Phonathon students come through even in challenging economic times

The fall Phonathon, conducted by the Division of University Advancement and coordinated by Director of Development Timothy Murphy, ’89, brought in over $64,000 as a result of more than 1,500 pledges from alumni to support the efforts of the Fredonia College Foundation as it provides scholarship and program support to the university.

“Considering the current economic conditions, I am pleased with the outcome of this semester’s Phonathon,” Murphy said. “Our student callers are great ambassadors for Fredonia.”

The students had a pool of over 10,000 prospects and made more than 37,400 calls in 700 hours worth of calling.

They were honored recently at a ceremony for their efforts by student Phonathon manager Kellie Fox and assistant Courtney Blackmon.

Other students included Casey Beuler, Shea Calleri, Andrew Condon, Kristen Davidson, Jenell Dilcher, Heidi Frame, Cory Greiner, Cassie Harm, Chris Hillman Johanna Kern, Brittany Kerr, Keydra Manns, Zyris McCormick, Stephanie Patterson, Amanda Scafetta, Allison Terrana and Pete Viglietta.

Manns, a resident of West Seneca, N.Y., was recognized as the top caller of the fall Phonathon with $7,695 in pledges.

Total pledges were up eight percent from 2007, resulting in an average pledge of $43.

Alumni remarked that they enjoyed talking to the students. They often quizzed their callers about favorite professors or what they are studying.

At least once a year, a student gets challenged to sing the alma mater prior to receiving a pledge. Students are trained to expect requests and challenges such as these and were prepared to play — or in this case, sing — along.

The Phonathon will resume during the spring semester for five weeks, beginning in mid February.