Union Students Vow to Beat their Predecessors
Volunteers Attempt to Raise More Than $35,000 During Phonathon
Phones will be ringing around the country
as Union College volunteers gear up for their annual Phonathon.
Students, along with faculty and staff members will once again tackle
the monumental task of contacting over 10,000 Union College alums
over the next two-weeks. Volunteers will attempt to top last year's
goal by raising over $35,000 for the Union Fund.
This annual fund-raiser is one of Union's most visible and most
enjoyable events of the year, according to Frank Newman, Union's
director of alumni relations.
"The Phonathon is an opportunity for students and staff to
connect with former Union students. Great conversations are had.
Interesting stories are told. And former students have a chance
to learn what Union students are doing and learning today. It really
is a great event to be a part of," Newman says.
Last year--Union volunteers raised over $25,000--money used to supplement
financial aid and daily operational costs incurred like electricity
and water expenses.
"This money is literally used to provide education to worthwhile
students and keep residence halls and classrooms operating,"
Newman added.
According to Newman, approximately 98% of student's attending Union
receive some form of financial aid. He said, "With that many
students needing assistance, it's easy to see how important the
Phonathon is."
Union College Vice President for Advancement and former Director
of Alumni Relations Denise Wainscott is also an advocate for this
fund raising event.
"Tuition, room and board only pays for about 93% of the expenses
we incur with each student," Wainscott said. "Money raised
through Phonathon and other gifts are used to help cover expenses
above what tuition pays."
According to Wainscott, the Phonathon is just one of many Union
College fund raising events held throughout the year.
"Every day Union faces new challenges,
like the current library renovation project, where fund raising
efforts are essential," she said. "We are growing and
providing great services to our community, and the Phonathon is
just one attempt to ensure that growth and progress continue."
This year, members from the baseball, football, men and women's
basketball, men and women's golf, volleyball, softball, cross-country,
cycling, men and women's soccer, and tennis team, along with the
cheerleading squad are serving as student volunteers for the event.
Additionally, faculty, staff and community volunteers will be making
those much-needed calls to Union's alums.
