Reading graduates show appreciation by helping current students
Release Date 03 March 2011
Graduates from the University of Reading have generously donated over £177,000 throughout another record-breaking Annual Fund telephone campaign. The scheme ensures the University continues to provide the very best student experience for current and future students.
Throughout February, 50 current students telephoned alumni to update them on current news from the University, and to share their experiences of student life, past and present. Almost half of those called chose to make a donation to the Annual Fund, which supports a wide range of academic and extra-curricular projects across campus, and provides essential financial support for students who would otherwise not be able to consider a University education.
Projects funded this year include the Future 50' initiative, which provides training for the top 50 entrepreneurial students in the University, giving them the chance to build on their skills and learn how to put them into practice.
The Annual Fund has also enabled 40 students to gain coaching qualifications in their chosen sport, allowing them to volunteer in local schools as well as coaching current students. In the past academic year alone, over £135,000 has also been awarded in the form of bursaries, hardship grants and scholarships.'
Together with the donations received in the autumn campaign, over 1,000 alumni have raised £395,000 for the Annual Fund in the last 4 months alone, with gifts ranging from £25, to regular Direct Debits of £1,000 a year or more.
Such results confirm why the University of Reading Annual Fund is widely regarded as one of the leading telephone campaigns in the higher education sector. Since 2004, over 5,000 donors have raised £2.6 million for the students here, creating many opportunities that would otherwise not be possible.
Andy Wood, Director of Development & Alumni Relations says: ''It is extremely encouraging to see that each year, the number of donors to the Annual Fund is consistently increasing. The generosity of our alumni provides invaluable support to our students, enabling everyone to get the very best out of their University experience. I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation to the Annual Fund.''
For further information about the Annual Fund, or to make a donation, please contact Laura Garman: l.l.garman@reading.ac.uk Tel: 0118 378 4480
End
Further press information from James Barr, University of Reading press office, 0118 378 7115