Riverside, Calif., March, 2000--When they left campus half a century ago, they had unlimited potential and yet-to-be-realized dreams.

And when the La Sierra University Class of 1950 returned to campus in 2000, they came with a lifetime of memories æ and record-breaking generosity toward their alma mater.

Memories-a-plenty were recalled during La Sierra's Alumni Weekend 2000, held on the campus from March 9 to 12. But the contributions of the Class of 1950 created perhaps the weekend's biggest memory in establishing a $150,000 class gift toward student scholarships. With the March 9 presentation of an oversized check to La Sierra President Lawrence Geraty, the Class of 1950 established its oversized capacity for giving.

The money, collected over the course of a year from more than 60 donors, will fund an endowed scholarship in honor of the Class of 1950. Fundraising efforts were spearheaded by a Class of 1950 planning committee whose members included Wil Alexander, Walter Cason, Robert Macomber, Donna Sharp, Jean Smith, Joseph Verska, Emmett Watts and Derrill Yeager.

The $150,000 gift doubled the previous record- breaking amount given by La Sierra's Class of 1949 during Alumni Weekend 1999. The example and nature of last year's $75,000 gift set the precedent for following honored classes, said Candace Jorgensen, Alumni Relations director.

"These gifts show how much our alumni valued their years at La Sierra and want to see future generations get the same type of life-transforming Christian education that they received," Jorgensen said.

She said it is hoped that the record-breaking giving of 1949 and 1950 graduates will establish a lasting precedent for all following classes. Thus far, the generous example seems to be catching. During the March 9 Alumni Banquet, Class of 1960 presented La Sierra President Geraty with a check for $13,500 as a "down payment" on a 50-year reunion gift.

"We are overwhelmed by these generous gifts," said Geraty. "This level of support from loyal alumni represents a solid foundation that this institution can build upon for years to come."

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