Reese said he also believes the establishment of the Fund reflects a new trend in student activism.

"I think that activism at Harvard has learned valuable lessons and is becoming more effective," he said.

Organizers said they saw the Senior Gift as the first opportunity to make a statement through monetary means.

"We wanted to use [the gift] as a voice," Reese said.

Shuchart agreed with Reese, confirming the group wanted to counter the tendency of alumni to give without questioning where their donations are going.

"The [Senior] Gift is a pittance," he said. "[But] it gets people into the mind set of giving to Harvard without asking any questions."

Shuchart also said he does not agree that supporters of the ASGF are not appreciative of what Harvard has given them.

"To claim that it's ungrateful completely misses the point of what an escrow fund is," he said.

Shuchart said the ASGF has also produced discussion about the creation of an Alternative Annual Fund to which future classes could contribute.

"We're making a very definite statement," Peimer said. "I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think that there was potential for change."

According to Peimer, the ASGF has collected some $500 to $700 to date. However, she said at the project's inception, the intent of the project was not to raise a large sum of money, but rather to have a more symbolic impact.

Peimer said the emphasis of the Coalition is on participation. As a result, Peimer said they are accepting donations as little as the change in one's pocket.

Mixed Reactions

Seniors were divided on the value of the ASGF.

"I think it's a good thing for people who are firmly committed to trying to change the composition of the Faculty," said Russell G. Perkins '97, who also said that he personally plans to give to the "regular senior gift."

Charis B. Menschel '97, Senior Gift co-chair, said she believes that "even people who have concerns should still participate in the Senior Gift."

"It's not so much showing support for the administration as much as it is showing support for future classes and appreciation for what we've gotten here," she said.

However, Douglas A. Rodriguez '97 said he wished the ASGF had gotten more publicity.

Although he had already given to the Senior Gift, Rodriguez said, "I would have given to [the ASGF] if I'd known about it."