Current students raise £177,000 in alumni telephone campaign

Monday, 21 March 2011

February's student callers in the Palmer building

University of Reading graduates 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.

The campaign's top caller, archaeology student Lizzi Hollis, has raised over £70,000 in the two most recent campaigns which is 20% of the £395,000 raised through telethons this academic year.

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.'

Andy Wood, Director of Development and Alumni Relations said: "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."

In addition, staff who have generously signed up to the Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme have so far contributed almost £5,000 a year, which is enough to fund an extra project.

If you would like to contribute to the Annual Fund and in doing so help enhance the student experience, you can download the Give As You Earn form: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/humanresources/WorkingatReading/Pay/humres-Giveasyouearn.aspx. Use Charity Commission number x8145 and 'University of Reading' as the charity name.

If you have any questions relating to the form, please contact Becki McKinlay. Forms should be returned to the Development and Alumni Relations Office, Blandford Lodge, Whiteknights.