Alumni Council Alumni Fund Committee

1. About the Office of Annual Giving

2. Strengthening Puget Sound

3. The Alumni Fund and Class Agents

4. Calendar

5. Strategies for Successful Fundraising

6. Methods of making a gift

7. Following up after the solicitation

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Helpful Links

10. Contact list

 


The Office of Annual Giving

Annual Giving Mission

The Office of Annual Giving seeks to provide a steady source of unrestricted income to the university, to increase alumni participation, to build relationships between the university and all of its constituents, and to communicate the value of consistent annual gifts. Annual giving goals are measured by one fiscal cycle, which begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

In the 2010-11 fiscal year, the annual giving office aspires to raise $2,100,000* in unrestricted, budget-relieving dollars. This is a 5% increase from the 2009-10 total of $2,002,214. Despite the decrease from the 2007-08 total, the university has seen more than 99.7% growth since 2002.

The annual funds consist of three separate funds, derived from three separate sources:

Puget Sound Alumni Fund

The Puget Sound Alumni Fund is composed of unrestricted gifts from Puget Sound alumni. This includes undergraduate, graduate, and non-degreed alumni, as well as the graduating senior class.

Puget Sound Parents Fund

The Puget Sound Parents Fund is composed of unrestricted gifts from parents of students and of alumni.

Puget Sound Friends Fund

The Puget Sound Friends Fund is composed of unrestricted gifts from Puget Sound faculty and staff, engaged community members and individuals residing across the country.

* Pending Board of Trustee approval in September, 2010

The Office of Annual Giving uses many methods to engage alumni, parents, and friends. The Class Agent program is one example, other programs include:

  • Direct mail and e-mail solicitations sent to all alumni, parents, and friends;
  • Face-to-face personal solicitations conducted by annual giving staff members;
  • Puget Sound student Phonathon, which solicits gifts from Puget Sound alumni and parents;
  • Faculty/Staff Fundraising Committee, which works to engage Puget Sound colleagues;
  • Parents Fund Committee, which is composed of parent volunteers who solicit gifts from other Puget Sound parents;
  • Senior Class Gift Campaign, where students solicit fellow classmates for a small Alumni Fund during their senior year and a pledge to the Alumni Fund that leads in to their fifth reunion.

The President’s Leadership Society (PLS)

President Ronald R. Thomas established the President’s Leadership Society (PLS) as a way to recognize our donors. The PLS recognizes donors of $1,000 and above (prorated for those within nine years of graduation). PLS members are recognized by a personalized thank-you from the president, an invitation to the society’s annual recognition event, and specific listing in the President’s Annual Report.

 President’s Leadership Society

Membership Levels

 

President’s Cabinet                 $25,000 and up

President’s Circle                    $10,000 to $24,999

President’s Council                 $5,000 to $9,999

President’s Associates             $2,500 to $4,999

President’s Club                      $1,000 to $2,499

 

President’s Leadership Society and Young Alumni

Young alumni, who are defined as graduates within the last decade, are offered a special opportunity to join the President’s Leadership Society. Graduating seniors may join the President's Club with a gift of $100. Young alumni can join for $100 for each year after graduation (including their graduating year). For example, the class of 2009 can join the President’s Club for $400, the class of 2008 can join for $500, and the class of 2007 can join for $600 (and so on).

What the Puget Sound Alumni, Parents, and Friends Fund Support 

The Puget Sound Alumni Fund, Parents Fund, and Friends Fund comprise the university’s unrestricted annual funds. Annual fund dollars are expended in the fiscal year they are received and directly support the annual operating budget, including crucial funding for financial aid.

Auxiliary income, tuition, fees, room, and board provide 82% of the funds needed to operate the university over the course of one fiscal year; the other 18% is provided by auxiliary enterprises, interest income, and charitable giving derived from multiple sources, including gifts to the unrestricted Puget Sound funds.

Because the University of Puget Sound is a private non-profit institution and does not benefit from state or federal funding, it must rely on the generosity of private resources in order to meet budgetary needs. Gifts to the unrestricted Alumni, Parents, and Friends Funds enable the university to respond rapidly to changing circumstances, take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, and provide a buffer against times when endowment income is less than anticipated.

