I'm a Senior now, and the thoughts of Seniors always turn towards giving back to their University. Especially because, at Berkeley, chances are they'll never ever give anything else back again.

That means Senior Class Gift ideas. These come in two basic varieties: the endowment and the construction project. I'm told the Senior Committee manages to collect 50,000 to 60,000 each year. The construction project is more exciting because you can't come back in twenty years and say 'I endowed that undergraduate research assignment.' On the other hand, Berkeley is so built up and regulated that a construction project is a huge hassle.

Ideas:

1. Undergraduate Publications Endowment. Publications have always been underfunded on this campus. But they cover a lot of ground: most ethnicities, majors, and just about every other interest has a related publication currently printing on shitty quality paper. A big monetary boost could make the difference between tiny print runs and reaching the entire campus. Or terrible quality paper and good quality. Pubs only got 50,000 total this year.

2. Renovation of Bechtel Terrace. Bechtel Terrace is a possible very nice hangout area, with a grassy area, nearby cafe, and handy access by Engineers. But it's limited to a few nasty bench/cubicles and ancient tables. Time for a renovation.

3. Lighting project. Berkeley is still badly lit, despite numerous reports detailing exactly which sections need new lights. This could improve safety at a go.

4. Better toilet paper. Hear me out! Berkeley currently uses this horrible see-through stuff. I can think of nothing else that reaches across all barriers, all ethnicities, all classes, like funding the purchase of better quality toilet paper.

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