Don’t try to keep up with Logan Carmichael BA ’17.
The newly minted Law and Politics grad is a runner of races, a donor of time and goodwill, a would-be diplomat, a researcher and ... she’s dynamite on the phone.
Carmichael has chatted with countless alumni over the past few years as a caller with the University of Windsor’s annual Alumni and Friends Phonathon.
The phonathon, a key part of the Annual Giving Program (AGP), takes place each September with student callers reaching out to thousands of UWindsor alumni and friends, seeking donations both large and small.
Funds raised are targeted to scholarships and such other campus initiatives as research equipment, library resources or enhanced learning spaces, says Patti Lauzon, Alumni and Donor Communications director.
The value of AGP is something that Carmichael knows of first-hand. “During my time at the university, I received Political Science and Entrance scholarships funded through the AGP.
“I was incredibly fortunate to receive these scholarships. It was a great feeling to be rewarded for my hard work and to offset the financial burden of achieving a post-secondary education. I am so thankful to the AGP.”
Carmichael is a stellar example of the sort of student to whose success alumni feel positive making a contribution.
She was the 2017 President’s Medal winner as the graduating student who made an outstanding contribution to campus activities while maintaining a superior academic record.
The Windsor Lancer middle-distance runner’s “Another Mile Sneakers” project passes on gently used athletic footwear to aspiring athletes in needy countries.
In her “spare” time, she also mentored first-year students through the Connecting4Success program.
Carmichael, who first signed on as a caller as a member of the Windsor Lancers track and field team, says that her favourite part of participating “was the meaningful interactions I had with alumni.
“Even if we spoke only for a few minutes—although often, it was much longer—it was so great to get a glimpse into their lives and hear what they have done since graduating. It was encouraging to see that the same successes that have been enjoyed by our alumni could also be a possibility for me.”
The success of the Annual Giving Program depends on participation, says Lauzon. “Whatever you can contribute, every dollar makes a difference in the lives of UWindsor students and, ultimately, strengthens their connection with their alma mater.”
Carmichael, who plans to seek out a career that combines her interests in sports, diplomacy and Eastern Europe, says that the AGP is so important “because it provides a win-win situation for alumni, students, and the university as a whole.
“It offers alumni the opportunity to remain connected and give back to an institution that has likely played a pivotal role in their lives, while students and the university campus benefit directly from the gifts given by these alumni.”
VIEW Magazine is produced by the University of Windsor Office of Public Affairs in tandem with the Office of Alumni and Donor Communications. Our goal is to connect and inspire the UWindsor community through news and stories that build pride in our alumni, current students, faculty, staff, donors and friends.
