Students Engage Alumni to Support CSU
The next time your phone rings, it might be Cleveland State calling. The University strives to keep in contact with alumni through social media, email and yes, even mail and telephone. At the front line of telephone communication are 30 student employees seeking alumni support for the CSU Annual Fund while earning money to help pay for their own education.
From August through May, CSU’s 15-station phone center is humming with activity Sunday through Thursday evenings. And the results are impressive.
As of mid-April, student/alumni phone chats have raised nearly $259,000 with more than 3,100 pledges. The tally for phone center student supervisor T.J. Jaber is nearly $37,000.
“I believe we’re having a huge impact,” says Jaber. “We’re helping alumni stay connected with CSU, raising money that will help our fellow students pursue their educational goals, and helping ourselves by taking advantage of the advice and wisdom that our alumni share.”
T.J. Jaber
A junior majoring in pre-medicine/health sciences, Jaber came to CSU from his homeland of Jordan and hopes to become a cardiac surgeon. The alumni connection provided by his phone center job has enriched his Viking experience.
“Our alumni are wonderful people who appreciate their education and CSU. They have life experience and have achieved a lot. I love hearing about their time on campus and getting their insight on career success while making them aware of what’s happening at the University,” he says.
CSU’s Annual Fund is an opportunity for alumni to say thank you for their education through a gift of any size to their favorite CSU College or the University in general. Annual Fund gifts support areas of greatest need. However, donors may direct their gift to support student scholarships, faculty development, academic programs, and more.
The Annual Fund also is an opportunity for graduates to explore ways in which to become active with the University and the Alumni Association. (Learn more, or make your gift at csuohio.edu/giving)
Before calling begins, students are trained in basic fund-raising techniques, telephone etiquette and establishing rapport with alumni. They also are provided extensive information on the University and each of its Colleges so they can easily converse with alumni and answer questions.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
“I spoke with an alumnus who shared his life story, including traveling alone at age 16 from England to his new life near Cleveland. He sent me a complimentary copy of his autobiography, demonstrating his generosity in helping people travel through the maze of life.”
Samantha Knapp, Junior, Psychology/Criminal Justice Major
“I talked with an alumna for more than 20 minutes — I never wanted it to end. She expanded my horizon on what I can do with my degree and gave me names of companies and places to apply. She left me feeling more excited than ever to pursue my future career.”
Stacey Sinwald, Senior, Psychology Major
“I called a teacher who suggested I contact her school about shadowing her. I was touched that she was willing to help me out just from talking to me over the phone.”
Katie Cuevas, Freshman, English Major
Also in This Issue...
The Dollars (and Sense) of Higher Education
CSU tackles rising costs and low degree rates by speeding time to graduation, expanding financial aid, and reducing student debt.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Learning Commons Promotes Collaboration
Peek into the new Judy and Robert H. Rawson, Jr. Learning Commons in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and you might marvel at what you see.
Fostering Hope and Student Success
Without family, emotional and financial support, and skills to make it on their own, the prospects for success are indeed grim for emancipated foster youth. That’s where CSU and insightful donors are making a world of difference.
A Message from the President
President Berkman applauds CSU’s resilience amid challenges, empowering "Engaged Learning" across campus — from hybrid classes and Zoom to labs and dorms — united in community strength.
AHA! CSU Hosts Arts and Humanities Festival
Immerse yourself in books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas at CSU’s inaugural Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival, taking place Wednesday through Friday, June 7-9.
Kudos to Cleveland State
Campus International School, the innovative partnership between CSU and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, continues to earn national notice, receiving the Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Impact Award from the Council of Great City Schools.
New on Campus
CSU has unveiled new facilities and resources: upgraded labs, smart classrooms, improved residence halls, and renovated student spaces — all enhancing learning, research, and campus life.
Nursing Collaborations Enhance Health Care
CSU and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center are expanding their collaborations to bolster the academic and medical hub in the Campus District.
Serving Those Who Served
They served their country. Now Cleveland State University is serving veterans by helping them transition from the military to civilian life and college student.
Lift Up Vikes! Lifts Spirits and Lives
Cleveland State University is committed to student success. But what if students who are hungry to learn are also just plain hungry?
Undergrads Hone Research Skills
It’s almost summer and most CSU students will be taking a break from classes and studying. But not 59 students who were selected for participation in the 2017 Undergraduate Summer Research Award Program, funded by the CSU Office of Research.
Campaign is Over-the-Top Success
Publicly launched two years ago, ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, was the first-ever fundraising effort of its kind for the University.
Alumni Recognition Awards
The Fenn Tower ballroom was sizzling – and not because it was 60-plus degrees on a mid-January evening. It was sizzling with excitement, cheers and applause as the audience saluted the first recipients of CSU’s Alumni Recognition Awards.
Leadership and Empowerment in the Spotlight at Women’s Symposium
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 500-plus participants felt following CSU’s third annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Be Amazing.”
On the Road with CSUAA
It was fun in the sun – five times over – when the Alumni Association traveled to Texas, Florida and Arizona to engage with graduates at special events.
Vowed Vikings Share Love Stories
Love was in the air…and the Alumni Association celebrated by asking Vikings to share their love stories.
