Changing lives — one call at a time
I
f you answered an Emporia State University Call Center telephone call this school year, you spoke to a rock star. So says Angela Fullen, Emporia State Foundation director of annual giving, as she thanks both the students for their efforts and the people making gifts to support the university’s students, programs and departments. “I believe one of the major components that led to our success this semester was giving our alumni the opportunity to give back directly to the specific academic department they graduated from,” said Fullen. Gifts may also be designated for funds of excellence within each school or college, or for student scholarships. When the final numbers were tallied at the end of the spring semester, Fullen credited the Call Center with almost
$201,000 in gifts and pledges, almost $50,000 more than the previous year. The student callers have had some extra help at their disposal during their Sunday-Thursday evening calling sessions this year. The deans of each of Emporia State’s schools or colleges spent an evening outlining achievements and priorities within academic departments. The students use that information when they’re on the phone talking to Emporia State alumni and friends about gift opportunities. The students were encouraging gifts to the university’s $45.3 million comprehensive campaign, Now & Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University, announced during Emporia State’s 150th anniversary gala in February.
“The generosity of our alumni this year is overwhelming,” said DenaSue Potestio, Foundation president/CEO. “This comprehensive campaign is very special, and I’m humbled by the support that our Hornet Nation has shown as we continue changing lives.” For more information on Now & Forever gift opportunities, contact the Emporia State University Foundation at 620-341-5440.
Some of the students on the other end of the line: Call Center staffers Gabrielle Garrison and Kate Freelend; Clay Burkhead, Chase Johnson, Owen Murphy and Emily Lang.
You know what a great school Emporia State University was for you. Now it’s your turn to tell us about someone you believe would be a good match with ESU.
Refer a Hornet! Point your browser to www.emporia.edu/alumni/rah and let us know about that student. We’ll contact them and start the process of helping them change their lives. Thanks for your part in ESU’s past accomplishments and your efforts toward our future success.
Treat a student who shares your major to dinner 8
Tour the Athletics Hall of Honor www.emporia.edu/spotlight