History of the Stephen K. Kent `67 Memorial Senior Challenge

Steve Kent `67, a member of the Alumni Council and a Class Fund Director, started the Senior Challenge in 1988 to introduce seniors to Grinnell's tradition of generous alumni support of the institution. He initiated the challenge by donating an additional $5 to the annual fund for every graduating senior who donated to the 1988 Senior Challenge. He also donated an additional $500 to the annual fund because the Class of 1988, with 54% participation, surpassed Kent's own Class of 1967 in percentage of participation.

The Senior Challenge was renamed the Stephen K. Kent `67 Memorial Senior Challenge after Kent's death in 1989. In the second year of the Challenge, more than 50% of seniors gave a total of over $1,400.

Current Program
Seniors are asked to participate in the Senior Challenge by making a gift to the Pioneer Fund. Currently, the Alumni Association Council offers a match of $5 for every donation if participation exceeds 50% and $10 if participation exceeds 70%. In addition, if more than 70% of the seniors participate, the Council provides a capstone of $750 to be donated in honor of the senior class. In 1999, an additional incentive was added: if more than 90% of the seniors participate the Council raises the capstone to $1500.

The Senior Challenge Committee encourages participation from the senior class through letter-writing campaigns, personal contacts, and a Senior Challenge Visibility Day on campus. Seniors who participate may give cash, by credit card, donate the remainder of their damage deposit, or may have gifts deducted from their student paychecks.