The USC senior class of 2008 has selected a study alcove for the Ronald Tutor Campus Center as its senior gift to the university.

The first USC senior gift, a painting by W.L. Judson, was presented in 1906.

Voting for the senior gift was conducted online for the first time. More than 1,700 seniors participated, due in large part to the efforts of the first-ever Senior Gift Advisory Board, comprised of 19 members of the Class of 2008.

Iyoni Rice, director of annual giving, said that serving on the advisory board was an opportunity for seniors to bridge their student and alumni experiences.

“We all understand that seniors have been deeply affected by the generosity of alumni who came before them,” Rice said. “Members of the board have a certain degree of enthusiasm for supporting USC and have developed an even stronger philanthropic outlook as future alumni through their board experience.”

The board initially proposed 11 gift ideas. After heated discussion, the list was narrowed down to four: a study alcove, a recognition banquet for USC maintenance workers, a merit scholarship fund and a humanitarian award.

A majority of those in the Class of 2008 who voted for the senior gift – 57.5 percent – favored an alcove in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center.

The new center, set to begin construction this year, will house a number of university centers, including the admissions office and the new Epstein Family Alumni Center. It will serve as a central gathering place and symbolic heart of campus for the Trojan Family.

The Class of 2008 Study Alcove, one of 38 alcoves in the Campus Center, will be strategically placed in a highly visible location near the Alumni Association. The alcove will serve as a designated space for studying and student meetings.

Associate Dean of Students Patrick Bailey, who oversees the Ronald Tutor Campus Center project, said: “I think the selection of the alcove in the Campus Center is a great idea. Trojans for many years will enjoy the gift from the class of 2008. I also believe that their gift will encourage and teach them the importance of annual giving back to the university.”

With an emphasis on participation rather than dollar amount, the Senior Gift ’08 campaign encourages gifts of all sizes. This year’s committee sought to exceed the participation rate of last year’s graduating class (60 percent).

USC alumni from participating schools will contribute $5,000 to the Class of 2008 Senior Gift fund when this goal is met.

“USC has given me a lot of great experiences and I want to show my appreciation,” said Talisa Humphrey, an accounting major, about her contribution to the gift. “I also want to show my pride.”

Other students are happy to be financing a lasting legacy. Business major Michael Larrenaga said, “It feels like a great way to leave a mark on USC that I can bring my kids back to see.”

The Senior Gift ’08 campaign will end Wednesday. For more information about class giving, including a per-school breakdown of contributions, visit http://www.uscseniorgift.com.