Phonathon a chance to give back to University of Windsor

Neb Zachariah is used to giving her all. The second-year Master’s in Human Kinetics student earns high grades and excels as a member of the Lancer track and field team. She captured the gold medal in triple jump at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport championships in March 2011.

Zachariah has many tools in her arsenal to meet the high goals she has set for herself on the field and in the classroom, from supportive professors to the best spikes. Among the most valuable, though, is the $3,500 Blue and Gold Scholarship she earned as a top scholar-athlete.

“When I received the letter saying that I had won the scholarship, I was so excited. It made a huge difference,” she says.

“It covered part of my first semester’s tuition and almost all of second semester. Given how many hours I devote to school and practice, I really have no time or energy left for a job. Something would have suffered.”

In return, a grateful Zachariah decided to give the little extra time she did have to the 2010 Annual Giving phonathon team.

Each fall, this dedicated group of students spends eight weeks chatting with thousands of alumni and asking for their support.

“I feel like I am doing my part to contribute,” says Zachariah. “This is my way of giving back.”

University of Windsor president Alan Wildeman says that scholarships, research and classroom equipment, and library materials are just some of the campus initiatives that receive Annual Giving funds.

“When you donate to the University of Windsor, you are investing in the future of our students. You are helping them to be creative and successful through scholarships, facilities, and other resources that strengthen our campus, and are contributing to the pride we all share when we see the countless ways our students go on to contribute to the world we live in,” says Dr. Wildeman.

Mona Dosen, who co-ordinates the Annual Giving Program, says that the program is “an essential element in the University of Windsor’s formula for success, especially in times of tight budgets. “Since 1985, millions of dollars have been generated by thousands of alumni, friends, faculty and staff.”

Scholarships are a major focus of current fundraising efforts. In 2010/11, the University raised a total of $1,943,630 through the Ontario Trust for Student Support government-matching program.

The University’s faculty and staff are doing their part to lead the way, says Jonathan Braniff, vice president, University Advancement.

“Our faculty and staff campaign has been a wonderful success, with 31% participation and an average gift equalling more than $400,” he says. 

“This is tremendous and speaks to the commitment, dedication and support that our University receives through every department. Our University, alumni and community can all make an impact on this region and we are very excited to play a role in this transformation. Thank you for your investment in our future.”

So this fall, when your caller ID reads 519-253-3000, please pick up. It is opportunity calling – the opportunity to make a positive difference in the life a student, a researcher, and your alma mater.

The Annual Giving phonathon will run from the end of September to end of November 2011.