A Community that Gives Back

One of the best things about working at the Phonathon is knowing that we have the chance to help our beloved College, especially in times of trouble.  The current economic climate means that not only have we had to deal with budget cuts (we're now down to only 13.7 percent funding from the State), but we also have more students than ever who need financial aid (need went up by 41 percent for incoming freshmen this year).  This means we need more money, but so does everyone - fundraising in a recession is no easy feat.

That's why I'm so proud to share that last semester, the Phonathon raised 14 percent more in total dollars for the Fund for William & Mary (our unrestricted Annual Giving Fund).  Not only that, but we did this by increasing the number of donors by 17 percent.  And, we had a higher fulfillment rate - more of the people who pledged to give did in fact come through on this promise.  Our Phonathon calling team has worked incredibly hard to ensure this success and I'd like to thank everyone for their dedication (and brag about it a little!).  It's great to see that William & Mary students are willing to make space in our already packed schedules to take on as tough a challenge as fundraising.   It's also wonderful to know that our alums are willing to so generously give back to our alma mater.

When we talk to people about the College - be it new hires at the Phonathon or alumni that have been receiving our calls for years - one word that keeps popping up in our conversations is "community".  William & Mary students, past and present, love this College, and love the sense of community that is established during our four years here.  As a graduating senior, I'm heartened to know that the William & Mary community still exists after we leave the 'burg.  I'm happy to be part of a community that gives back, because without the generosity of our alums and other friends of the College, we wouldn't be able to maintain this exceptional place as it is today.