Class Notes – Summer 2017
The Dollars (and Sense) of Higher Education
CSU tackles rising costs and low degree rates by speeding time to graduation, expanding financial aid, and reducing student debt.
Fostering Hope and Student Success
Without family, emotional and financial support, and skills to make it on their own, the prospects for success are indeed grim for emancipated foster youth. That’s where CSU and insightful donors are making a world of difference.
AHA! CSU Hosts Arts and Humanities Festival
Immerse yourself in books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas at CSU’s inaugural Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival, taking place Wednesday through Friday, June 7-9.
New on Campus
CSU has unveiled new facilities and resources: upgraded labs, smart classrooms, improved residence halls, and renovated student spaces — all enhancing learning, research, and campus life.
Serving Those Who Served
They served their country. Now Cleveland State University is serving veterans by helping them transition from the military to civilian life and college student.
Undergrads Hone Research Skills
It’s almost summer and most CSU students will be taking a break from classes and studying. But not 59 students who were selected for participation in the 2017 Undergraduate Summer Research Award Program, funded by the CSU Office of Research.
Alumni Recognition Awards
The Fenn Tower ballroom was sizzling – and not because it was 60-plus degrees on a mid-January evening. It was sizzling with excitement, cheers and applause as the audience saluted the first recipients of CSU’s Alumni Recognition Awards.
On the Road with CSUAA
It was fun in the sun – five times over – when the Alumni Association traveled to Texas, Florida and Arizona to engage with graduates at special events.
Class Notes – Summer 2017
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Learning Commons Promotes Collaboration
Peek into the new Judy and Robert H. Rawson, Jr. Learning Commons in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and you might marvel at what you see.
A Message from the President
President Berkman applauds CSU’s resilience amid challenges, empowering "Engaged Learning" across campus — from hybrid classes and Zoom to labs and dorms — united in community strength.
Kudos to Cleveland State
Campus International School, the innovative partnership between CSU and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, continues to earn national notice, receiving the Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Impact Award from the Council of Great City Schools.
Nursing Collaborations Enhance Health Care
CSU and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center are expanding their collaborations to bolster the academic and medical hub in the Campus District.
Lift Up Vikes! Lifts Spirits and Lives
Cleveland State University is committed to student success. But what if students who are hungry to learn are also just plain hungry?
Campaign is Over-the-Top Success
Publicly launched two years ago, ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, was the first-ever fundraising effort of its kind for the University.
Leadership and Empowerment in the Spotlight at Women’s Symposium
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 500-plus participants felt following CSU’s third annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Be Amazing.”
Vowed Vikings Share Love Stories
Love was in the air…and the Alumni Association celebrated by asking Vikings to share their love stories.
The Dollars (and Sense) of Higher Education
CSU tackles rising costs and low degree rates by speeding time to graduation, expanding financial aid, and reducing student debt.
A Message from the President
President Berkman applauds CSU’s resilience amid challenges, empowering "Engaged Learning" across campus — from hybrid classes and Zoom to labs and dorms — united in community strength.
New on Campus
CSU has unveiled new facilities and resources: upgraded labs, smart classrooms, improved residence halls, and renovated student spaces — all enhancing learning, research, and campus life.
Lift Up Vikes! Lifts Spirits and Lives
Cleveland State University is committed to student success. But what if students who are hungry to learn are also just plain hungry?
Alumni Recognition Awards
The Fenn Tower ballroom was sizzling – and not because it was 60-plus degrees on a mid-January evening. It was sizzling with excitement, cheers and applause as the audience saluted the first recipients of CSU’s Alumni Recognition Awards.
Vowed Vikings Share Love Stories
Love was in the air…and the Alumni Association celebrated by asking Vikings to share their love stories.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Learning Commons Promotes Collaboration
Peek into the new Judy and Robert H. Rawson, Jr. Learning Commons in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and you might marvel at what you see.
AHA! CSU Hosts Arts and Humanities Festival
Immerse yourself in books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas at CSU’s inaugural Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival, taking place Wednesday through Friday, June 7-9.
Nursing Collaborations Enhance Health Care
CSU and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center are expanding their collaborations to bolster the academic and medical hub in the Campus District.
Undergrads Hone Research Skills
It’s almost summer and most CSU students will be taking a break from classes and studying. But not 59 students who were selected for participation in the 2017 Undergraduate Summer Research Award Program, funded by the CSU Office of Research.
Leadership and Empowerment in the Spotlight at Women’s Symposium
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 500-plus participants felt following CSU’s third annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Be Amazing.”
Class Notes – Summer 2017
Fostering Hope and Student Success
Without family, emotional and financial support, and skills to make it on their own, the prospects for success are indeed grim for emancipated foster youth. That’s where CSU and insightful donors are making a world of difference.
Kudos to Cleveland State
Campus International School, the innovative partnership between CSU and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, continues to earn national notice, receiving the Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Impact Award from the Council of Great City Schools.
Serving Those Who Served
They served their country. Now Cleveland State University is serving veterans by helping them transition from the military to civilian life and college student.
Campaign is Over-the-Top Success
Publicly launched two years ago, ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, was the first-ever fundraising effort of its kind for the University.
On the Road with CSUAA
It was fun in the sun – five times over – when the Alumni Association traveled to Texas, Florida and Arizona to engage with graduates at special events.