Island Callers—Making the Connection
Students provide vital link to University’s alumni, parents and friends during Annual Fund drive

In September a team of 15 enthusiastic students started telephoning alumni, parents and friends to update them about new and exciting events around campus, to thank them for their past contributions and to ask for continued support.

These “Island Callers” and their Phonathon play an integral role in building on-going relationships with alumni, parents and friends as part of the University’s Annual Fund. Phonathon dollars, along with alumni, parent and corporate matching gifts make many of the programs in the University’s five colleges possible.

Alumni support goes directly to the college the donor graduated from, but funds raised from parents help individual students by providing funds for special projects, such as enabling a student to present research at a national conference or sending the debate team to competitions.

For the Island Callers, the Phonathon is more than just a job. As ambassadors for the University, the Callers gain marketable customer service and fundraising skills, establish networking contacts with alumni, and strengthen their resumes for summer jobs and post-graduate employment.

The financial support gained during the fund drive takes on increased importance in the light of diminishing State support. Contributions by alumni, parents and friends help bridge the gap between acceptable and superior programs in the University’s five colleges.