The class of 2001 voted to outfit the student union with a permanent, wall-sized aquarium. The new and renovated union will feature displays and design elements to highlight North Carolina's crafts and natural resources. While the aquarium will enhance the new and renovated union, the union has no state funds or student fees to fund this project.
Private gifts provide the only means of acquiring, installing and maintaining the aquarium.
The class of 2001 reaped rewards from the generosity of previous class gifts and private funds provided by loyal alumni and friends of the University. Each year, Carolina seniors raise funds for a senior class gift to the University. The development office helps seniors conduct the gift campaign and provides support for all Senior Class Gift Campaign preparations. Seniors are encouraged to give during their senior year and are educated on both the institution's needs and how they will be contacted annually to support Carolina. The class selects a particular project that they feel embodies the spirit of their class and then markets the project during the campaign.