Washington College

Phonathon is one of the key elements of The Washington Fund.
Our callers reach out to alumni, parents, and friends to share the latest news on campus, update their information, and ask for a contribution to The Washington Fund, through which donors support student scholarships, campus beautification, and faculty and staff support. Our callers are dedicated to building connections within our College community.

There must be easier jobs on campus than making calls to ask people for money. What attracts you to Phonathon?
Eddie: I have friends that work the job that recommended it to me, and I have previous experience working with people over the phone.
Beth: Phonathon is a nice working environment. I've met some great people and had a lot of fun, and talking to alumni is very rewarding and informative! I like talking about my school with others.

Calls from strangers aren't universally welcomed. Do you ever get a cranky response?
Ellen: When I was a caller, I received a lot of cranky responses. You learn not to be bothered by that kind of thing, and truthfully, the nicer you are to people the nicer they are to you!
Jessica: When you do the pick-up/ hang-up routine, or tell us the person sitting next to you isn't home, we know.

What do you enjoy about calling?
Sarah: I really enjoy hearing about what people have done since they graduated. I also enjoy the challenge of getting that donation.
Julia: I like talking with all of the alumni about the changes on campus.
Vikki: I enjoy talking to alumni about the changes that have taken place on campus and around town.

What would you say is the most important part of each call?
Charlie: The most important part of each call is developing personal relationships with alumni and getting to know them as much as possible, while keeping them updated about the College's events.
Beth: The part where they answer the phone!
Becca: The most important part of each call is to really connect with person that I am talking to on the phone. It may sometimes come off that we are telemarketer callers, but once you get on a personal level with the caller, the conversation flows much smoother and I have a great time talking to various people about Washington College and The Washington Fund!

Do you still use a script?
Samuel: I do. Otherwise, I'll forget what order to say things in.

How did you feel when you were about to make your first call?
Moira: When I made my first phone call I was really nervous because I didn't want to annoy the people I was calling by disrupting their night. However, I knew that I was calling for a great cause and the people I would be speaking with already have an understanding of that.
Samuel: Nervous. I don't like rejection.
Jared: My stomach became a gymnist, flipping over and over. My hands shook so much, I could barely dial. [dramatic pause] Never the less, my voice still worked- I was good to go.
Gabie: I was quite nervous at first. I stumbled a bit in the beginning, but after practice, it became much easier and much more natural to the point where I no longer needed a script, and could just talk to the alums or parents.

What does The Washington Fund mean to you?
Moira: The Washington Fund is important to me because I believe the fund is a part of the college that helps to make WAC what it is. It helps students and faculty, and it is an important fund to contribute to.
Becca: The Washington Fund provides a lot of opportunities for students and for the campus. Donating to the Washington Fund can help students receive scholarships and Financial Aid and allow class sizes to stay small so students can have more of a one on one relationship with their professor!

Will you be a Phonathon donor after you graduate?
Jessica: Once I get a job, I would love to donate to Phonathon!
Beth: If I still have a phone after I graduate, sure!