The Class of 2007 attended Tufts during a period of intense growth and change. Along with a constantly growing reputation as a top-notch school, Tufts seniors witnessed the construction of several new buildings on campus, the initial success of the university's ambitious fundraising campaign and Tufts' recognition as one of Newsweek's 25 "New Ivies."
With the university's image continually on the rise, seniors say they are excited to go out into the world with a Tufts degree. According to Director of Alumni Relations Tim Brooks, Tufts' graduates are feeling increasingly proud of their alma mater as well.
"For years and years a lot of people I think kind of had an inferiority complex about Tufts, and they weren't necessarily bragging about it," Brooks said. "And now they're really proud of it."
Senior Craig Kunkes admitted to "bragging" about Tufts. "I always have and always will," he said. "All my friends I've talked to are really proud. I don't know anyone who's embarrassed to be here."
According to Brooks, administration officials began a campaign to secure Tufts' position as a premier institution after realizing that the university wasn't receiving the attention that it deserved.
"I think what people have seen in the last 10 or 20 years is that there's so much absolutely incredible stuff that's happening here - it starts to beg the question, 'Well, why aren't we more well-known or famous?'" he said.
The first step was to find a new leader and a new strategy.
"They went on a very intensive recruitment campaign to find the right leader and they found President Bacow," Brooks said. "Then the Board of Trustees gave us the green light to mount this incredible fundraising campaign ... They said, 'Let's take this place somewhere really great.'"
Between 2005 and 2006, Tufts' endowment was named the fastest-growing in the nation. The success of the fundraising campaign, which was launched in July 2002, has given a boost to alumni spirits, Brooks said. "People are so motivated right now to take advantage of all this popular attention, and the mood is very, very positive amongst alumni," he said.
Senior Nate Cleveland agreed that Tufts' reputation has improved since he's been here.
"I definitely hear people talking about Tufts more," he said. "I think a lot of people are really excited to be here, and more people outside the community are taking note of what's going on here."
Cleveland, who served as tri-captain of the men's track and field team this spring, said his Jumbo pride will outlive his days on the Hill. "I certainly plan on wearing all my track gear [after I graduate]," he said.
Another integral part of the Jumbo self-concept is a commitment to active citizenship, according to Brooks.
"Part of the whole thing is that there are a lot of people out there in every walk of life - they may have one thing in common in that they all went to Tufts and that they walked out the door feeling very motivated to be an active citizen," he said.
Senior Julia Goldberg, a scholar at the Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service, agreed that civic engagement is unique to Tufts. "I think it's one of the only schools that boasts an international citizenship," she said. "People learn how to be an active citizen in the world and how to engage in the world."
Goldberg, who also worked as an admissions tour guide, said that Tufts applicants have become increasingly reflective of the university's core values. "They are more aware citizens," she said. "They understand the vibe - how we've morphed into a community engaged in active citizenship. People want to engage in their communities, and they're coming to Tufts for that."
According to Brooks, the general positive mood among students and alumni is reflected in the eagerness of former students to return to the Hill.
"I have found that the most impressive people - you know, highest achieving bank presidents - are probably humbled beyond what you'd ever imagine when you ask them to come back to their university and talk to a group of students about their careers in the future," he said. "And to them it's like the biggest honor."
Kunkes said he expects to be making many returns to the Medford campus. "Tufts gave me so much," he said. "I hope to help Tufts continue to allow students to have the opportunities I had and more. I plan on being back here as much as I can."
Cleveland shared this feeling of gratitude toward Tufts. "I feel really good about what I got from Tufts, so I'd certainly love to find some way to get involved," he said. "If Tufts called me and thought I could have a positive impact, I'd be more than willing to come."
What is it about the Tufts experience that drives alumni to remain active members of the community? For Kunkes, Tufts' greatest gift was that of confidence.
"I learned how to think and approach problems," he said. "When I'm presented with a problem, I know how to research it and attack it. Being from Tufts, I feel confident in almost every situation that I'll be able to hold my own."
Goldberg pointed to the impressive accomplishments of her peers. "I think just in general I've been really lucky to have been part of the Tufts community," she said. "I'm just in awe of some of the things my friends have accomplished - they just represent the whole gamut of what people can do, and they've given me so much."
Cleveland said that if he could relive his college experience, he would be even more active in the community. "I kind of wish that having gone through the past four years, I could go back," he said. "I would be more involved with the campus, see more a cappella, see more campus productions, just get involved more. You know so much more after you leave than when you start."
As each graduating senior reflects on his or her own unique Tufts experience, perhaps the most common feeling is an anticipation of the nostalgia to come.
"I'm gonna miss this place a lot," Kunkes said.
