By Taylor Dobbs, News Staff

More than 700 Northeastern seniors donated money for the class of 2012 senior gift drive, student drive chair Jillian Butler said.

The Senior Gift Drive Committee consists of seven seniors from various colleges who are responsible for raising money for the gift drive. The committee works closely with the Alumni Relations office, which is normally tasked with fundraising for the university.

“The committee is made up of a good cross-section of seniors,” said Butler, a communications studies major. The diversity of the group helps them reach as many classmates as possible.

Seniors who donate to the drive can dictate where their funds are allotted, Butler said. Students can donate to the Northeastern Fund, the university’s general fundraising pool, any academic department or a student organization.

“As a senior you can donate money to whatever part of the university you are most passionate about or feel the most connection with,” she said.

Butler said she was hesitant at first about joining a committee that asks seniors who have already paid tens of thousands for school to give more money, but the spirit of the drive captured her interest.

“It’s really not Northeastern asking for more money,” she said, “it’s encouraging giving back to the program that meant the most to you.”

The suggested donation for this year’s senior gift drive is $20.12, representing the class year.

At press time, 747 seniors donated to the drive, but Butler is hoping to get more donations before they present the gift at the May 4 commencment ceremony. Seniors can donate online at http://bit.ly/NUgift2012.