Students reach out to alumni and friends
It’s that time again — the beginning of a new academic year which brings with it the University of Windsor’s annual Phone-a-Thon campaign. Soon, UWindsor students will be picking up the phones to reach out to thousands of alumni and friends.
Fall is a very busy time on campus, and a busy time in the call centre as well. Nearly 50,000 people will receive a call over a few short months. Callers engage alumni by answering questions, providing information on campus life, updating their information, and asking for financial support.
“I wanted to get involved with Phone-a-Thon because it’s the connection between the University and its alumni,” says Jacqueline McFadden, a supervisor in the University’s Call Centre. “We are usually the first contact after they have graduated and we keep them a part of the UWindsor family!”
All the money raised supports student and faculty projects across campus. Donors can tailor their gifts to areas that are of interest to them. There are opportunities to support scholarships, faculties or departments, student initiatives, athletics, research, library acquisitions, campus beautification and more. The possibilities are endless. Our student callers provide donors with options.
“Connecting current students with alumni is an important piece of this campaign each year. It is an opportunity for alumni to engage with the university, learn about the amazing things happening at UWindsor, and support the university with a financial gift.” says Patti Lauzon, acting director, alumni relations and advancement.
“My favourite part of Phone-a-Thon is hearing the success stories of past graduates,” says Doua Bondok. Doua started as a student caller during her undergraduate years. She now mentors callers as one of the call centre supervisors. “We keep our alumni Windsor Proud, and with their support, we help our current students achieve their goals.”
“The most rewarding is when we contact the young alumni. We inform them about job fairs and other career driven initiatives they still have available to them.”
The call centre has a new location in Lambton Tower. A larger space with work stations surrounded by noise reducing walls provides a comfortable environment for the callers.
Answering the call from a UWindsor student this year is an opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a student and show your UWindsor pride!
Ways to give:
Callers can take your credit card information over the phone
Cheques made payable to the University of Windsor
On-line by credit card or debit at www.uwindsor.ca/donations
Gifts of stocks
Estate gifts
For more information contact Chris Knack, Annual Giving Co-ordinator at 519-253-3000 Ext. 4279 or cknack@uwindsor.ca
VIEW Magazine is produced by the University of Windsor Office of Public Affairs in tandem with the Office of Alumni and Donor Communications. Our goal is to connect and inspire the UWindsor community through news and stories that build pride in our alumni, current students, faculty, staff, donors and friends.
