The option for graduates to request an engraved commemorative brick or a library bookplate will end with 2013 graduates. The options were offered as part of the university’s commencement application.

Although a review of the brick program was initiated because most of the Foggy Bottom brick hardscape spaces already have commemorative bricks, the Office of the Provost decided that the funds could be better allocated to scholarships.

The program has cost the university approximately $250,000 annually. Going forward, this funding will be used each year to create a fund in the name of the graduating class to establish scholarships for future students.

"While we could have extended the life of the program by placing the bricks on one of our other campuses, we felt it was more important to provide access to as many students as possible by redirecting these funds to financial aid," said Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Planning Forrest Maltzman. "Financial aid is critical to our ability to ensure an academically gifted, talented, and diverse student body, and we need to continue prioritizing in this area."

Designating these funds for Power & Promise in honor of the class of 2014 will be the first in a new tradition on behalf of graduating classes. This support for student aid will add to the philanthropic efforts of the 2014 Senior Class Gift Committee as they move to achieve a record-breaking 55 percent participation rate among their classmates. Re-directing funds from the alumni brick program, along with the gifts given by seniors through the Senior Class Gift Campaign, ensures that each class leaves a legacy beyond bricks and mortar on campus -- a legacy of philanthropy for future Colonials.

Bricks and bookplates were first offered to graduates receiving an earned degree in 1990. The commemorations have been offered at no cost to graduates since 1990. Bricks have been placed in University Yard, Kogan Plaza and Anniversary Park (F Street between 21st and 22nd streets). Existing bricks and bookplates will remain in place.