On behalf of the Senior Class Gift Committee, we are responding to Andrew Alexander’s op-ed “Senior Class Theft” in the February 10 issue of the Maroon. Although we appreciate Andrew’s discussion, he presented an incorrect view of the money’s use.Andrew focused much of his criticism on endowment management. However, your gift, and other alumni gifts, will benefit not the endowment but the College Fund, which directly supports needs like faculty, financial aid, internships, and study abroad programs—urgent priorities that have not been specified in the College’s general budget. Senior Class Gift therefore benefits the students. Yes, a U of C education is extremely expensive, but tuition fees do not cover the actual cost of the education provided. Without alumni giving, important parts of our undergraduate experience, such as student activities, financial aid, study abroad, internships, and small class sizes, would not be possible. We have each somehow benefited from these programs, and the College Fund supports all of them. Without the College Fund, the University of Chicago would not be the University of Chicago.Importantly, approximately 60 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, made possible by generous support from Chicago alumni. The College Fund contributes to providing this aid. Given the financial situation, this support is more crucial than ever if we are to ensure that students can receive an education of the caliber we have experienced. The College Fund allows substantial financial aid, and other programs previously mentioned, to be available to students. Senior Class Gift is about participation. By sharing our enthusiasm for the College in this important way, the Class of 2009 is beginning a strong tradition of alumni staying involved in University life. The benefits we received from our undergraduate education will last a lifetime. It’s not about how much you give, but that your gift symbolizes the value you place on your time here. Through Senior Class Gift, we can both sustain the quality of student life and strengthen it for future generations. The Senior Class Gift campaign is incredibly important and presents an opportunity to give back to the University that has given us so much. As students of the College, we appreciate your support. If you would like more information concerning the College Fund or Senior Class Gift, please visitparticipate.uchicago.edu/seniorclassgift.Remy Cosse, Class of 2009Ariel Simon, Class of 2009Co-Chairs of the 2009 Senior Class Gift