Class of 2008 Class Gift
This spring, the members of the graduating class -- JD and LLM -- are joining together for a fundraising campaign to benefit Vanderbilt Law School.
Students can participate by making three-year pledges to the Loan Repayment Assistance Program and/or the Ones W. Polk International Studies Stipend. The collective pledge will be presented to Dean Rubin at Commencement on Friday, May 9, 2008.
About the 2008 Class Gift Funds
Public service law is challenging, rewarding, and, all too often, low-paying. Most law graduates need to repay student loans, which can provide an additional challenge to taking public service employment upon graduation. To help ease the burden for graduates who take public interest employment, Vanderbilt Law offers a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) that pays from 25 to 50 percent of your annual loan repayment obligation for up to ten years. The amount of loan assistance for which you are eligible is based on your salary. Vanderbilt graduates have received LRAP assistance while working for government agencies, legal aid organizations and other non-profit organizations.
The Ones W. Polk II International Studies Stipend was created by the Vanderbilt Law School Class of 1998 upon graduation to honor the memory of a classmate. Ones’ principal interest was international law, as evidenced by his personal statement submitted as part of his law school application in which he described his intensely rewarding experience studying abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo. The fund, which received hundreds of gifts since its inception, provides stipends to students in financial need for study abroad or for externships related to international issues.
Click here to make your pledge now!
(Please sign in using “vanderbilt\VUNetID” and then your password.)
Pledges to the Class of 2008 Class Gift are a tangible way to thank the law school and to ensure that future students receive the same outstanding legal education. Thank you for your pledge!
Class Gift Committee Members
Edwin Cook
Emma Dill
Jim Irving (Co-Chair)
Erin Kaiser
Sarah Luppen
Tammra Mitchell
Douglas Roberts
Deepa Subramanian
Scott Tift (Co-Chair)
Kevin Young
Class of 2008 Donors to the Class Gift
* Participation = 62%
* Total pledged = $33,150
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Susan Ambler
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Sarah Laird
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Frequently Asked Questions
Students pay tuition, so does the law school really need our money?
Yes! Tuition only covers a portion of what it takes to run the law school on an annual basis. Donations from alumni and friends make up the difference. Without these gifts, the law school would not be able to fund student organizations, keep class sizes down, employ distinguished faculty, offer a wide variety of courses, provide career services, maintain the extensive library or continually upgrade technology. In particular, scholarships enable the school to recruit talented students and to minimize the loan burden.
Why is a pledge so important to Vanderbilt Law School?
Annual alumni giving participation has a tangible impact on the law school's competitive ranking. By making a pledge to the law school, you will begin a cycle of regular philanthropy that will stick with you for life. A high giving rate shows law firms, foundations and prospective students that alumni truly believe in Vanderbilt Law School.
Will our gifts really make a difference?
Absolutely -- participation matters most. Pledges of any amount are greatly appreciated. The fact that you give is more important than the amount. Other top law schools' graduating class gift committees report participation levels at over 90%. Let's strive for 100%!
Are gifts tax deductible?
Yes. Contributions to Vanderbilt Law School are deductible from federal income tax if the donor itemizes deductions when filing his or her tax return. Donors may also be eligible to claim state income tax credit.
When do we begin paying off pledges and how do we make payments?
You pay nothing up front when you pledge. By making a pledge, you agree to contribute a gift in each fiscal year for the first three years after graduation. Vanderbilt's fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. You may choose which month you would like to receive a pledge reminder by mail. You may make a payment on a pledge by sending a check by mail or using a credit card on a secure online giving site.
You can give in any amount (the goal is for each graduate to pledge an average of $100 per year for 3 years), and you can graduate your payments (i.e., give $50 the first year, $100 the second year, $150 the third year, etc.). The first pledge payment will not be due until you receive a pledge reminder from the gift processing office in the month you chose on the pledge form (between July 2008 and June 2009).
How do I make my pledge or gift?
To make a pledge, please go to the secure online Class Gift Pledge Form. (Please sign in using “vanderbilt\VUNetID” and then your password.)
For more information, please contact or Kathryn Carmody in the Development & Alumni Relations office (100 Center Building).
