Over $2,000 has to been raised via recycling over 9,000 bottles though the Maverick Society’s program to raise money for the 2012 Senior Gift.

The Maverick Society started last year as a Senior Class Gift initiative, and the goal is to develop the program to help as many classes raise funds for future generations of Mercy students. The gift is meant to be an investment for future students, creating a legacy for the donators, and ensuring an enjoyable Mercy College experience for incoming classes.

Through the efforts of dedicated students and faculty, Maverick Society strives to implement a spirit of philanthropy and giving back to the community with Mercy students setting up a long lasting scholarship helping future students realize their dreams of going to college.

The goal is simple, according to the many members who are dedicated to the success of the program throughout Mercy College as a whole.

Adam Parmenter, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, is also the coach of the men’s basketball team and is charge of the Maverick Society. Parmenter made sure to point out the fact that there are honorary titles for different levels of support to Mercy College and those people continue to be recognized.

“Maverick Society puts emphasis on the students and their role in the community,” said Parmenter.

Community service projects in which students take part in include recycling, fund raising events and activities designed to involve the student body and invest in the future of Mercy College.

Parmenter is hoping to develop staying power to the current students and have them involved in year-round activities. Many students have really embraced the cause and approach every activity with enthusiasm and view themselves as crucial members to the meaningful program.

Suresh Singh, class of 2014, is one of these enthusiastic members of Maverick Society.

“I feel our major goal, as the Maverick Society, is to help our current student body as well as help the future student body. When it comes down to it, there is no other feeling close enough to explain how we can try to unite the school in our effort to set green initiatives forward to what we want to accomplish for our successors to Mercy College.”

Suresh claims there are many other students who view their role as founding members of the organization to be very prestigious in the Mercy community.

In an attempt to garner more interest for the program, Parmenter said a website and other forms of media will begin initiatives to further get the word out and promote their efforts. Most importantly more students will need to get involved with the promotion and marketing. “This can be a great experience for students,” according to coach Parmenter.

While the Maverick Society is not yet a Mercy wide initiative, Parameter claims that the college has assured him that this program is a “key part of the future.”

“Alumni and friends of the college already recognize Maverick Society students as another positive donor group.”

The money puts a face on the efforts of the group, but to students like Lemuel Nettleford, class of 2012, the feeling of doing a great service is more meaningful.

“I feel empowered that my efforts at Mercy College are making a difference. Just knowing that doing a little service like recycling can actually leave a great mark on my community is great.”

Every student is required to do their part whether it is simply depositing their empty bottles in a Mavericks Society box.

“100 percent participation would be success,” Nettleford says.

On March 30, Maverick Society will be hosting a dance event with proceeds presumably going towards scholarships and senior class events.

Parmenter believes in this program because of the history of Mercy College.

“Mercy College was founded on a spirit of service and community, and you can really see that same spirit coming out in many of our current students.”