Brendan Pilgrim, third-year Spanish student, is one of many Annual Fund student callers

Bailey Berlett (BKin ‘09) knows first-hand the importance of the Annual Fund at Brock University.

The recent graduate and former Annual Fund caller has personally used the facilities and services on campus that are made possible through contributions by alumni, parents and staff.

As a student Annual Fund caller, Bailey said she had “the opportunity to speak to countless alumni with amazing life experiences, update them on campus life and let them know how much students appreciate the contributions they make towards Brock.”

Last year, the Annual Fund raised $1.3 million towards the $75-million Campaign for a Bold New Brock. Of that, $115,000 was raised through gifts of $100 or less. The campaign is raising funds to increase endowments for student financial assistance, invest in teaching and research facilities, expand knowledge, and empower faculty as educator-researchers and innovators.

Student callers are often intimidated and uncomfortable when they first start asking alumni to donate to Brock.

“But after a few calls they realize that Brock’s alumni enjoyed their time here and are more than willing to support the university,” said Shannon Gill (BBA ’95, BA ’00), manager of the Annual Fund. “The students get a great deal of satisfaction from reconnecting alumni to Brock, hearing about their memories, and updating them about changes to the campus.”

As one graduate put it: “The caller had me all jazzed up about Brock University all over again with her descriptions of all the changes (and how Brock once was). I love Brock University and I have benefited from the university with both my education and my own experience with student clubs, groups and organizations.”

In recognition of National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 15, Annual Fund student callers phoned Brock University donors to thank them for their continued support.

“The calls were well received,” said Gill. “Donors were appreciative of the gesture and enjoyed speaking with the students. Some were surprised we were calling to simply thank them.”

If you’re a Brock grad, you’ll be receiving a call about the Annual Fund soon, if you haven’t already. To find out more about the Annual Fund, visit us at brocku.ca/annual-fund To make your annual gift securely online, please visit brocku.ca/donate