Record-breaking alumni campaign at the University of Reading
Release Date 07 December 2010
The University of Reading has just completed its 13th Annual Fund telephone campaign, raising a record-breaking £220,000 for a range of projects that would otherwise not be possible at the University.
For five weeks, current students telephoned graduates to update them on University life, and to seek their support for the Annual Fund. Over 600 alumni chose to make a gift to the Annual Fund, with donations ranging from single contributions of £20, to regular Direct Debits of £1,000 a year or more.
Since the Annual Fund was established in 2004, over 5,000 donors have pledged £2.4million to support the student experience. From offering financial support to students who would otherwise struggle to afford the costs of higher education, to funding a range of academic and extra-curricular projects across campus and beyond; the Annual Fund ensures that every student has the opportunity to get the most out of their time at University.
Stella Balderston (BA Archaeology, 2002) said: "I was delighted to receive a telephone call from a very pleasant young lady who is studying Archaeology - the same degree I did at Reading as a mature student. I enjoyed myself so much at University, and I am pleased that my gift, along with everyone else's, will enable more people of all ages to come to the University of Reading."
Andy Wood, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the University said: "Given the current economic climate, the generosity shown by our alumni towards the Annual Fund is overwhelming. This demonstrates both the value our alumni attach to their own experience at the University, and the immediate, positive impact that the projects funded through their gifts has on current and future generations of students. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those that made a gift during this campaign, and to our student callers who were superb ambassadors for the University."
For further information about the Annual Fund please contact the Annual Giving team: annualfund@reading.ac.uk/ 0118 378 4480.
ENDS
For more information please contact Becki Rassell, Communications Assistant, University of Reading, on 0118 378 8408, or by email on b.rassell@reading.ac.uk.