It’s been decided. The Class of 2013 will be donating a greenhouse to the university.

The location where the greenhouse is to be built is yet to be determined. Three locations have been proposed, but the ultimate decision is up to Mercyhurst President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D.

The greenhouse will allow research opportunities for science students, fresh herbs for culinary students and a place for reflection and relaxation for all of the Mercyhurst community.

The senior class hopes to raise approximately $15,000 to go toward the construction of a fully functional greenhouse. The greenhouse will serve as a small botanical garden and will be fully stocked with plants, along with a watering and heating system.

The Senior Gift Committee came up with five gift ideas and proposed them to the senior class to vote on their top choice.

Mercyhurst prides itself on “being green” and implements sustainable practices throughout everyday life. The greenhouse builds upon this already instilled value and enhances Mercyhurst’s commitment of environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Senior Gift Committee Chair Rhona Boyle shares her feelings on the gift.

“The Senior Class Gift Committee wanted to leave a multidisciplinary gift that would benefit as many students as possible,” said Boyle. “I think it’s brilliant that biology, hospitality management, campus dining services, sustainability and service learning can all utilize the greenhouse.”

“Now that we are a university, I think that it is important that the department has more resources available to them for research opportunities as well as hands on learning,” senior biology major Gabriela Matamoros said.

“The Mercyhurst farm at Girard has been a huge success,” said Boyle. “It shows that Mercyhurst students are really passionate about global responsibility and being green. The Senior Class Gift Committee recognized this and felt that an on-campus greenhouse, directly accessible to all students, would be received just as well.”

Fundraising efforts have already begun with the completion of the Senior Disorientation Bar Crawl and the planning of Senior Week activities.

Senior Week is the week of February 4-8 and is a week-long celebration of senior status. The committee is planning different events to take place each night, leading up to the 100 Days until Graduation Party on Friday, Feb. 8.

All of these events are fundraising efforts brought to the class by the Senior Gift Committee.

If you would like to contribute to the class gift you can fill out a pledge card, which you can get from one of the committee members, or go online to .

For more information about the upcoming fundraising efforts or for more information on the gift, you can also visit www.facebook.com/groups/MU2013.