March 8, 2002 UNT Inhouse publication: Dialing all UNT alumni

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Dialing all UNT alumni

Thirty UNT students introduce themselves to 750 alumni on an average night during UNT's fund-raising phonathon. Sponsored by the Office of Development, the phonathon happens twice annually — in the spring and fall — yet a donor-friendly system ensures alumni are not asked to contribute more than once a year.

Ringing telephone Until now, student employees placed calls from borrowed space in the College of Music. This spring, however, a phonathon room has been equipped in the Gateway Center, creating a permanent home for students to connect with alumni. Sunday through Thursday evenings, February through April and September through November, real fingers push real buttons (no computerized calls here) and students make real conversation.

"Graduates seem to appreciate being approached by students rather than a telemarketing firm," says Annah Chakola, director of the annual fund. "Alumni are interested in hearing what's happening on campus from a student's perspective. A rapport can be established, especially when a student and a graduate share the same major or interests."

Alumni designate their donations, with scholarships being a popular choice. Corporate matching gifts can quickly double or even triple alumni contributions. This spring, the goal is to raise approximately $160,000.

The phonathon raises more than just donations, says Chakola. A high percentage of alumni giving raises a university's U.S. News & World Report ranking. Therefore, a larger focus of the phonathon is to increase the number of alumni who contribute to UNT.

"The size of the gift is not as important as the act of giving itself," says Chakola. "Every gift — no matter the amount — makes UNT even better."