Each year, student representatives from Harvard’s graduating class are chosen to serve as Marshals on the Senior Class Committee. The Marshals are tasked with organizing graduation events, planning post-graduation reunion events, and allocating the Senior Gift, which is a small fund consisting of monetary donations from the graduating class. This year’s Senior Committee includes Neuroscience concentrator Amanda Litka (‘21), who has been chosen as one of the six Gift Marshals.
Although the First and Second Class Marshals are elected by the senior class, Gift Marshals are chosen by the Harvard College Fund. Litka applied for the role earlier this fall.
“I actually found out that I had been named a Gift Marshal during my chemistry class while sitting next to my roommate at our dining room table,” Litka says. “Typically I never answer calls from unknown numbers, especially during class, but I had a feeling that it might be important so I turned off my camera (love Zoom) and answered.”
Gift Marshals’ primary role is coordinating the Senior Gift Campaign, an annual effort to raise money for student organizations, financial aid programs, and other immediate-impact uses. The Gift Marshals also work with the other Class Marshals on organizing events and other projects. .
“I am excited to talk with my classmates and reflect on the experiences that Harvard has afforded us throughout our 4 years at the College and help ensure these experiences are able to be had by future Harvard students long after we have graduated,” Litka says.
Litka adds that she is grateful to the Neuroscience community and the broader MCB community for their unflagging support and encouragement. “If this rather unusual year has taught me anything it is that Harvard transcends the Cambridge city limits because Harvard is not just about the place, it is about the people,” she says. “And because the people of Harvard are everywhere at the moment, Harvard is everywhere and the Senior Gift should support initiatives to foster community no matter where.”
Congratulations to Amanda!
by Diana Crow
