MUNCIE, Ind. -- Alumni have pledged more than $1 million toward Ball State University’s Above and Beyond Capital Campaign in this year’s phonathon.

Forty Ball State students working for the phonathon have spoken with more than 33,000 alumni and friends since August, resulting in approximately 14,200 pledges to the campaign.

“It’s really exciting to get such a great response in support of our students,” said Mary Ann Olinger, Ball State’s director of annual giving.

This year is the first time since 1995 the phonathon exceeded the $1 million mark.

The smallest gift this year was $10, and the largest was $5,000.

“Each week we compare our totals to the previous year, and this week we’re excited that we are $465,000 ahead of last year at this time,” said Lola Mauer, assistant director of annual giving at Ball State.

Donors can specify where they want their money to go, but most alumni choose the annual fund or special campaigns like the Above and Beyond Campaign.

“The Above and Beyond Campaign has had a big influence on giving this spring,” said Mauer.

Ball State seeks to raise $90 million in its five-year capital campaign. Since 1997, the campaign has generated approximately $83 million. The funding is being used for scholarships, innovative academic programs and capital projects.

By Jennifer Seal, Graduate Assistant

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Olinger by e-mail at molinger@bsu.edu or by phone at (765) 285-8261.)