The rock on Farm Lane, scholarships and building signs probably didn't come gift-wrapped, but all are gifts to the university from past senior classes.

This year, MSU's Senior Class Council has been working to raise money for the first senior class gift in nearly a decade.

Earlier this month, ASMSU supported the council's effort by passing a bill to allocate up to $5,000 for a bench tentatively scheduled to be placed near Beaumont Tower. But if the council raises enough money on its own, MSU's undergraduate student government won't have to pay.

The council generally raises money for gifts through student pledges. The council already has more than the $5,000 needed for the bench in pledges, council President Cole Young said.

The problem it has run into, however, is that students aren't obligated to follow through on the pledges - the council could end up with far less money than it anticipated.

ASMSU Student Assembly Internal Vice Chairman Andrew Schepers said he sponsored the bill because the council has been working hard this year.

"Instead of just having a motto and giving money to the university, there will be something the whole MSU community can enjoy," Schepers said.

The rock on Farm Lane was the first senior class gift. The ever-changing rock was a contribution from the class of 1873. Since then, the senior class has helped pay for fountains, signs and stained glass windows across campus.

In recent years, students also have been given the option of giving money to a specific scholarship or college.

This year, in addition to the bench, the council is focusing on raising money for the Sparty Project. The project would move "The Spartan" ceramic statue from its current location and replace it with a bronze one in a new plaza on Demonstration Field.

"How many times are there all those people out on a nice day sitting on the benches?" asked council Vice President Jeanette Lantzy. "We wanted to do something that was lasting."

For more information on the council, visit scc.msu.edu.