Where possible, callers are matched with graduates who did a similar course or share a common interest. It has also made me realize how much the University has progressed in recent years. The majority of alumni I have called have been very supportive and many donate generously to the fund. On a more personal level, I feel I have learnt a great deal about the University, and in the future, I will be happy to be on the receiving end of a call to find out how much further the University has progressed. Danica Butler is a second-year PhD student in Biochemistry who is currently one of 30 trained callers helping to raise money for the University.
Campaigns run in the autumn and spring terms and last from five to six weeks.
In this time approximately 4,500-5,000 alumni are selected to call, from which about 70 per cent are contacted. The current campaign runs until 15 March and the next campaign is scheduled to begin in October 2001.