The Value of Increasing Every Annual Gift

Because the purpose of the annual fund is to compensate for gaps in the university’s budget, it’s important that our donors increase their giving just as inflation, financial aid need, and the quality and number of Puget Sound’s academic programs increase. When donors increase the amount of their annual Alumni Fund gift each year, they’ve taken an active step toward battling the rising cost of education while allowing the university to respond to increasing financial aid demands. Increasing each Alumni Fund gift above that of the previous year means deserving students at Puget Sound are able to afford the education they deserve and endowment income stays strong for the future.

 


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How Alumni Fund Dollars Strengthen Puget Sound

An exceptional university means a reputable diploma for Puget Sound alumni from every class year. Puget Sound strives to maintain its high standards of education and your work as a Class Agent positively affects your classmates, current students, and faculty. Gifts to the Alumni Fund provide financial aid, help retain the talented faculty and staff, enhance the impressive campus, and support Puget Sound’s many innovative academic programs.

Puget Sound is the only nationally-ranked liberal arts school in Western Washington and one of only two independent colleges in Washington granted a charter by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honorary.

Here are more reasons why Puget Sound alumni take pride in their alma mater:

  • Class sizes are small and faculty investment is great. Puget Sound maintains a faculty-to-student ratio of 11.5 to one. The average class size is 18 students and 90% of classes have less than 30 students.
  • Puget Sound graduates talented leaders. Graduating seniors at Puget Sound have earned nearly a dozen Fulbright awards in the last four years. Seven Watson fellowships have been awarded to Puget Sound seniors since 2002.
  • Students who deserve a Puget Sound education should have the opportunity. Approximately 65% of Puget Sound students qualify for need-based financial aid.

  • Admissions are competitive. The class of 2014 brings the highest number of applications on record (6,588). The admitted class of 2014 carries the highest SAT verbal average in the last three years (624.1). Over a third (36%) of this year’s enrolling freshman were in the top 10% of their high school class and 70% of students graduated in the top 25% of their high school class.
  • Puget Sound students care about their community and their world. Puget Sound has ranked in the top ten small schools producing Peace Corps graduates since 2001.
  • Puget Sound is concerned about their carbon footprint.  In 2007 President Ronald R. Thomas signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), committing to develop a plan to become “climate neutral” within two years. In August 2008, the first student residents moved into the Live Green House, a comprehensively renovated environmental student residence and learning center for campus and the regional community.

How Alumni Fund Donors Strengthen Puget Sound

Alumni participation is a percentage based on the number of alumni who make gifts to the university during the fiscal year. The participation rate is calculated by dividing the number of addressable alumni on record by the number of alumni that support Puget Sound.  

Increasing the number of alumni who give to Puget Sound every year is essential to the fiscal strength of the university.  Grant-making corporations and foundations use alumni participation as a significant measure of approval of the institution; a gift of $50, $500, or $5,000 can generate larger funding. Many ranking agencies, including U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review consider alumni participation when evaluating a university’s strength. The higher Puget Sound’s alumni participation rate is the more likely Puget Sound will be noted publicly for the excellent education it provides—adding value to all Puget Sound diplomas.

In 2008 U.S. News and World Report and our peers in higher education named Puget Sound one of the nation’s top "Up-and-Coming Institutions." U.S. News asked college officials to nominate institutions "that are making improvements in academics, faculty, students, campus life, diversity, and facilities," and are "worth watching because they are making promising and innovative changes."

 


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The Alumni Fund Committee and Class Agents

Associate Class Agents serve under the Head Class Agent. Five years of Head Class Agents serve under the Alumni Fund Committee members, and the Alumni Fund Committee members serve under the Alumni Fund Chair. Each class from 1955 and after is represented by two to six class agents who serve in multiple roles.

Reunion Gift Committees

Each Reunion Gift Committee is composed of Class Agents who represent their reunion year. Members of the Reunion Gift Committees carry the same duties as Class Agents; however the Reunion Gift Committees include additional agents so the greatest number of classmates are reached, asked for a reunion gift, and engaged in reunion programming.

