King’s is well-known for the amount of scholarship money they are able to give out each year to incoming students. In fact, over 95% of King’s students benefit from scholarship assistance. This is made possible by the generosity of the alumni of King’s.
One strategy employed by the college since 1975 is the annual Alumni Phonathon. This event is when students, alumni, faculty, and staff get together to call previous donors asking for their contribution.
“It is an annual tradition here at King's to call alumni, asking for donations and an increase in class participation for student scholarships and campus improvements,” says Christina Curcio, Supervisor of the student portion of the Alumni Phonathon.
The Phonathon is normally quite successful, and one can be assured that the phone lines will be just as busy this year. The Phonathon began on September 22. 20 student callers are set to call Monday through Thursday from 6-9 PM and Sunday 4-7. They will be calling from the fourth floor of the Administration Building.
“The Phonathon helps students build their communication skills, and it’s fun to work together as a team in the call center,” explains Christina Curcio. “Students ask for donations that benefit themselves, their peers, and future students.”
The main Phonathon will take place October in the Gold Room of the Administration Building. This is when the alumni, faculty, and staff at King’s calls previous donors asking for their contribution.
According to the Phonathon website, last year the alumni giving percent was raised from 23% to 24%. This year’s goal is to raise the giving percent from 24% to 25%.
“I think we are trying to reach the goal of 25% in the near future, this year or next. Many people don't realize that it is very difficult to move up just one percentage because that involves the participation of thousands of more alumni. During the Phonathon, the student callers are trying to reach alumni who have never donated in the past in hopes of increasing class participation rates. It is a hard job, but increased rates give King's a better chance at receiving grants for improvements and scholarships” said Curcuo, “The giving back tradition is very powerful here at King's, and we hope to continue it.”
Raising the percent of giving will not only benefit many students, but will also benefit the college itself as it may help King’s obtain more gifts from corporations and foundations. |
