Phonathon Fall 2008 proved a huge success for GWU’s Annual Fund, with our Student Development Officers raising more than $200,000 in gifts and pledges. Phonathon began in September with recruitment and training of 28 GWU students, and calling took place between September and December 2008.
GWU launched this improved Phonathon program in the fall to put a more concentrated effort on reaching out to our alumni, parents and friends. Recognizing the need to connect with others who share a passion for our university, we learned the best way to approach our alumni and friends on the phones. It has been a major asset to the Annual Fund and we look forward to continuing improvements in this area.
We especially thank our alumni, parents and friends of GWU for their generosity and passion. Our new approach to Phonathon has given us the opportunity to speak with thousands of our supporters, and our supporters the opportunity give back to this great university.
Not only is our dollar amount something to be proud of, but alumni participation is increasing as well. Currently, approximately 10% of our alumni are giving to GWU. This is a huge improvement from recent years, and we must thank our alumni for their continued and increased support of the university.
While raising funds for GWU is our main objectives, Phonathon Student Development Officers also know that keeping our constituency “in the know” of all the great things happening at Gardner-Webb is equally valuable. In our conversations with supporters, these students have been able to share current news of the university and learn what GWU was like in previous years. It is a truly satisfying experience, and one that students will carry with them after their own graduation from Gardner-Webb.
In Phonathon, we look forward to more conversations and even more increased support from our alumni, parents and friends.
