Meaningful Connections
Annual gifts are essential to the journey of learning at the University of Houston and fuel the power behind new ideas and innovations. Student callers in the UH Call Center (Coogs Calling Coogs) play a pivotal role in helping the University secure resources for student and academic programs. We recently caught up with one of these dedicated student caller supervisors, Erica Petersen, who shares her insight on why the Coogs Calling Coogs program is so important to her and the University.
Q: What was the guiding factor in your decision to attend UH?
A:Being from Houston, UH made the most sense financially. I applied to a couple of out-of-state colleges, but even with financial aid, the cost would have posed significant hardships.
Q: How do you encourage alumni to give back to the University?
A:I really stress how alumni participation is considered as a factor in university rankings; U.S News and World Report, and how their giving publically demonstrates pride in the University. I also convey that it is not the amount that matters, but the fact that they give back to their alma-mater.
Q: How has your participation in the Coogs Calling Coogs program shaped your views towards philanthropy?
A: I realize the impact that giving has on current students who are struggling financially and really believe that donors’ generosity helps pave the way for future student success.
Q: In your conversations with Alumni, are there any particular moments that stand out?
A: When I was talking with one particular prospect, I discovered that she had been baptized in the same church where I was baptized, some forty years ago. It’s fostering connections like these that make my time in the Coogs Calling Coogs program so rewarding.
Q:What do you believe are the rewards of participating in the Coogs Calling Coogs program?
A:I have really enjoyed getting-to-know the alumni. They are always so willing to share and give helpful advice. During one of my calls, an alum who now works at the Bauer College of Business encouraged me to pursue a minor in marketing. I decided to follow his advice and am amazed how much my studies in marketing are complimenting my major in Human Development and Family Studies.
Q: In your opinion, why is the Coogs Calling Coogs program important to the University?
A:Being a student, among many, who works to supplement my education, I really am thankful for those who give back to the University. I see others whose financial circumstances are pretty dire, and it helps to know that the University is investing its time and resources into a program like Coogs Calling Coogs. I also think it’s great that the program is staffed by UH students, which makes calling alumni a much more genuine process.
Q:Do you have any final comments you would like to share?
A:I am now a Junior and have been with the Coogs Calling Coogs program since I was a Freshman. I believe the student callers we have in-place right now are top-notch. They really care about the program and always want to improve upon their skills. Had it not been for this program, I would have never known what I wanted to pursue professionally. I hope one day to work in the non-profit industry, and know my experience in the in the Coogs Calling Coogs program will pay off in the long-run.
Student callers like Erica are establishing meaningful connections almost every day to help the University of Houston build a strong community, which will allow students to receive the quality education they so richly deserve. The University of Houston Call Center, located on the main campus, employs some 40 UH students who reach out to alumni, parents and UH friends nearly year-round to rally support for University initiatives. Their mission is to increase annual participation in giving to UH and to provide information about campus developments, programs and events.