Between the hours of 5-9pm every night of the week (even Sundays), about 30 students are calling dedicated UO alumni, parents, and friends of the UO from all over the world on behalf of the University or Oregon’s Annual Giving Program in their call center. Sometimes, this call may be the only contact alumni receive from UO letting them know what’s happening in the lives of current students and keep them up to date with UO information. These calls are not just two minute calls about the financial situation of the school but rather lengthy conversations, strengthening and building upon their current UO relationship. Building a relationship is crucial when fundraising. It’s important to make an alumnus feel that there is a REASON to invest in the school – and with tuition on the rise, now is more critical than ever.

Giving back to the university is very important – even if you have student loans. Giving a one time, tax deductable gift of just 30 dollars can add up real quick. Annually, the University of Oregon receives gifts from about 27,000 alumni via telephone. The student body depends on these gifts – more than half of all funding for UO comes from outside sources like alumni, parents, corporate sponsors, etc. It’s what has allowed the university of Oregon to maintain its reputation as number 1 in the state (academically) over all other public AND private institutions and allows us to thrive and grow in an economic recession.

Getting this information out to our SAA members and other students is crucial to UO and to the SAA’s mission. The SAA is all about creating the best Ducks possible, and learning about how to pay it forward to future Duck generations is something we’re proud to do. We are trying to bring as many groups of students to the call center and really experience what has been fueling your education. By accepting this invitation, 10 students from your club or organization would come to the call center (located next to Agate hall) and talk with someone about the core aspects of fundraising for the university for about 30 mins, then for the other half an hour, your group will be able to actually talk with some callers and listen in to the calls they make to better understand how they work their magic. It’s actually a pretty cool opportunity that not a lot of people get to see!

Keeping with the spirit and tradition of philanthropy, the SAA would then donate a gift of $50 directly into your organization or a designation on campus of your choosing (could be Rec Center, Project Safe Ride, a scholarship, the UO general fund, or a host of other places that benefit you on a daily basis).

Please take this rare opportunity to understand the importance of giving back to the University of Oregon – especially because tuition only covers about 30% of an actual UO education (crazy, right?).

Email Evan, the SAA Student Philanthropy Chair, at ebosch@uoregon.edu with any questions about how to sign up to visit, receive more information about the program or even to sign up to become a student caller!