The Puget Sound Alumni Fund Associate Class Agent seeks unrestricted contributions from Puget Sound classmates in support of the university’s annual operating budget. The Class Agent serves a term of two to five years. Duties include:

  • Making an annual gift to the Puget Sound Alumni Fund;
  • With the annual giving staff and Puget Sound Alumni Fund Committee, setting the annual dollar and participation goals for the class year represented;
  • Encouraging classmates to give and/or increase their support to the Puget Sound Alumni Fund by communicating the importance of gifts to and support of Puget Sound;
  • Drafting or editing of direct mail appeals (paper mail and e-mail) to fellow classmates;
  • Soliciting selected classmates;
  • Communicating with classmates and staff liaison on a regular basis.

The Puget Sound Alumni Fund Head Class Agent seeks unrestricted contributions from Puget Sound classmates in support of the university’s annual operating budget. The Class Agent serves a term of two to five years. Duties also include:

  • Leading the Associate Class Agents within class year by monitoring progress and mentoring when necessary.

Puget Sound Alumni Fund Committee Members work closely with the Office of Annual Giving, as well as the greater Alumni Council and the Chair of the Alumni Fund. Duties of this role include the duties listed for the Associate and Head Class Agents, as well as:

  • Management of fundraising activity for the Puget Sound Alumni Fund for a range of five classes (each committee member will be a member of a class that falls into the five year range).

 


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Calendar of Class Agent Activities 

While you are encouraged to contact your staff liaison at any time to discuss your duties, below is a general timeline of the fiscal year and when you’ll be asked to fulfill your role as a class agent.

Each Class Agent will receive, on a monthly basis, an electronic update of the progress of the Alumni Fund.

The Reunion Gift Chairs will receive, on a monthly basis, class giving statistics which they can share with their committee.

September:

  • September 14: Fall Class Agent Letter and E-mail #1—your staff liaison may ask you to review, edit, and sign the fall Class Agent direct mail appeal and e-mail appeal

October:

  • October 7: Alumni Council Meeting
  • October 8-10: Homecoming/Family Weekend
  • October 25: Fall Peer Phone Calling Phase—following the direct mail appeal, your staff liaison will be in contact to discuss your participation in the peer  phone calling solicitation phase

November:  

  • November 15: Fall Class Agent Letter and E-mail #2—your staff liaison may ask you to review, edit, and sign the fall Class Agent direct mail appeal and e-mail appeal
  • November 22:  Fall semester Class Agent peer-to-peer calling ends

January:

  • January 14: Winter Class Agent Letter and E-mail #3—your staff liaison may ask you to review, edit, and sign the winter Class Agent direct mail appeal and e-mail appeal
  • January 24-28: Reunion Gift Committee conference calls

March:

  • March 21: Spring Peer Phone Calling Phase—following the direct mail appeal, your staff liaison will be in contact to discuss your participation in the peer solicitation phase. This can include telephone calls
  • March 28: Spring Class Agent Letter and E-mail #4—your staff liaison may ask you to review, edit, and sign the spring Class Agent direct mail appeal and e-mail appeal

April: 

  • April 18: Spring semester Class Agent peer-to-peer calling ends

June:

  • June 2-3: Alumni Council Meeting:
  • June 3-4: Reunion Weekend (for classes ending in 6 and 1)
  • June 5: Alumni College

 


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Strategies for Successful Fundraising 

Whether it’s done by writing a letter or calling, all successful fundraisers adhere to specific guiding principles. Here are some strategies, guidelines, and lessons for your work.

  • Lead by example. Make your own gift or pledge to the Alumni Fund before beginning your fundraising efforts. Take this opportunity to reflect on your own motivations to give. Use this as common ground as you ask your classmates to join you in supporting the Puget Sound Alumni Fund.
  • Puget Sound Alumni Fund gifts are unrestricted. Gifts to the Alumni Fund are unrestricted but may be earmarked for the unrestricted financial aid within the overall annual fund.
  • Remember the fiscal year. The fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Gifts to the Alumni Fund must be received by June 30 to be recognized for this year’s Puget Sound Alumni Fund dollar and participation goals.
  • Prepare yourself to be a fundraiser. Know your audience. Is this someone you knew while at Puget Sound; is this someone you know now? What do you and this person have in common? What information about Puget Sound will be most appealing to them?
  • Practice confidentiality at all times. The information on your briefing sheets is highly confidential. Do not use this information for non-Alumni Fund purposes, leave the briefings where someone else can see them, or discuss the information or conversations with others. 
  • Speak your enthusiasm. If you’re committed to supporting Puget Sound and believe in the Alumni Fund, you’ll communicate that with your positive tone. It is important that your personality and enthusiasm for Puget Sound comes through in your solicitations. Let your classmates “hear” your smile!
  • Show that you’re listening and take notes! Listen for clues when your classmate is telling you how they feel about the university and provide information relative to their interests. Ask questions, paraphrase and repeat their words to verify a mutual understanding. Take notes throughout the call and report any new or useful details to your staff liaison.

