Class of 2021 plants its legacy

The Senior Legacy Project is a special way for the outgoing class to thank their soon-to-be alma mater and give back in a way that benefits students, the College and the campus community for decades to come.

For their Senior Legacy Project, the Class of 2021 raised funds to purchase a Cherokee Dogwood tree. The tree was planted in the quaint and recently refreshed courtyard between Randoph, Manson and Pannell halls. In a remarkable show of class participation and enthusiasm, 41% of seniors contributed to the project, raising $1,005. Holla, holla to the Class of 2021!

The project is managed by a student committee with assistance and guidance from the Office of Alumnae Relations and Development and the Office of Student Life. The committee members are:

Sammy Runyon
Class of 2021 president

Rachel Logan
Class of 2021 vice president

Caroline Potts
Class of 2021 treasurer

Julia Bell
Senior representative on the Young Alumnae Support Working Group
of the Alumnae Alliance Council

Ruth Lechner
Senior Legacy Project committee member

“The Senior Legacy Project committee has been working hard since September on all of the planning and fundraising surrounding this project, and it was so nice to be able to see all of our hard work come to fruition and to celebrate as a class,” says Julia.

“I have treasured the time I have gotten to spend working with such dedicated and hardworking women on this project,” says Caroline. “I have been attached to the dogwood tree since I began researching potential tree species before we even knew it would be the project the class would choose. To see it planted and have it so well received by everyone on campus has been an honor. I look forward to coming back often to Sweet Briar after graduation and visiting our tree.”

For Sammy, the Senior Legacy Project gave her a chance to “reflect on my four years at Sweet Briar and determine how I would like to leave my mark on this campus. The dogwood is much more than a tree to beautify the courtyard: It is a symbol of the perseverance of our class and our dedication to the College. I am so proud of our class for banding together to make this project come to life, and I am extremely grateful for the support of the anonymous alumnae and parents that gave to the project.”