In an effort to defeat the University of Michigan in a one-on-one competition, the MSU Senior Class Council has called on Charlie Bell to sink the game-winning shot.
Bell, a senior guard on the men’s basketball team, agreed to become the official spokesman for the council’s annual Senior Class Giving Campaign this week.
“Being a senior, I’ve never really had a chance to be involved in academic activities because of basketball,” said Bell, an advertising senior. “This gives me an opportunity to be involved in activities like that.”
For the fund-raising drive, which ends March 30, the council collects money pledged by MSU students. The contributions are then donated to the MSU college or organization of the student’s choice.
“The campaign is going quite well so far,” said Amy Schwartz, Senior Class Council president.
To help encourage more student contributions, the council requested Bell’s assistance to help defeat U-M’s senior class.
The winner is determined by participation rate, not by the largest amount of money received. The school with the best participation rate will receive a $1,000 scholarship donation from the opposing university.
“We were just trying to think of a way to get seniors involved,” said Kyla Taylor, co-chairwoman of the Senior Class Council’s Gift committee. “What better way to (motivate MSU students) than to compete against U of M?”
As of Monday, the MSU council has collected 750 pledges,while U-M has gathered 556 contributions. Taylor said having Bell’s contribution to the campaign will only solidify MSU’s hold on the lead.
“(Bell) is a well-respected person at MSU,” Taylor said. “With him, a lot of students will see how important the campaign is.”
Bell will also be providing his signature on thank-you cards and letters to students who make pledges, in addition to making his own cash donation.
Yet Bell is still unsure what amount he will donate at this time.
“I don’t know how much, we’ll see how things work out after this season,” he said.
Once the final count of pledges is calculated, a plaque will be posted in the third floor of the Union next year, displaying the council’s contributions.
Although Bell said the cause alone provides a good reason for being part of the drive, he admits to having some additional motivation.
“Anything I can do to beat Michigan, I am all for it,” he said.
