September 5, 2003

Bells are ringing

. . . cowbells, that is—in the Office of the Annual Fund because of our newest employees. The annual fund staff has recruited seven eager Loyola students to work as student fund-raisers and each time they earn a pledge, they ring a bell to celebrate.

The student fund-raiser program started in April, and has already seen terrific results. The parent-supported "Virtual Reference" program for Monroe Library was the first major assignment and it has been a great success. "Virtual Reference" is a technology that will make reference assistance available to students anywhere they have Internet access. Students will be able to get research help from Monroe Library faculty without leaving their residence halls, apartments, computer labs, classrooms, even other floors in the library. During the spring, the students made 3,500 calls and in the end raised more than $30,000 in gifts and pledges.

Director of Annual Fund Carla Buice is enthusiastic about the results, "In the first six weeks of our campaign with the student fund-raisers on the job, we were able to add 136 donors to the number from last year. This was a 191-percent increase in number of donors, and a 123-percent increase in the amount of money raised. We are thrilled about the potential of the student fund-raiser program."

This summer the students worked hard to boost alumni donor numbers, and for the second year in a row, alumni participation has exceeded 18 percent. This is an important accomplishment because many corporations and foundations look at a university's alumni participation when deciding to give gifts. Also, students were able to call alumni donors and thank them personally for their support­ a luxury that the Annual Fund has never had before.

Calling to ask alumni to support their alma mater can be informative, fun, and yes even a difficult task at times. But our student fund-raisers agree it has its rewards. The funds raised go directly to financial aid, scholarships, library programs, wireless Internet access, classroom renovations, expenses for travel to national conferences, and more. According to fund-raiser Lola Thelin, a junior, the telephone calls go a long way in helping to keep alumni connected to Loyola. "I realize that alumni get tired with so many phone calls and letters but it's our way to stay involved with them. Their opinion is important to the school. We always ask if they have any questions about the school and happily chat with those who have a minute."

This fall, the annual fund will call to ask alumni and parents for their renewed support. We hope to make it a banner year with the help of the student fund-raisers and hopefully those cowbells will keep on ringing.

—Jessica Cassidy, Assistant Director, Office of the Annual Fund