|
On
The Line
More
than just a phone call — I was inspired by our successful
alumnae and learned the crucial role alumnae play in Barnard's
well-being.
Julie
Yang '08 devoted a month to working with The Barnard Fund's
phone campaign this summer. The third year English major decided
to participate in the phone campaign for the opportunity to
speak to alumnae and increase alumnae participation. In the
process, Yang learned a few things. Below, she shares those
lessons.
- I realized that fundraising by a woman's college presents unique challenges.
A number of Barnard graduates who are married—whether they work or are stay-at-home moms—leave the financial decisions up to their husband. Often in those cases, donations go only to the husband's alma mater.
- I learned about the geographic and professional diversity of our alumnae.
New York City is a big part of the Barnard experience and continues to be home to many alumnae. The majority of young alumnae have chosen to stay near Barnard, settling in and around New York City. It was inspiring to speak to alumnae who were active in a diverse range of fields, and who were able to successfully manage a career while raising children. Hearing from alumnae gave me the confidence to accomplish my career goals while confirming the belief that women can have their own careers while raising children—that is indeed a happy reality.
- I discovered the importance of building a relationship between the College and the alumnae. As a caller, various alumnae shared their news with me—one informed me of the recent birth of her baby girl, another had just sent her son to college. There was bad news as well, but it shed light on life outside Barnard: one alumna had just been laid off from work, while another was experiencing the loss of a family member. These phone calls provide the College, as well as current students, with the chance to congratulate the alumna on her new baby, to suggest the College's Office of Career Development as a resource during her job hunt, or offer our condolences on a recent loss. I can see how communicating in this way, even on an annual basis, maintains the connection within the Barnard community.
- I understand now that every little bit helps. Recent graduates believed that "every little bit helps" and paid contributions despite their student debt and entry-level wages. Although ten dollars barely covers a student meal in the Hewitt dining hall, with matching gift programs and alumnae participation rates considered in college rankings, those ten dollars go a long way.
—Julie Yang '08 |
