With bubbling champagne in hand, members of the University of Delaware Class of 2017 gathered on the Delaware Diamonds Society walkway near Old College last week to celebrate the spirit of giving.

“The University of Delaware has prepared seniors to accomplish great things, and now, seniors have the chance to do the same for others,” said UD Provost Domenico Grasso, addressing a crowd of more than 200 students and leading the group in a celebratory toast.

Serving as a bookend to the freshman Twilight Induction, the inaugural Twilight Toast ceremony aimed to raise awareness for the Senior Class Gift campaign while showing appreciation for the student donors whose generosity made it so successful.

“As the Class of 2017, we all have our own stories of support and help we received during our time here,” said senior Julia Perez, president of the UD Student Alumni Ambassadors (UDSAA). “Now it’s time to reach back and help other Blue Hens. We must find ways to contribute our time, talent and treasure.”

An annual tradition, the Senior Class Gift campaign is dedicated to inspiring a sense of philanthropy in seniors by encouraging them to make a donation to the University. Since 2007, the program has given donors the ability to contribute toward their passion through colleges, departments, student groups, teams or scholarships — about 2,200 different gift designations in total.

The number of donations to the Senior Class Gift fund has more than doubled since last year, from 500 to more than a 1,000 and counting. The leap of support is a sign that students are interested in not only honoring those who have come before, but also the next generation, said Abby Hildago, vice president of philanthropy of the UDSAA. All donors who attended received a commemorative champagne flute.

“The Twilight Toast brings everything full circle,” added Hildago, Class of 2018. “Students can give back to what’s inspired them and what’s molded them into who they are today. It’s the perfect way to support your passion.”

To learn more about the Senior Class Gift or to make a gift, visit www.udel.edu/seniors.