In The Lantern editorial on Monday it was stated that “The Lantern believes the university’s idea for this gift is self-serving and, for lack of a better word, lame.” As two graduating seniors who have donated to the class gift, we would like to inform the student body about the process of selecting a class gift and why this particular gift is a worthwhile addition to the university.

Class gifts have a long standing history at Ohio State, which date back to 1891 with the planting of five elm trees on the Oval. This year, the Student Campaign Committee approached the university architects office, the department of recreational sports and the Ohio Union to elicit gift ideas. Out of these suggestions there were approximately 15 ideas, which were then narrowed to four by the Student Campaign Committee and members of the Student Alumni Council. The final four potential gifts included a Frisbee golf course, a Block “O” near Ohio Stadium, a timeline on the Oval and the seal at the new Ohio Union.

OSU students voted and chose the seal in the Ohio Union great hall as their legacy as the class of 2007. Quoting the student campaign Web site, “Students voted on the campus project they wanted to leave as their legacy and they chose to leave their mark on the university – literally.” Class gifts in the past have not always been tangible or for a specific practical use. The seal of OSU has great symbolic meaning to students at this university. The seal appears on your diploma and at a select few locations across campus. The seal at the Ohio Union will serve as a reminder to students about the final goal of attending college, graduation.

The Ohio Union is the first impression for incoming students during orientation as several information sessions are held within the building. Each and every incoming freshman during orientation from the year that the union opens till the year that it closes will be greeted by the large and beautiful seal. Along with the seal will be a description of the meaning behind the seal and the importance it has at the university. Aside from its use during orientation, the union serves as the home of student involvement on campus and is the living room for students. The seal will serve as a daily reminder to each person who enters the building of the importance of graduation and the role OSU has played in their life. As two graduating seniors who are forever indebted to OSU we feel that donating to our class gift is a small yet significant way we can do to begin to give back to the University that has given so much to each of us. We challenge you to do the same and leave your legacy by participating in the class of 2007 class gift.

Doug MorganLaura CorryColumbus, Ohio