Making a Successful Solicitation Call

The most effective solicitation calls follow a very basic structure. While the order does not have to be verbatim, it is important to include all aspects of this structure when soliciting your peers.

Prepare before you call. Pay special attention to their time zone, previous gift amounts and dates, if they increase their gift each year, and the amount you’ll be asking for this year. Be prepared to record any updated contact or employment information.

  • Introduce yourself. Use your full name (and maiden name if applicable) and class year. Share why you’re calling and what you’re calling about.

“Hi, John? This is Jane Doe from Puget Sound, class of ’80. How are you? I’m calling on behalf of the university today to talk about the university, our upcoming reunion (alumni college, etc.) and to talk about the Alumni Fund.”

  • Build rapport. Get to know the person on the other end of the line—their job, family, hobbies, and experiences at Puget Sound. Use open-ended questions to promote sharing; avoid questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no”. Encourage nostalgia by weaving in short personal stories as they share theirs.

“How have you been since college? Who are you in touch with from our class? Will you be coming to reunion? Tell me more about what you do! Do you remember when…?”

  • Make your case. Share information and statistics that connect this person's interests to the Puget Sound Alumni Fund. Include the goals for your class and the value of alumni participation.

“Being a teacher, you know how important a quality education is.  Imagine if every class room had just eleven students for each instructor. At Puget Sound…”

“I know Puget Sound was crucial in making me who I am today. There are so many students who deserve and desire the same experience we had, and they need our help. Will you join me in making a Puget Sound education possible for others by giving…?”

“I’m amazed by what happens at the university today! Alumni lead regional clubs across the nation. There’s an alumni college, reunion programming for every fifth year, and over 400 alumni like me volunteering as part of the alumni council. We have so much to be proud of. I’d like you to join me in showing the university that we support their work…”

  • Mention the President’s Leadership Society if applicable. Provide information on the President’s Leadership Society, including the benefits of joining.
  • Transition to “the ask”. Give a sentence or two about the value of their gift and always ask for a specific dollar amount. Use the ask amount provided (when applicable).

“To provide additional financial aid resources for today’s students, I’d like you to join me in supporting our alma mater by making a gift of $______.”

“…in honor of our 25th reunion, will you join me in making a gift of $___ to the Puget Sound Alumni Fund?”

  • Address any objections. Listen as they explain any concerns they may have about giving. Never argue; allow the objection to further your conversation. This will give you opportunities to offer assistance, provide additional reasons to support the Alumni Fund, and stress participation. See Dealing with Objections for ways to address concerns.
  • Repeat the process (if necessary). Not everyone gives on the first ask. Offer more reasons why giving is important and show that you’ve heard their objection by asking for a smaller amount.

“I realize last year was difficult for many of us. The university realizes this, too. The most important part of giving is just that…giving! Our class is seeking 50% participation this year. Would you consider a gift of $____ to show your Logger pride?”

  • Offer options. Pledges can be paid in installments and/or deferred until a later date within the fiscal year. Remember to ask if their employer offers a matching gift program.
  • Confirm the results. Be sure to restate amount, intended method of payment, that the gift is designated to the Alumni Fund, as well as any other applicable details.

“Wonderful! Just to confirm, I can tell the Annual Giving Office that you’ve made a pledge of $500 to the Alumni Fund, to be paid prior to June 30, 2011.”

  • Show gratitude. Be sure to show emphatic and enthusiastic thanks for their time and/or pledge or gift.

“Thank you for your support! It means a lot to me and our classmates, but it’s crucial to the success of the students who seek the same experience we benefitted from.”

Dealing with Objections

Objections are a natural component of any solicitation. As a Class Agent, you will hear many different reasons why an alumnus does not want to or is unable to support the Alumni Fund. Objections should never be taken personally; they are an opportunity to further the discussion and ensure your classmate has the information that will make their giving experience a comfortable experience.

