Class of 2008 Notable For Optimism, Size

Contact: Frank Cirillo, 216.252.4938
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Cleveland, Ohio (May 2008) –The Class of 2008 could be one full of concern with the questionable political and economic environments they are moving on in, but they are in fact just the opposite, full of hope and looking forward to life’s next challenges. This optimistic view will certainly come in handy for the eldest graduates who will be moving into the working world and college. But with changes come opportunities and this year’s class is all about taking advantage of what they have in front of them.

This is especially true for the largest segment of the class of 2008, the Millenial generation. The Millenials are those born between 1980 and 2002, and they bear some specific characteristics that have them prepared for these next steps. The Millenial generation is comprised of young people who have a strong desire to advance in a chosen career and have grown increasingly comfortable with taking on responsibility thanks to the amount of independence they’ve experienced since a young age.

No matter what generation they are from, the Class of 2008 is definitely distinct.

• Whole lot of graduating going on: It is estimated that more than six million students will celebrate their graduation in the United States this year. Among the celebrants, there will be more than three million high school graduates, more than 1.4 million college graduates, almost 600,000 Master’s candidates, and an estimated 48,000 new doctoral grads.

• Congratulations, graduate: Money and gift cards remain the top gift for graduates, as Americans will spend nearly $4.5 million to congratulate the deserving students this year. The average consumer will be purchasing two graduation presents this season, spending $50 on each. Proud parents and grandparents will spend more than $110 on each gift.

• Warm wishes: This year, an estimated 77 million graduation cards will be given, making graduation the sixth most popular card-sending occasion. According to the Greeting Card Association, many of these 77 million well wishes will end up in the hands of high school grads. The GCA reports that 60 percent of all graduation cards purchased will be given to those celebrating a high school graduation. The typical high school graduate can expect to receive 17 cards, while the college graduate will receive 7.5 cards, on average.

• What’s new in the card aisle: Vivid designs accented by traditional graduation colors, conversational copy and general sentiments of optimism mark the newest cards for graduates. This year grads will also be receiving new humorous offerings as well as new song cards to offer congratulations and good luck on their next steps.

The newest offerings for graduation can be found at participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Visit www.americangreetings.com/retailers for store locations.

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