Maureen Orsborn, Assistant Director of Annual Giving and manager of Phonathon.
Students often call alumni who share their major or participated in the same on-campus organizations, and alumni will engage the student in conversation about their post-graduation experience and offer advice to the student. Such exchanges build the student’s confidence and renew the connection of the alum to the university.
Maureen Orsborn, Assistant Director of Annual Giving and the manager of Phonathon for the past three years, points out an often overlooked benefit of Phonathon. “When alumni choose to make their annual gift through Phonathon, they are setting a positive example for those who will follow in their footsteps. Understanding deepens when students have the opportunity to observe alumni giving back, and when alumni get to speak directly with the beneficiaries of their support.”
“Of the alumni who answer our calls each year, the percentage who choose to pledge a gift over the phone remains consistent,” said Orsborn. “Pledges made through the Phonathon program range from $5 to upwards of $1,000. The highest percentage of Phonathon pledges are in the $25-$50 range while the highest percentage of dollars come from gifts in the $100-$150 range.” She continued, “In a program like Phonathon where we can reach many alumni in a short amount of time, it’s easy to see how quickly gifts of all sizes add up. Yearly participation at any amount is significant.”
The majority of dollars generated by Phonathon are unrestricted funds directed toward Foundation scholarships and Special Project Awards. These awards are granted for an array of projects that enrich education and exemplify innovation at Winona State. Proposals range from lab equipment requests and classroom updates to funding for research, community outreach, and travel study programs that take learning out of the classroom. It is important for WSU to have these unrestricted dollars available each year to be used where the most current opportunities and needs exist.
Orsborn is passionate about the WSU Phonathon and her enthusiasm shows, not only in her student callers’ exceptional success, but in how they interact with the person being called. “Every person who has taken part in life and learning at Winona State has in some way contributed to making WSU the vibrant institution it is today. We are so fortunate to have alumni who continue to shape WSU’s future through their financial contributions as well as their ideas, knowledge and passion. The Warrior community that extends beyond the boundaries of our Winona and Rochester campuses thrives thanks to the lifelong loyalty of our alumni.”
Supervising the Team
Each of these three students has been with Phonathon for a minimum of two years and now, in addition to making calls, supervise the teams and help drive the success of the program.
Katie Gottstein ’15
Katie Gottstein ’15
“I was looking for a job and heard about Phonathon from a friend of a friend,” Katie Gottstein of McHenry, Illinois began. “The first semester
I had a really hard time. I wasn’t very comfortable because we were pretty much asking people for money. When you get people who aren’t interested, it’s really hard to get through the call. But
the second semester turned completely around! I really like talking to alumni. Once you start talking to the people it’s really interesting and exciting to hear their stories.”
For Gottstein the good outweighs the bad. “I’ve been really lucky that I haven’t had too many bad calls, but I remember one guy yelling and swearing at me to take him off the list. He hung up on me. But when you get a really good call, it totally makes up for any bad calls.”
Gottstein is also the recipient of a Foundation scholarship. “I really appreciate the alumni who donate to the university and care about future generations of students,” she said. “I’m really just an average student, so I had a really hard time getting scholarships. So, when I am successful I want to start a scholarship for someone like me.”
Alex Russell ’15
Alex Russell ’15
Winonan Alex Russell is also following in his father’s footsteps attending WSU. “I grew up watching Warrior Athletics, so I knew I wanted to go here,” said Russell. He joined Phonathon team because he likes talking to people. “I like making connections with people, especially alumni who are proud to have graduated from WSU. And one cool thing having grown up here is to hear others talk about how great Winona is, with all the canoeing, hiking, skiing and other opportunities.”
The money raised by Phonathon for scholarships is so important, as Russell relates. “I have many friends who are very grateful to have the opportunity to go to school and the scholarships they receive make it possible. Students don’t take that for granted.”
As for the calling, Russell has only positive things to say. “Most people are willing to bear with you through the call,” he said. “Most people I speak with understand that they are helping out students. The alumni of WSU really do make an incredible difference in student life.”
Christian Cassman ’15
Christian Cassman ’15
“I was looking for a job and I knew I wanted to work for the university,” explained Christian Cassman about her reasons for joining Phonathon team three years ago. Cassman, who grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, is the second in her family to attend WSU. “My mom got her master’s in Education here. “This is a really great school for the
money. I’m big into education and this is a great way for me to give back to the university and to be an advocate for education.” Cassman is a recipient of a Foundation scholarship. “This is really personal for me. I like talking to people who have helped make an education happen for me.”
Sometimes the calls can get a little dicey, as Cassman relates. “You never know what to expect on a call. Not everyone wants to talk to us and some are not happy about the call, but the positive definitely outweighs the negative!”
“My favorite part is making connections with the alumni,” Cassman said. “The alums have such wonderful stories, and it’s cool to bond with them. It’s a shared Warrior experience!”
