Past class agents have stirred some controversy by offering perks to large donors. In 1999, the Leadership Gift Committee, a subgroup of the Senior Gift Committee, offered donors who gave over $250 an invitation to a New York cocktail party, which was widely regarded as an entrance into the well-connected Harvard network.

Although this was extended to any student who gave over $250, the committee targeted students for solicitation based on family wealth, fame and other factors and actively approached them for larger donations.

This year, all seniors have been offered equal incentives--a reception at the House of Blues and a library bookplate for donors who give $250 or more.

This year's alternative senior gift, which offers no such amenities, aims to send a message to the University with their gift.

"The purpose of the alternative senior gift is twofold. It provides people with an opportunity to come together as a class to support important causes, and it sends a message to Harvard that it has to earn our financial support and that its current policies and initiatives do not warrant the kind of gift we are being asked to give," Orr wrote in an e-mail message.

The funds raised will be given to a yet-to-be-determined charity.

The alternate gift is a relatively recent tradition.