XChanged Life strengthened by UGA’s 2024 Class Gift

On Friday, March 14, XChanged Life hosted a The Great Gatsby-themed formal at Memorial Hall, made possible by the support of the 2024 Class Gift and Senior Signature donors. The event was designed to create a memorable experience for international and exchange students at the University of Georgia. As the club’s primary mission is to strengthen connections between international and local communities, the formal served as a celebration of this goal.

“The event was inspired by the fascination many of our international members have with the tradition of American school dances,” said Alyssa Wood (AB ’24, AB ’24, MIP ’26), president of XChanged Life. “It provided an opportunity for our members to experience something they’ve previously only observed from afar.”

XChanged Life is a student organization dedicated to enriching the experience of exchange and international students. Through engaging activities, such as dinners, hiking trips and skate nights, XChanged Life can facilitate social interactions and foster strong connections among students.

“I was first introduced to XChanged Life at the involvement fair when I was a sophomore and was interested in the idea of meeting people from around the world,” said Wood. “Coming from a small town, I saw this as a unique opportunity, so I decided to join the organization.”

The Class Gift is a grant funding opportunity for student organizations, made possible through donations from UGA’s Senior Signature giving campaign. Coordinated by the Student Alumni Council, the Class Gift and Senior Signature campaign allow each graduating class to leave a lasting impact on UGA. The Class Gift is available each year for student organizations to apply for funding for the following academic year. Senior Signature donors vote on the final Class Gift recipient.

“When I think about the Class Gift and organizations like XChanged Life receiving it, I think about how this is the fruit of philanthropy,” said Willis Tripp (BBA ’24, MACC ’26), SAC president. “To be in a position where you can give back and help enable others to do things they might not have been able to without the generosity of others is truly amazing.

Senior Signature is an annual giving campaign for graduating students to give back to UGA by contributing to areas that were meaningful during their time at UGA. Each student is asked to contribute a minimum of $30, with $10 supporting the Class Gift initiative and $20 directed to a fund of their choice. This contribution is a tradition that has been ongoing since 1991, with students’ names engraved on a plaque displayed on campus.