Forty students accumulated 11,500 pledges after telephoning 22,000 alumni and friends throughout the country from August 2001 to July 2002. Individual gifts ranged from $10 to $5,000.

Private gifts from alumni and friends provide assistance to Ball State students through scholarships and financial aid, technology and other resources.

"We were able to exceed the $1 million level in spite of a sluggish economy and the effect's last year's terrorist attacks had on giving," said Lola Mauer, assistant director of annual giving. "I believe our alumni and friends of the university feel strongly about helping today's students."

The students averaged about eight to nine minutes on each call, informing alumni about current university news and projects as well as keeping them updated on Ball State sports programs.

"Our students serve as a strong and critical connection between the university and alumni," Mauer said. "The students try to make alumni feel connected to the university."

The phonathon is a 12-month program with students making calls in the early evening hours Sunday through Thursday from a computer-automated facility in the Alumni Center.

Ball State President Blaine A. Brownell regularly invites top phonathon callers to lunch. Students also received gift certificates from a variety of area businesses for outstanding work.

In addition to the perks, students receive practical experience that will help them when they enter the profession workforce, Mauer said.

"Students learn important networking skills by making these calls," she said. "They can make some very important contacts when they call alumni and friends."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Mauer at lmauer@bsu.eduor (765) 285-8261.)