“We’re not just trying to raise funds; it’s also about keeping alumni connected to UM and building connections between current and future alumni,” says student caller Craig Alcala, an LSA senior. Telefund callers don’t conclude a call before asking, “Is there anything we can do for you?”

The question is genuine. Given the current economic crisis, Alcala notes, he speaks to alumni who may be unemployed or who anticipate losing their jobs. “In that case, we try to guide them to the Career Center and encourage them to get in touch with the resources available to UM alumni,” he says. Sometimes, the respondent is pleasantly surprised to be reminded of the help available from his or her alma mater, and may even end up deciding to make a small pledge within his or her means. “That happens to me a couple times a week,” Alcala says.

While the typical phone call lasts six to ten minutes, Alcala says it can be much shorter or longer. “Sometimes people just want to make a donation and get off the phone; other times they want to ask about a specific fund or something that’s happening on campus. If I don’t know the answer, I will always try to find it for them.”

Working at Michigan Telefund is a chance for students to build interpersonal skills and learn about fundraising. It can also be a golden opportunity to make contacts with alumni in their field. Neeharika Kalakota, a junior microbiology major, says she was surprised by how many alumni seemed interested in helping her career. “I talked to a girl who graduated last year who I contacted by email, and she has been helping with my medical school applications and choosing schools,” she says.

Telefund is SPH’s primary source for new alumni donors and it provides an invaluable resource for updating alumni contact and business information, says Sarah Tyran, SPH Annual Fund and Alumni Relations Manager. “Of course we would like alumni to choose to give to the school.” Tyran says. “However, it is our hope that each alum will at least use the call as an opportunity to make sure we have his or her most current information. Knowing where alums are and what they are doing allows us to connect in many meaningful ways.”

So the next time your phone rings and it’s a University of Michigan student caller, take a moment. Ask some questions. Find out what’s happening with your favorite department or program. You might learn something new—and you could change the world of a Michigan student.