A group of Ball State University students successfully reached out to thousands of alumni last year, collecting slightly more than $1 million in pledges through the phonathon. 

The annual telemarketing operation, which ended June 30, received $1,042,933.50 in pledges from people across the country, marking the fourth consecutive year the campaign has surpassed $1 million. 

Rose Keenan, interim phonathon director, was impressed by the enthusiasm of alumni and other friends of the university. The phonathon is based in the university's alumni center and features a computer-automated calling system. 

"We have alumni who are very supportive of the university and want to give back to their alma mater," she said. "Our students provide the latest news about campus, which is something alumni have told us they want. I think the phonathon is important because for some alumni this is the only contact they receive from the university. It allows us to keep open lines of communication with those alumni." 

During the campaign, students received 13,038 pledges. Gifts ranged from $10 to $7,000 with an average of $79. These private gifts provide assistance to Ball State students through scholarships and financial aid and allow the university to purchase technology and other educational-related materials for student use.

Keenan attributed the campaign's success to a group of "enthusiastic and dedicated" students.

"Most students like it because it is one of the best paying jobs on campus," she said. "But, more importantly, our students have a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day. It is a job that allows you to help other students."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Keenan at (765) 285-8261 or rmkeenan@bsu.edu.)