every year since graduation. Your giving history can begin during your senior year—make your Senior Class Gift to establish your Infinity status, then continue making a gift each year to maintain it.
NU Loyal
NU Loyal is Northwestern’s largest giving society, with more than 42,000 members, and recognizes alumni and friends who give to Northwestern every fiscal year.
As a special benefit for seniors, making your Senior Class Gift automatically welcomes you into NU Loyal at the Bronze level. Continue giving each year to advance through the NU Loyal recognition levels:
- Bronze: 3–4 consecutive years (seniors automatically enter at this level)
- Silver: 5–9 consecutive years
- Gold: 10–19 consecutive years
- Platinum: 20+ consecutive years
Northwestern University Leadership Circle (NULC)
Want to make an even greater impact? The Northwestern University Leadership Circle (NULC) recognizes Northwestern's leadership annual giving community. A leadership gift for seniors is a gift of $120 or more.
Seniors who make a leadership-level gift of $120 or more through the Senior Class Gift qualify for NULC membership and receive the same benefits as the standard $1,000 annual giving level.
What exactly is the Northwestern Annual Fund?
The Northwestern Annual Fund provides flexible resources that can be used where they are needed most. Annual Fund gifts support priorities across the University, including student financial aid, academic programs, faculty, research, and the student experience.
Northwestern’s schools and colleges also have annual funds that allow their leadership to direct support toward their areas of greatest need.
How does giving have an impact on Northwestern?
Tuition alone doesn't cover total cost of educating a Northwestern undergraduate student. That means the University relies on generous donors to help fill the gap. Gifts from the Northwestern community help provide resources that enhance the student experience, support financial aid and academic programs, advance groundbreaking research, and create opportunities across the University.
And when thousands of Wildcats give to the areas they care about, gifts of all sizes add up to make a meaningful collective impact.
How can stay connected with Senior Class Gift?
Stay connected with Senior Class Gift throughout your senior year so you don’t miss upcoming events, donor opportunities, Merch Madness voting, and other SCG updates!
- Keep an eye on your inbox for Senior Class Gift news, event invitations, donor opportunities, and other important updates.
- Follow us on social media at @NU_SCG on Instagram and Northwestern Senior Class Gift on Facebook for the latest news and reminders.
- Check the Class of 2027 Canvas Page and Calendar for upcoming Senior Class Gift events and important dates.
- Visit the Digital Donor Wall in Norris (near west entrance) for Senior Class Gift updates, upcoming events, and more. Made your gift already? Check out the Class of 2027 Honor Roll to find your name—and see which of your classmates have joined you!
Already made your Senior Class Gift? Be sure to keep an eye on your email for information about donor-exclusive events and benefits throughout the year.