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Students fuel Fund for Delaware
Exceeding the $543,441 goal set by the Office of Annual Giving by 4 percent, the cadre of callers secured $565,475.97 in pledges and payments over the course of the semester. Kate Harding, phone program manager in the Office of Annual Giving, said that goals are set a little higher each semester, based on the total amount raised in the previous three months. The showing this semester, she added, exceeded expectations. “We’ve just had a phenomenal year,” she said, “and that’s due to our students’ commitment to the University. “These are students who enjoy talking on the phone with alumni and parents and others who care about the University, and who can share their enthusiasm,” Harding said. This motivation, she said, remains high because many student fund-raisers receive financial aid and therefore see firsthand how some of the money is used. But it also stems, she said, from a genuine commitment to, and interest in, the University. “Eighty-five percent of students in the call center receive financial aid, so they are directly affected and have a vested interest in raising funds,” Harding said. “But, another reason our callers enjoy the work is because they like speaking with alumni and parents and learning about how the campus was 10 or 20 years ago.” Julia Eslinger, a senior who has assisted with the Fund for Delaware campaign for two and a half years, said that making connections with people is the high-point of every call and the motivating factor that never loses its appeal. “Raising funds by phone definitely is a really tough job,” she said, “but a great part about it is talking to alumni—especially older alumni—who have good memories and a long-standing love for the University.” Eslinger, who has been a call supervisor for the past year and a half, said that her leadership role has enabled her to forge bonds and share experiences with current students, as well. “As a supervisor, I’ve had a chance to make friends with other students who feel motivated by the same experiences,” she said. Sophomore Yolande McAllister, also a call supervisor, said that a major challenge to the job is keeping the work fun and keeping peers motivated. He inspires others, and draws his own inspiration, he said, from staying focused on the rewards and perpetual nature of giving. “You have to believe in what you’re raising the money for,” he said. “I feel inspired because of the fact that I’m here because of the work of previous callers, and through my work I’m making it possible for future students to attend the University.” According to Harding, successful callers also must be naturally outgoing and willing to share information about themselves, and, in order to qualify, must undergo six hours of training that includes role-playing and mock calls. Candidates also must pass both phone and face-to-face interviews. Students were honored for their commitment and hard work during the campaign, and special recognition went to the “Top 10” money raisers; the callers who secured the most matching gifts from companies; the caller who netted the most pledges; and callers who did not miss a single night of work. Callers who during the past semester were cited as “Callers of the Week” also received special recognition, as did three “Callers of the Month.” Besides being honored publicly, all winners also received a gift certificate and diploma of recognition. Listed below are the winners and their categories. Top 10 callers (in dollars raised) Jeff Haas Most money raised Jeff Haas ($64,755.40) Most matching gifts (a tie) Emily Siegel Most pledges Heather Fritzinger Perfect attendance Heather Fritzinger Current caller of the month Lauren Ross Previous callers of the month Jeff Haas Previous callers of the week Julie Zinn The four student supervisors, Julia Eslinger, Yolande McAllister, Jess Kouvel and Jess Scarpino, also were recognized for their leadership and dedication to the Fund for Delaware. Article by Becca Hutchinson To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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