UAA to hold first annual Phonathon

By Robin Morales
Special to the Northern Light

The goal is to contact approximately 16,000 University of Alaska Anchorage alumni and raise $47,000.

“Many, many colleges across the nation conduct annual calling programs in an effort to engage their alumni and raise much needed private dollars,” said Jennifer Simeonoff, the annual giving manager for the UAA Office of Development.

The office is recruiting 25 individuals to work part-time on campus from mid-February through April 25. Simeonoff is laying the groundwork to make a UAA Phonathon a semiannual event.

The projected amount is based on national averages and past UAA alumni participation. The money will go toward student scholarships and various UAA programs, Simeonoff said.

Student callers will contact alumni by telephone and initiate a conversation to update information and ask for donations. They will record the results and prepare follow-up to be mailed to the donor. Students will also assist in direct mail projects and may be assigned other duties as needed under Simeonoff’s direction.

The Office of Development strives to engage faculty, students, alumni and businesses through volunteer work or donations. These contributions support the expansion of student programs, scholarships and capital projects not funded with state dollars.

The Phonathon, a program that the department has wanted to initiate for years, was on hold due to limited staff. The department experienced a growth spurt within the last two years and now can launch various programs to help diversify funding sources.

Simeonoff is planning a UAA Phonathon every fall and spring semester. Students who work as callers may reapply each term.

“Ideally some people would come back and potentially be student managers,” Simeonoff said.

Susan Ruddy, UAA vice chancellor, said she is thrilled to see the program underway.

“This first-ever UAA Phonathon will be fun. And it will give those who participate a real opportunity to give back to UAA,” Ruddy said. “You know, volunteerism and philanthropy are in many ways unique to America and are part of what has made this country great. They can also help make UAA great.”

Fliers announcing the job openings are posted throughout campus and advertised through the Human Resources Web site and faculty news digest. The office has already received phone calls and applications, Simeonoff said.

All applicants must be attending UAA at least part time and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. They must also possess verbal and interpersonal communication skills and be dependable, enthusiastic and motivated. The student caller positions will pay $8.50 per hour, provide paid training and offer flexible work schedules. Work hours will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. In addition to working on campus the students will have the benefit of networking with alumni and other students. There will be incentives for individuals who reach predetermined goals, Simeonoff said.

For more information on the student caller position and the application process, visit www.finsys.uaa.alaska.edu/uaahrs or contact Jennifer Simeonoff in the Office of Development at 786-1733.

“You know, volunteerism and philanthropy are in many ways unique to America and are part of what has made this country great.
They can also help make UAA great.”

Susan Ruddy, UAA vice chancellor