Last fall’s phonathon, on behalf of the College’s Annual Fund in an effort to raise much-needed dollars to assist our students with scholarships and research stipends, to support new library acquisitions, and much more, was a success. Student, staff, and alumni callers* took to the phones, over ten evenings, to reach out to alumni for their support this academic year, and our alumni heeded the call, pledging over $20,000.
Callers worked diligently to reach as many alumni as possible, especially those celebrating graduation anniversary years: the classes of 1999, 1989, and 1984. These classes rose to the occasion with generous pledges, often sharing how their education at CSI has been invaluable in their careers and subsequent successes. In turn, our student callers shared their current CSI experiences with interested alumni, keeping them connected to what is happening on campus now.
Alumna Debra Santulli-Barone ’07, a longtime phonathon worker, knows first-hand how important raising Annual Fund dollars is for our students. “As a scholarship recipient (during her undergraduate days), I am grateful for the generosity of our alumni. If it wasn’t for their pledges, my fellow students and I would find it hard to continue our education…my enjoyment comes from training new callers, watching their delight when they obtain a donation, and by being part of making CSI a success.”
One first-time donor made a generous pledge, relating how instrumental CSI had been in establishing her career path and, as a result, wishing to give back so that other students could benefit. Past generations of students giving to the current generation is the essence of our phonathon.
The College thanks everyone who participated in this worthy effort. We could not have done it without them.
It’s never too late to make a donation. For more information about how to donate to the Annual Fund to benefit our students, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 718.982.2365.
*Phonathon callers included: CSI students Timothy Adorno, Elizabeth Aguirre, Brunhilda Caldone, Nicholas Capparo, Deryn Cro, Meagan Derbyshire, Reham Hassan, John Joshua, Nicholas Kusha, Marybeth Melendez, Cora-Ann O’Regan, Alana Pagano, Lorraine Perez, Jonathan Rossi, Suzie Sky, Jolanta Smulski, Denise Spoto, and Daniel Sternberg; CSI staff members Barbara Terrusa and Barbara Volpe; CSI Alumni Board members Marietta DeLuca ’74, ’85 and Linda Dianto ’69,’71,’74; and CSI alumna Debra Santulli-Barone ’07.
By Jennifer Lynch; edited by Terry Mares
