Through a series of contacts, alumni and friends have the opportunity to learn about Ball State, update personal information, and ask questions of their own. The contacts begin with a call, which they receive at a scheduled time of the year. Average conversations last up to ten minutes and the trained student callers present updates about campus activities, program innovations, and scholarship opportunities. They not only encourage giving, but also use the calls to confirm pertinent data, answer questions, and accept inquiries and comments to forward to appropriate individuals on campus. Confirmation of each call is made by a follow-up pledge letter to contributors, complete with relevant inserts and a comment card.
People mention how great it is to talk with students.
Callers draw enthusiastic comments because of their experiences with Greek affiliations and social activities too. Students are able to talk about current changes going on as well as the goals of the capital campaign. They also respond to requests for maps, Cardinal Varsity Club forms, and various publications. Ball State has a long and successful tradition of contacting alumni by phone to ask for support. A well-structured telefund campaign once went to 12 regions throughout Indiana and utilized alumni to contact other alumni and friends in the respective areas.