What do the Class of 2007, the Oberlin public schools, the Oberlin Public Library, the Oberlin College Graduate Teacher Education Program, and a briefcase full of cash have in common? They all came together as part of the 2007 senior class gift.

The Class of 2007 raised funds to endow a resource center in the Oberlin Public Library that will be used to promote education in the Oberlin community. The center will house curriculum materials for the Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP), which launches next year, as well as the Spanish in the Elementary Schools (SITES) program, which connects Spanish-speaking College students with local K-5 children. The fund will support the cost of books, school supplies, furniture, and other teaching necessities, while providing a friendly atmosphere for Oberlin College tutors and mentors working with the local schools.

The project is the brainchild of Ben Weber ’07, who, as a tutor for middle and high school students, often crossed paths with people involved in SITES and those laying the groundwork for GTEP. He is well aware of the space and equipment needs for both programs.

Weber, along with many others, sees the gift as a serendipitous opportunity.  “How fortuitous, how wonderful that we have a chance to connect our class with this. I couldn’t help but think about Hispanic studies instructor Kim Tungseth Faber, who runs the SITES program. She has to keep all her books in the hallway outside her office.”

Weber was also inspired to set up an introduction between GTEP Director Deborah Roose and Darren McDonough, director of the Oberlin Public Library. The group settled on an ideal space for the resource center: the library’s Eleanor Owen Room, which houses a large collection of old and rare children’s books, including Newbury and Caldecott Medal-winning books. Roose will use the collection in tandem with the ever-accumulating GTEP and SITES curriculum literature and equipment; science experiment kits, teacher’s guides, geo-boards, and cuisenaire rods will be combined with the library’s collection and made available to Oberlin teachers, tutors, and students.  

Roose was thrilled at the prospect of collaboration. “The public library has a great collection of children’s literature and teaching resources,” she says. “We’ll be able to use the material for the GTEP program, add to the collection, and share it with teachers in the local schools, as well as with undergraduates who want to study children’s literature. This gift will help forge a real connection between the public schools, the public library, and the College.”   

Samantha Kyrkostas ’07, who chairs the 12-member senior gift committee with Mason Horowitz ’07, was surprised by the surge of support for the project. At the first fundraiser alone, a crowded party at the ’Sco in March, committee members convinced 20 percent of the senior class to donate money, raising over $15,000.  The remaining funds were raised during Commencement weekend, setting Oberlin records for both the number of participants as well as money raised for a senior class gift.

“We did a really good job,” Kyrkostas let slip with a gratified smile. “It’s terrific that we have a gift that represents our work. The great thing about this gift is that it has gotten students, faculty, and staff alike excited.” 

The presentation ceremony took place at the annual Alumni Luncheon the day before Commencement. Kyrkostas and Horowitz added an element of pizzazz to the occasion by presenting the money to Roose as a cash-stuffed suitcase.