RU CALLING

PHONATHON PROGRAM BUILDS COMMUNITY AND RESOURCES

Phonathon is a long-standing RU tradition — beginning as early as the 1980s when students volunteered to call alumni with campus updates and opportunities to give back.

Times have changed. Today, Phonathon is a great work-study opportunity for students to earn and learn from the experience. Phonathon students build their resumes with communication and teamwork skills as well as earn an inside sales certification that employers seek. For several weeks each semester, our Phonathon students call alumni in the hope of making genuine connections and inspiring gifts to the Charter Annual Fund.

What hasn’t changed is how Phonathon builds our Rockford community. While the pandemic isolated people everywhere, a sense of belonging between students and alumni deepened.

Reflecting on last spring, Elizabeth Dutch ’22 notes, “I really enjoyed hearing the amazing stories from older alum, especially women who graduated in the 1950s. They love to share their perspectives about men starting to attend Rockford and what life was like on the old campus.”

For Dayshon Moore ’22, connecting with a video gaming executive was both unexpected and inspiring. “When I asked him where he worked, I realized I was talking with the person who created my favorite video game. It’s incredible that we also have Rockford University in common.”

It’s that common bond that carries Phonathon students through challenging conversations. In one shift, Taylor Mundt ’22, connected with three alumni and their family members who were personally hit hard by the pandemic. Like many Regents, Mundt was resilient. “I took a step back and we talked through it as a team. It was hard and it made us stronger.”

For many alumni, students’ professionalism is a bright light. “I was really impressed by the Phonathon callers during the pandemic. The student who I spoke with was incredibly professional, engaging, and friendly,” says Peter Brooks ’74. “I know from my own work, that people who can make connections through cold calls are impressive.”

MAKE A GREAT CONNECTION

When you answer a Phonathon call, it’s about more than money. Students want to connect with alumni in meaningful ways now more than ever. Students learn from your Rockford experiences and get Rock Solid advice about everything from navigating campus opportunities to career insights. At the same time, you’ll learn the latest RU news, stir up fond memories, and have a chance to make a difference.