When the objection has been stated it is best that you do not immediately try to fix the issue. Restate the objection back to the alumnus so you know you heard it correctly and they hear it again themselves. This may help them reiterate the objection with more clarity. Once the objection has been clearly stated, it is your chance to provide additional information that may change their feelings about the university or making a gift.

Below are some common objections and suggested responses:

  • I’m not interested.” (This is the most common objection and one that lends itself well toward further discussion.)

“I’m sorry that you’re not interested. Part of my job as a Class Agent is to listen to the thoughts and opinions of alumni, so if you’d like to share with me how you’re feeling about the university, I’m all ears!

Depending on their response to this comment, you will know which direction to take the conversation. You may be able to relate a similar feeling or thought. The more you understand your classmate and the better they know and trust you, the more likely you are to help them get past their concern and help them see that making a gift is beneficial to the university and students.

  • “I already gave.” (Although you will not hear this often, there will be times that you will.)

“Wonderful! Thank you! Sometimes our solicitation efforts overlap or cross in the mail. The university really appreciates your support.”

  • I can’t afford to give right now because of… (illness, birth, retirement, wedding, etc.)” (Congratulate them or empathize appropriately with them in your initial reply.)

“I understand when other commitments and priorities drive your decisions. The most important thing is to have your participation. Collectively, gifts from alumni are very impactful; perhaps you would consider $_________ (negotiate down to a lower level). Also, making pledge payment installments are an option; perhaps these would make it easier for you?”

Additional common objections and suggested responses:

  • “I’ve got kids in college myself.”

“That’s wonderful! Where do they go?” (Additional rapport is being created)

“I can certainly understand your situation. Collectively, gifts from alumni have tremendous impact. When you were at Puget Sound, gifts from alumni helped to supplement tuition costs for you and your family. Perhaps you would consider a smaller gift of $_________.

  • “I don’t like giving to unrestricted funds.” or “I only give to the XYZ department/club.”

(This statement is not necessarily an objection; they just need more information. Their preference may be to give to financial aid.)

“I understand your desire to further this particular area of the university, however by giving to the Alumni Fund you are funding their preference as well as the entire Puget Sound experience. Each student and every part of the university will benefit.”

“Your support of  their preference is always appreciated. Would you consider splitting your gift between the Alumni Fund and their preference? If you were to make a split gift, you would be benefiting  their preference as well as the entire university.

“Perhaps you would like to earmark your gift to financial aid within the Alumni Fund.”

  • The only time I ever hear from the university is when they want money!”

“I’m sorry you feel that way. The university tries very hard to stay in touch with alumni through Arches, newsletters and other mailing, as well as regional alumni events, Logger[net], and various other campus and outreach programs. Are you receiving Arches Magazine?” (If they answer no, verify their home and e-mail address).

  • “I don’t give money over the phone.” (Only gifts made on credit card are received over the phone. Ask your classmate to make a pledge.)
  •  “I want to give to the university, but unrestricted giving does not interest me.”

(Restricted gifts are not part of the Alumni Fund. If a classmate is adamant about directing their gift elsewhere, ask if they’d consider donating at least a small portion to the Alumni Fund. They can also direct their gift to go toward financial aid within the Alumni Fund.)

  • Puget Sound just needs to tighten its belt.”

 “Puget Sound thrives to control its expenditures. Every student’s education is supported by the university over and above what is charged in tuition and fees. In order to meet increased financial aid need, an additional $3,000,000 of the 2009-10 operational budget was allotted to financial aid, and tuition increases for 2010-11 were the lowest in over a decade. It is imperative that Puget Sound remains competitive for students and faculty and is fiscally healthy. A portion of that fiscal health comes by way of gifts from Puget Sound alumni, parents, and friends.”

  • I have competing philanthropic priorities.”

“I can understand that many organizations are worthy of your support and that Puget Sound may not be at the top of your philanthropic priority list. It isn’t unusual for alumni to give to the Puget Sound Alumni Fund and other organizations as well. Would you consider a participation gift?”

