UAA Student Callers raise more than $100,000 for UAA

Please join Chancellor Fran Ulmer and the Office of University Advancement in celebrating the spring semester success of our student fundraising team. For the second year in a row, this dynamic team of young people raised more than $100,000 by connecting with UAA alumni through the University Advancement Student Calling Program. While serving as very effective ambassadors for the University, they also gain and utilize communication and networking skills that are valuable for a lifetime.

Also known as the UAA "Phonathon," each fall and spring semester, a team of nearly 20 students dials UAA alums to connect over their UAA experience, give updates on campus happenings and encourage them to give back to UAA through a charitable gift in support of the university. Thanks to UAA alums, 2009-10 is the second year in a row that student callers have raised more than $100,000 through individual donations. Since the program's launch in late 2004, funds raised have increased each year. More than 5,000 conversations take place every semester between callers and alums.

"These students do a critical service on behalf of their fellow scholars," said Julia Martinez, director of annual giving at UAA. "We enjoy and appreciate their vitality and resilient spirit -- it's an unbeatable combination." Every semester brings surprising talents to the task, Martinez said, noting that a single student this spring single-handedly raised $6,000.

Going into its 12th semester, the student callers will be moving into new and more comfortable, dedicated Phone Center space in the Administration Building. The Office of University Advancement hires 15-20 students each semester for the 10-week fundraising campaign. Phonathon 2009-10 will begin just after classes start in the fall. To find out more about the Student Calling Program, contact Martinez at anjm5@uaa.alaska.edu or call (907) 786-1278.