By Deeksha Kapoor (Business Administration + NUSC ’26)
Our Class of 2024 during their Commencement Dinner
The 2024 NUS College (NUSC) Commencement Class Giving Campaign marks the beginning of a new journey for the NUSC graduating Class of 2024. Their past four years have been nothing short of amazing and now, their collaborative spirit of giving under the theme of this year’s campaign: “Paying it Forward, Uplifting our Community,” has showcased their compassion and generosity.
The Commencement Class Giving Campaign has been an annual tradition by our founding programmes: The University Scholars Programme (USP) and Yale-NUS College. The spirit of giving continues to thrive and pays an ode to the enduring bonds within our community. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of past campaigns, the Class of 2024 continues to embody the ethos of philanthropy, service and kindness.
Reflecting on the impact generated from Commencement Class Giving annual campaign by NUS Giving, the collective efforts of the Class of 2024 have yielded remarkable results winning the award for top residence at NUS. The collective gifts support the NUS College Student Assistance Fund, a critical initiative aimed at providing vital support to NUSC students facing financial challenges, ensures access to education and opportunities to break open the classroom.
Professor Simon Chesterman, Dean of NUS College, expressed his gratitude for the support of the campaign, ” I’m encouraged and inspired by the manner in which our graduating class has chosen this moment of celebration to help others, uplifting the entire NUS College community. Your collective contributions will make a real difference in the lives of your juniors, supporting them in pursuit of their own achievements.”
Our Commencement Class Giving Champions: (from left) Ryan Lee Rui En, Justin Rong HengYang, Gautham s/o Vijayan Kumaran, Delphie Yap Yu Qi, Calista Wong Shi Ting, Ang Jun Yi
Class Champion Justin Rong HengYang, (Pharmacutical Science + NUSC [USP] ‘24) shared his motivations to contribute to the campaign: “(My time in) USP and NUSC has enabled me to meet, listen to and learn from people of backgrounds that are drastically different from mine. People go through more than we know. Reflecting about what I have pushes me to further think how I can give (back), to help others in my own ways, however small they may be. [Additionally], this community has been core to my identity and growth. I thus see being a Class Champion as one of the last ways I can contribute to this community I’ve called home for the past four years.”
As we look ahead to the upcoming 2025 Giving Campaign with anticipation and gratitude, we know that the spirit of giving will continue to propel our community towards greater heights. Together, in our commitment to nurturing a culture of philanthropy, every NUSC student can fulfill their potential and make a meaningful impact in the world.