 


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Methods of Making a Gift

Gifts on Credit Card and by Check

The university does accept personal checks. However, gifts via credit card ensure the money can go to use immediately. Giving via credit card saves additional postage and ensures the commitment is fulfilled. The university accepts all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, and Discover. When you receive the donor’s information, be sure to collect their card number, name as it reads on the card, and the expiration date. Please immediately call credit card information in to your staff liaison; do not e-mail or fax credit card information. If the donor would prefer, they may enter their own credit card gift on our secure giving site (see below).  To make a gift using a personal check, please see the mailing address below.

Accepting and Recording Pledges

Many of your peers may have a gift amount in mind, but may not be able to fulfill immediately. Unless they specify otherwise, be sure to tell your classmates that helpful monthly reminders will be sent until the pledge is fulfilled. Verify the amount, the payment date(s), the intended method of payment, and be sure to take notes and share with your staff liaison immediately.

Mailing Gifts:

Online Giving:

Phoning Gifts /Pledges:

Mail gifts to:

1500 N. Warner St.
CMB 1067
Tacoma, WA 98416-1067

 

Visit our secure giving page at:

             giveto.pugetsound.edu

 

 

1.866.GO.LOGGERS
or
253.879.2923


Corporate Matching Gifts

Each organization varies; all matching gift questions should be directed to the appropriate human resources office. Matching gifts are a great way to increase your gift amount and count toward the President’s Leadership Society giving levels. To find out if your company matches, please visit our online giving form at matchinggifts.com/ups/.

Gifts of Stock

To make a gift of securities or stock, please contact the Assistant Director of University Relations Information Services at 253.879.3603.

Bequests and Planned Gifts

For more information on planned giving options, please contact Renee Kurdzos, Development and Planned Giving Officer, at 253.879.3482 or refer to the appendices.

Bequests and Planned Giving Options

Sometimes a fellow classmate will express a desire to support Puget Sound at a greater level, but cannot do so at this time due to the financial climate, lack of liquid assets, or concern about providing for his or her family. Suggesting a planned gift is a wonderful way to communicate additional giving options to your classmates. In your conversations you may, at times, hear queues within your exchange that may indicate that your class mate may be a prime candidate for a bequest or planned gift.

Types of Planned Gifts

Gifts for the Present
These are gifts the donor is able to give currently and that Puget Sound can use now to fund scholarships, faculty initiatives, or building projects. Types of gifts include cash, stock (both commonly traded and closely held), real estate, tangible property (books, musical instruments), life insurance, and charitable lead trusts.

Examples you may hear in conversations with fellow class mates:

“My money’s all tied up in investments.”

“I inherited a cabin which I never visit. It’s somewhat of a burden to own.”

“We used to winter in our home in Palm Springs but lately haven’t been up to making the trip.”

Gifts for the Future
These are gifts that a donor pledges now, through a bequest in their living will or trust, or through a beneficiary designation in a retirement fund or life insurance policy. All the assets listed above in “gifts for the present” can also be given in this manner. The main benefit to the donor is that they maintain control of the asset throughout their lifetime, which may allow them to better plan for healthcare needs or gifts to children and grandchildren.

Example: Donors who want to make a major gift under a will or other estate plan:

“I love what you do and would give Puget Sound everything I have, if I could.  But that’s not possible right now.”

Gifts that Give Back
For donors that would like to make a gift to Puget Sound in their lifetime, but also need to plan for future, there is a third option. By setting up a gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust, the donor can gift any of the assets mentioned above and receive income for the rest of your life, for a term of years, or have income payments set up for a relative or close friend. 

Example: Donors who are worried about retirement planning and/or have assets producing no income: “We have some stock that has really gone up in value but has never really paid off.”


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Following-up After the Solicitation 

It is important to keep a record of each call you make and whether or not you were able to contact that person. Be sure to verify that you’ve communicated all results to your staff liaison once a peer has been reached and the call completed. You may track your calls in whatever method you choose, but it’s important to keep record of:

  • Date and time of day call was made.
  • Details of the message you left (if applicable).
  • All details of the conversation, including biographical information like a new job or home.
  • The outcome of the call (including all pledge and gift information).
  • Notation of the follow-up messages sent (to both donor and staff liaison).

