President Deborah F. Stanley (center) joined the Telefund callers two weeks before the end of the calling semester to congratulate them on their success. With a record-breaking night earlier in the semester, she addressed the importance of their fundraising and how it has impacted the campus. Callers included, front row from left, Andie LoSurdo ’08, Sarah Scouten ’08, Mary Beth McMenemon ’08, Emily Howse ’09, President Stanley, Felicia Maes ’09, Ashley Spinello ’09, Cortney Mosher ’07 and Associate Director of Annual Giving Jamie Stack Leszczynski ’04; and in the back row from left, Ashley Moran ’09, Molly Champlin ’08, Matt Murphy ’08, Liz Olin ’07, Sara Davidson ’09, Jeremy Briggs (graduate student), Team Leader Chris Thatcher ’08, Pat Collins ’08, Amy Strimas ’08, Erica Smith ’08 and Adam Seifts ’08.

After 50 days of calling more than 60,000 SUNY Oswego alumni, family and friends, the annual Telefund finished the semester $11,776 over the anticipated goal of $220,000.

As part of SUNY Oswego’s annual fund, the student Telefund plays a significant role in raising funds for programs on campus, scholarships, building renovations, computers and more.  The Telefund raised 37 percent of the Oswego College Foundation annual fund last fiscal year.

The Telefund kicked off the semester with 38 callers, but ended with 30 due to class workloads, according to Associate Director of Annual Giving Jamie Stack Leszczynski ’04. But those 30 callers worked hard to help their alma mater by making 90,323 calls.

Two students – Rasheda Oakman ’09 and Robin Dienhoffer ’09 – received the highest amount in pledges during the calling period. Oakman received $26,675 in pledges while Dienhoffer collected $21,280 in pledges for the spring 2007 semester.

Even after missing seven days due to the February snowstorm that closed campus for several days, the group still managed to introduce themselves and the annual Telefund program to 443 new donors, a 24 percent increase over last spring, Leszczynski said.

Earlier in the year, the Telefund was recognized for another success, a record-breaking total of pledges in one night. On Tuesday, Feb. 27, callers received $25,382, beating the previous record of $21,000. 

With the semester’s average pledge approximately $100, the Telefund closed its doors May 10 after collecting $231,776 in pledges for the spring 2007 semester.

Although the Telefund calling has ended, it’s not too late to donate to The Fund for Oswego. You, too, can still be a part of this year’s annual fund by making a donation on or before June 30. If you are interested in giving a gift to SUNY Oswego, or for further information, contact the development office at (315) 312-3003 or visit www.oswego.edu/giving.

—Emily King ’05