Phonathon connects campus present, past

Among Georgia College’s many fundraising and informational services, none seek to be more personal than the Phonathon. 

Comprised entirely of Georgia College students, this organization is responsible for making calls to parents and alumni to inform them about current and upcoming events around campus. Phonathon students also take time to seek out financial support and update the university’s contact information so its mailings are sent to the right addresses. Calls take place each week between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m.

Phonathon helps raise money for the school’s annual Heritage Fund, which provides support for the greatest need areas across the GC campus. According to the university website, the finances provided by the Heritage Fund go towards student scholarships, academic facility maintenance, technology upgrades and faculty research projects. Phonathon contributes to the fund by researching and contacting potential donors, informing them about the school and answering any questions they may have.

Bill Doerr, associate vice president for development and alumni relations, maintains a management role in the current incarnation of Phonathon. Doerr said students who apply to become Phonathon members undergo an extensive training procedure before they start making calls.

“For many alums, this is the only personal interaction they receive from the college on an annual basis,” Doerr said. “So we make sure they are prepared to serve as an ambassador.”

As a former manager of the organization, GC graduate Beth Benton led Phonathon through its most successful financial year, gathering $201,000 in donations during the 2009-10 academic year. Having been a top caller in Phonathon two years before acquiring her management position, she describes a typical Phonathon session to include around 20 student callers, with calls lasting anywhere between 60 seconds and 30 minutes.

“We teach our callers to be active listeners and to do 80 percent listening, and only 20 percent talking,” Benton said. “We take interest in what each person has to say: maybe they are mad about that 1937 yearbook they never received, maybe their daughter gets no sleep in the dorm because her roommate is a night owl. We contact whoever we need to and do whatever we can to get these issues resolved.”

As for the Heritage Fund, Benton explains that developing a relationship with others is important for acquiring donations.

“Some people give right away; some decline, and that’s ok; we expect that. The students who work at Phonathon are no stranger to rejection, but it doesn’t stop them,” Benton said. “If one person doesn’t donate, we maintain a positive attitude and remember that everyone, at one time, was a non-donor.” Benton explains that donation calls can result in anything from hang-ups, significant dollar donations, “…or one of the best conversations of your life; you never know.”

Phonathon’s offices are located in the library building, underneath the Georgia College Welcome Center and Museum. Calls are made every evening Monday through Thursday. Information about the Heritage Fund’s policies can be obtained by contacting University Advancement Vice President Amy Amason.