Life on Campus: Working the Phones at RMU

Every Monday and Wednesday night, I head down to my work-study job on the Robert Morris University campus.  

I’m a Phonathon caller for the university, which means I call alumni, update them on news about the school and ask them for pledges. It’s awesome to be able to talk to alumni and ask them about their time at RMU. From talking with them, I learn about how the school has changed during the years, and I love to hear their positive reactions when I tell them about what’s new on campus.

Phonathon raises around $65,000 annually in direct donations for the university. Your mission as the caller: Spread the word about RMU to alumni and drive in donations into the school. 

Most donations made to RMU through Phonathon are given to the President’s Fund for Engaged Learning, which funds student scholarships, study abroad trips, and technology around campus. Other donations go to the Dean’s Fund for different majors, athletics and other funds.

But alumni aren’t the only ones who pledge to RMU.  

“Anybody can donate,” said Scott Irlbacher, an annual giving assistant at the university. “The most common donors if not alumni are parents or fans of RMU sports teams.” 

I enjoy working at Phonathon because it’s interesting to talk to people about how they’ve succeeded after college and what they have accomplished with their RMU degree.  When a Phonathon student calls me after I graduate, I hope I can tell them what I’ve done with my degree and give them advice!