The graduating class of 2010 left a legacy by seizing the Phase III moment! It was the first graduating class in the University's history to part with some or all of their due caution money in support of the University's development.

This contemporary practice referred to as the Senior Class Gift, is a legacy leaving approach in philanthropy. It is a great manifestation of altruistic ideals that involve young people giving what is very dear to them at a very crucial time in their life.

The modes of giving vary with the interests of the final year students. They could chose to give by forfeiting caution money, donate cash or even do a fundraising drive that may involve soliciting from other individuals (family & friends), corporates and foundations. A particular facility in the University that equals the amount raised could then be named for the class.

The Senior Class Gift is counter-intuitive to the widely held view that one has to be a millionaire to give or be dead so that a memorial foundation can be set up in their name. It adds to the virtuous but not widespread philanthropic approach of 'Giving while Living'. The University's Advancement and Alumni offices look forward to having this culture of giving being rooted in the Strathmore community.

The exercise championed and realized through students' owns effort is only present in select Ivy League Universities like Yale. It was a great opportunity for the Class of 2010 which despite its inopportunity to use Phase III will identify with the development in perpetuity. Their benevolence bore an active group of young alumni who demonstrated a strong belief in Strathmore's capacity to transform Africa through leadership.

The Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business Information Technology students committed their caution money in amounts ranging from KShs 500 to the full caution amount of KShs 2,420. Being inaugural their act of generosity brought forth philanthropists from Strathmore at a very early age.

A total of Kshs120, 000 was raised through the initiative. Ms Heather Regenass, the Director of Development and Fundraising of the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa applauded the effort while facilitating a fundraising seminar for the University early in the year.

Class representatives of the BCOM and BBIT classes rallied their classmates. "This was a noble idea and we thought it was good to take it up," said Mr Kevin Muchemi, a 2010 BCOM graduate now working in the University's Advancement office.

"The Strathmore spirit of service calls upon each member of the fraternity to put a line in the writing of this historic moment. We could only do so much," he added.

Strathmore University is very proud and grateful for the support it got from the Class of 2010. Their initiative is not only an eye opener but also a challenge to the current students and especially to the Class of 2011 which will complete its studies in the year that Strathmore will celebrate its 50th Anniversary since its founding.