Well, it’s the second-to-last week of classes, and the flurry of tests and assignments that precede the end of classes is upon us. If you are a senior, you, like me, are probably counting the days. According to a friend’s webpage, there are only 26 days left until the big day.

What a great day that will be. Not only will the members of the Class of 2001 receive degrees, but we will get to hear from Bill Cosby.

Some of the credit for getting such a good commencement speaker has to go the 2001 Class Council. This group has also put together several other things that will enhance both Senior Week and benefit future Rensselaer students. If you are a senior, you might be very interested in some of these things.

First, let’s talk about our class gift. The first part of it is a clock that will adorn the side of Russell Sage Dining Hall facing the CII.

The second part has some advantages for the school and for ourselves as future alumni. The Class of 2001 is attempting to endow a scholarship that will provide future students with the opportunity to attend RPI. The scholarship brochure explains the details, but allow me to supply a quick overview. First, we are looking to develop an initial fund and this can be accomplished rather easily if each member of the class gives $100 over the next 5 years—a mere $20 a year. Hey, don’t forget you can write such things off on your taxes.

Now, that might seem like a decent deal, but here’s the really good part: If you give to the scholarship fund, the people who call alumni seeking funds have agreed to not do so for five years. So, you can give to a worthy cause and not be called for five years.

The class has also put together a Senior Week package that includes several nice items, including a senior banquet at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga, a BBQ/Hawaiian Luau, a comedy night, and a brunch the day before graduation. You can check all of this out at: http://www.union.rpi.edu/seniorweek/.

You can also wait to check all this out until status check on April 25 and 26 from 10 am to 4:30 pm in the DCC.

I hope all the seniors are enjoying what could be their last days here at RPI and will take advantage of the opportunities provided by the scholarship and the fun of Senior Week.

Editor’s Note: Poly Sports Editor Mike Cooke is a member of the Class of 2001 Council.