SCU Student Callers - Connecting with Alumni
If you made a pledge when one of SCU's students called you, we thank you.
Your gift DOES make a difference at SCU.
Each year, over 40 SCU students talk with thousands of alumni and parents. These dedicated students have helped make the Santa Clara Fund a success. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Student Call Center program. Some of you may think that your gift may not make a difference. Gifts of any size make a difference to students and our programs. Your participation is very important to us. Alumni and parent giving participation plays a big role in determining school ranking and how foundations and corporations choose the level at which they will support us. Strong donor participation sends a powerful message of loyalty. It’s also one of the best measures of how graduates feel about their university and the education they received.
Q: How much money does the Student Call Center program raise each year?
A: "This year we have set a goal of $1 million. Officially, the year ends on June 30, 2007, so we have a way to go. Since the Campaign began in October 2002, student callers have raised over $4.5 million, which is why we always explain that it doesn't matter if your own gift is small - when it's combined with everyone else's gift, it's really a big gift!" - Catherine Brown, Business/Finance
Q: How many alumni do students call each year?
A: "It's pretty amazing, actually. We will have attempted to contact almost 80,000 undergraduate and graduate alumni and parents by the end of the year. Each of us typically makes calls for about nine hours a week. It's hard, but the people we talk with are so great - everyone's interested in what's going on at SCU, and I love letting them know about things like the Ruff Riders, immersion experiences, and the Centers of Distinction." - Ben Nimmons '08, Undecided major
Q: If I change my mind, or have a question after I've gotten off the phone?
A: "If you have a specific question about your pledge, please contact Carolina Lopez, Asst. Director for the Student Call Center, or use the email form below. We will respond as quickly as we can. We want you to be satisfied with the Student Call Center program!"
- Stephanie Marquez, Undeclared Arts & Sciences
Q: Can I make my gift directly online?
A: Yes, our secure online giving site makes that easy. You can designate your gift to the Santa Clara Fund, or to a number of specific areas of support within SCU.
Q: Sometimes, it seems like I get a lot of calls from SCU - do you have a policy about how often you call alumni?
A: "We try to call alumni only once a year to request donations to the Santa Clara Fund. If we repeat the call, it means we haven't spoken with you, we keep calling until we reach you, and we apologize. Sometimes, others at Santa Clara University may call to tell you about their programs, events, and fund-raising initiatives." - Denise "Didi" Melone '06, Marketing