Following-Up with your Staff Liaison

  • When the alumnus makes a pledge or gift, call your staff liaison immediately. Information on pledges and incoming gifts can be relayed through e-mail or phone. Any gift paid by credit card must be phoned in to an annual giving staff member immediately.
  • When the alumnus declines, record the reason for the decline and share that when you follow-up with your staff liaison.
  • When the alumnus gives you updated information, call or e-mail your staff liaison as soon as possible. Be sure to take accurate and legible notes of all updated information. It’s best to report updated information via e-mail to establish a written record. If the new information accompanies secure giving information, both should be relayed over the phone.

Following-Up with your Peers

After you have contacted and solicited your classmate, please acknowledge their time and/or gift with a personal note or e-mail. All calls must be acknowledged regardless of their result. When appropriate, use this opportunity to confirm all gift and pledge information and to reiterate the value of their gift.

 


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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make a gift to the Puget Sound Alumni Fund by directly calling someone who works at the university?

You can call your staff liaison directly, or call (toll free) 1.866.GO.LOGGERS and an annual giving assistant will help you.

  • Can I make gifts of stock to the university?

There are many advantages in making gifts of appreciated stock or securities and there are specific directions for making this type of gift. To make a gift of stock, phone the university’s gift processing department at 253.879.3603.

  • How do I know if my employer matches gifts?

This information can be accessed by contacting the employer’s human resources office, or by using the Office of Annual Giving’s online service. For more information, visit our online giving form at matchinggifts.com/ups/.

  • One of my classmates would like more information on becoming a Class Agent. Who should they contact?

If other alumni are interested in joining the Class Agent program, they are encouraged to contact the Office of Annual Giving directly. Information on annual giving staff members and their assigned class years can be found at the back of this handbook.

  • What if someone I speak with offers to give, but is unable to commit to a specific amount?

While it’s important to commit to a specific amount, it’s also important to serve as positive and understanding customer service agents. Kindly thank them for their time, record all necessary information, and e-mail or call your staff liaison to give more details on the outcome of the call.

 


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Helpful Links

o   To make a donation: http://giveto.ups.edu

o   Information on the Puget Sound Funds:

http://www.pugetsound.edu/engage--invest/giving/the-puget-sound-fund/

o   Reunion Weekend 2010: http://www.pugetsound.edu/gateways/alumni/events/summer-reunion-weekend/

o   Upcoming alumni events: http://www.pugetsound.edu/gateways/alumni/events/

o   Logger[net]: http://www.alumniconnections.com/loggernet/

o   Campus News: http://www.pugetsound.edu/news-and-events/campus-news/

o   Information on Volunteer Opportunities: http://www.pugetsound.edu/gateways/alumni/volunteer-opportunities/

o   Alumni Benefits and Resources: http://www.pugetsound.edu/gateways/alumni/resources--benefits/

o   Quick Facts about the university: http://www.pugetsound.edu/about/facts-figures/

o   Arches online: http://www2.ups.edu/arches/

o   Admissions: http://www.pugetsound.edu/admission/

o   Online directory of university relations staff: http://www.pugetsound.edu/engage--invest/contact-university-relations-s/

o   Virtual Tour of Campus: http://www.pugetsound.edu/virtual-tour/

 


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Contact information: Office of Annual Giving

Annual Giving Staff Liaisons

        Office of Annual Giving

Abbie L. Larson
Director of Annual Giving

253.879.3502

allarson2@pugetsound.edu

Class years: 1985-1989

University of Puget Sound

1500 N. Warner Street
Tacoma, WA 98416-1056
Phone: 253.879.2923

 

Debbie Loomis
Associate Director of Annual Giving

253.879.2921

dloomis@pugetsound.edu

Class years: 1965-1984, 1990-1999

Toll Free: 866.GO.LOGGERS

Fax: 253-879-2926

alumnifund@pugetsound.edu

 

Open
Assistant Director of Annual Giving

253.879.xxxx

xxxx@pugetsound.edu

Class years: 2000-2010

Office Staff:

Laurie Humphrey P’09

Annual Giving Office Manager

253.879.2647

 

 

Open
Assistant Director of Annual Giving

253.879.xxxx

xxxx@pugetsound.edu

Class years: 1950-1964

Carol Lasley

Annual Giving Assistant

253.879.3184

 

Julie Frazier

Annual Giving Assistant

253.879.2923

 

 

 

 

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