by Kelli Raines
It is the Class of 2012’s last year at Whitworth University, and there are internships to be sought, jobs to be won, applications for graduate school to be filled out and new senior discount cards to be bought.
Seniors have the opportunity to purchase a new creation this year: the senior discount card. The cards allow senior students to receive discounts from Spokane businesses over the course of the school year. Senior Class Coordinator Kara Heatherly came up with and pursued the idea for a senior discount card during the summer.
Unlike many sales, the senior discount cards were not planned to be a fundraiser. Instead, Heatherly wanted to treat the senior students this year with a gift. She thought the discount cards would be a great way to show senior students that they are special and valued by herself, Whitworth and the community.
“This is something intended to benefit the students,” Heatherly said.
The relationship between Whitworth and the outside community has allowed this idea to take shape. Heatherly pitched the idea of a senior discount card to local businesses during the summer.
“I contacted different businesses and they were excited about it,” Heatherly said.
Many local businesses that are popular around campus have opted to grant seniors discounts and seniors seem to be looking forward to using their cards at those businesses.
“I’m excited to save money,” senior Jennay Smith said. “It only costs a dollar and you can save more than that with just one drink from Pleasant Blends.”
As well as being a great way for senior students to save money and feel valued, the discount cards could benefit the Spokane community.
“I think it’s a great way to encourage seniors to support local businesses,” senior Amy Erickson said.
Senior students can preorder the discount cards for $1 at the information desk in the Hixson Union Building. The cost will increase to $5 once the cards arrive. Also, once senior discount cards arrive they will only be sold for about a week longer.
For future Whitworth seniors, Heatherly has left plans so the next senior class coordinator can continue the senior discount card.
“I hope people appreciate it and take advantage of it,” Heatherly said. “It’ll be cool to see if it prospers.”
The senior discount cards should be coming in this week. Seniors will be notified by email when they arrive.
Senior discount cards include:
Froyo Earth: 10% off purchase.
Maple Street Bistro: 10% off purchase.
Bruchi’s: A free medium drink with any sandwich purchase.
Stix: 20% off entire bill.
Wonderland: Buy one round of mini gold and get one free.
Lilac Lanes: $7.00 all you can bowl after 9:30 on Wednesdays plus $3 shoe rental.
The Onion: Receive a free giant onion ring to each table member.
Pizza Pipeline: $8.00 large pepperoni pizza plus tax.
Wasabi Bistro: 15% off entire bill.
Shakey’s Pizza: 15% off food purchases
The Wave: 25% off all food and beverages.
Pleasant Blends: 50% off all drink purchases and 10% off food purchases.
