43
A
scholarship supported by alumni through the Annual Giving
Program helped to lift a weight off her shoulders, says Krishna
Valera, a fourth-year civil engineering student.
Born in India and raised in New Zealand, she says that, as an
international student, she has many costs. “When I received my
scholarship cheque, I went right out and paid for my textbooks,” she
says. “That saved me money I could use to pay my other bills.”
Now a telephone canvasser for the fundraising campaign,
Valera says she appreciates the contributions of donors. “The
majority of people you call make a pledge,” she says. “They went
through the same process as you and so they know how hard it is
for some students.”
Since 1985, the program and its attendant phonathon have
provided an opportunity for alumni, parents and friends to help
support student achievement at the University of Windsor.
Patti Lauzon, director of alumni and donor communications,
says that having students reach out is a key to the program’s success.
“For our graduates to get a call from a student reflects the reason we
are all here,” says Lauzon. “The student contact helps us to build the
relationship we have with alumni and donors, making them feel a
part of the University of Windsor family.”
It’s a point seconded by alumni affairs director Susan Lester.
“Our phonathon is about so much more than just raising money,”
she says. “It gives the student callers a chance to be mentored by
these alumni. I hear so many stories about how they were inspired
by the success stories they hear from our graduates—and by their
continuing willingness to support the school.”
Lester says those connections make a difference: “You can see it
in the fact that the students who have had a chance to be involved
in our outreach are the first ones to turn around and give back
following their own graduation.”
Janesa Charles, a master of management student who has
worked as a phonathon canvasser, recalls a conversation that she
had with an alumnus who confided that he was ill. “This man had
cancer, and he still made time to talk with me and gave $100,” says
Charles. “The selflessness he had displayed inspired me. I know I
will give when my turn comes.”
Development officer Mona Dosen, who co-ordinates the
phonathon, says this fall’s campaign runs from September through
November with a goal of raising $500,000. Even with the ambitious
target, she says, the focus isn’t on money.
“The most fascinating thing about the phonathon are the
connections that form between current students and past students
to benefit future students,” Dosen says. “My hope is that, when the
phone rings and they see it’s from us, they have a smile on their
faces to greet the students. I guarantee they won’t be disappointed
with the conversations they have.”
V
50TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIPS
Among the priorities identified for the 2013 Annual Giving Program
is a fund to endow scholarships celebrating the University’s 50th
anniversary. The fund will support students in all programs, helping
them achieve their full academic potential.
Organizers have set a target of raising $100,000 from the sale of the
UWindsor photo book (see page 56) and admission to events during the
50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend, as well as individual donations.
“I am encouraging graduates to give in multiples of 50,” says
development officer Mona Dosen. “Whether it is $50, $150 or $500,
each contribution will commemorate our anniversary and make an
impact for students.”
At left: Krishna Valera, a fourth-year civil engineering student, who also appears on the cover of this issue.
“THE SELFLESSNESS HE HAD DISPLAYED
INSPIRED ME. I KNOW I WILL GIVE WHEN MY
TURN COMES.”
JANESA CHARLES,
PHONATHON CANVASSER
An Investment in our Future
2012-13 ANNUAL G I V I NG PROGRAM
BY KEVIN JOHNSON
