phonathon TEAM
Meet the Phonathon Team
(Spring 2008):
Carrie Pettit, Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Jennifer Pepe, Phonathon Manager
Cindy, Phonathon Assistant Manager
Cindy is a Graduate Student pursuing a Master's Degree in Urban Studies. She is involved in many on-campus activities. These activities include having been a Resident Advisor and serving on SCSU's President's Advisory Committee on Disability and
April, Phonathon Assistant Manager
April is currently a Junior pursuing a career in Communication. At this time, April is an Associate Coordinator of Best Buddies and also an intern at Macy's East. She has been part of the Phonathon team for the past 5 semesters and has been awarded as one of the top callers throughout working for the program. Last year she was advanced to a Lead Caller status on Phonathon's Motivation and Recruitment Team and currently promoted to Phonathon Assistant Manager. April stated, "as an Assistant Manager I am involved in the process of hiring prospective Phonathon candidates, employee schedules, and Phonathon administrative work. Aside from her wonderful experiences as a caller, April's favorite Southern experience would have to be establishing a close bond with her advisor, Sandy DiFrancesco. April stated, "I like talking to different people and know that I am helping the university that I attend. Annual Giving is a wonderful opportunity for alumni to reach out to S.C.S.U.'s student programs and scholarships. I feel proud to help less fortunate students receive a better education by contacting and getting involved with S.C.S.U. alumni. Thank you for enhancing the success of our university."
Nashé, Phonathon Assistant Manager Nashé is a Junior at S.C.S.U. and pursuing a career in Nursing. Nashé began calling for Phonathon 5 semesters ago and continues to be a strong leader on our staff. She thinks that being a caller and now an Assistant Manager has afforded her the opportunity to meet new students and develop her interpersonal skills. Last semester, she was recognized for her leadership skills and was promoted to a Lead Caller status with the Phonathon Training Team. She enjoys training new callers about calling techniques as well as informing them about the Phonathon's computer database. When asked what would she would like to say to S.C.S.U.'s alumni, she said, "thank you, your gift is going to go a long way and help to better develop S.C.S.U.
Name: Karen
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Psychology
Activities/Hobbies: Hall Council
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: I like the overall atmosphere of S.C.S.U. because there is always something to do. My favorite experience so far would probably have to be this years Homecoming.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: Phonathon is an easy-going, on-campus job in which I'm able to talk with alumni and update them about Southern. I feel like I am giving back to the school because as a caller, the duty is to receive donations and support from loyal alumni.
Name: Cina
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Secondary Education / Spanish
Activities/Hobbies: Teachers Club and going to the gym.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Meeting new people and the variety of courses that S.C.S.U. offers its students.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose Phonathon because I enjoy being on the phone and am not afraid to ask for support towards my school. I enjoy talking to alumni and hearing about their past experiences when they attended S.C.S.U. As being part of the Phonathon team, we always need to stay motivated and I like the motivational games we play if we get a pledge and also the 'dial dollars'.
Name: Nicole
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Nursing
How many semesters have you work for Phonathon?: First semester
Name: Kristen
Class Status: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Business Management
How many semesters have you work for Phonathon?: First semester
Name: Ashley
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Double major in Elementary Education and Psychology
Activities/Hobbies: Track and Field and swimming.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Crazy nights with the R.A.'s and my room-mates.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I thought that Phonathon would be an easy job since I enjoy being on the phone. The Phonathon room is very close to my dorm which makes it an easy travel, and I like how you don't have to work on Fridays or Saturdays.
Name: Steven
Class Status: Sophomore
Major/Minor: English Education
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: Two
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to become a Phonathon employee because I needed a job, and I was already familiar with the type of work that was required. I think that what I enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program is the group of people I work with.
Name: Julianne
Class Status: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Elementary Education / Psychology
Activities/Hobbies: Working out in the gym.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: My favorite experience at SCSU is spending time with friends.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to be a Phonathon employee because I needed an on-campus job and this seemed like a fun job. I also enjoy talking to the alumni.
Name: Shaneek
Class Status: Junior
Major/Minor: Nursing
Activities/Hobbies: What I like to do in my spare time is relax, shop, hang out with friends, go to the movies or rent movies, and go to church and take part in church activities.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: My favorite experience at Southern was my freshman year because it was my first time being away from my parents and having total freedom. I met a lot of new people and had a lot of fun and this was great for me because I haven't felt that way since my first year.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: Five
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to be a Phonathon employee because I first needed a job and something to do in my spare time. I thought that it would be interesting and fun to talk on the phone and get paid for it. I thought I could brush up on my communication skills because I'm really shy and quiet - this job has helped me with that. I enjoy talking to alum on the phone and a lot of alumni that I call are very nice and supportive of what I'm doing - and I like that. I also like that all the Phonathon employees are friendly and the fact that I have made a lot of friends and had a lot of good experiences working here. This was also my first 'real' job.
Name: Kathleen
Class Status: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Nursing
Activities/Hobbies: S.C.S.U. Cross-Country and Track
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Running Cross-Country at S.C.S.U. because I have met so many wonderful people that have impacted my experience here.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: Two
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I believe Phonathon is a good job to have as a college student. This job allows me to interact with alumni and receive feedback on their experiences while they were students. As a student I am now aware of where our money comes from and how it is put to use.
Name: Tiffany
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Nursing
Activities/Hobbies:
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Meeting new people and being on my own. So far I'm enjoying most of my teachers and classes.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to be a Phonathon employee because of the opportunity to help a great cause. I enjoy talking to alumni and everyone is really nice. The job can get boring sometimes but we play games so that keeps me entertained and all of us motivated to reach our goal.
Name: Todd
Class Status: Senior
Major/Minor: Spanish Education
Activities/Hobbies: I enjoy playing the guitar and soccer in my free time. I also like to travel and practice my Spanish.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: My favorite experience at Southern was traveling with the Study Abroad program to
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: April, one of the Phonathon Assistant Manager's, referred me to Phonathon and I'm really grateful for that. I really enjoy being able to contact our alumni and hear how Southern has affected their lives and all the praise they have for the school.
Name: Alyssa
Class Status: Senior
Major/Minor: Elementary Education / Liberal Studies
Activities/Hobbies: Outreach, swimming, and photography.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Living with my room-mates this semester, outreach, making new friends, working for Phonathon, and also seeing Yellowcard and Jack Hanna on campus in the
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: Three
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I am social, outgoing, talkative, friendly, ambitious, and these are all qualities that are helpful in being a good caller. I enjoy talking to people and putting a smile on their face through a phone call.
Name: Kelsey
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Undecided
Activities/Hobbies: I currently help tutor kids once a week at St. Brendan's school in
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: My favorite experience at S.C.S.U. has to be learning how to live in a new environment, and meeting new people. Adapting to the college life is an experience in itself.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to be a Phonathon employee because I needed a job, this job is on campus, and has good hours that don't conflict with school work. One thing that I enjoy most about working is the relationships with staff members. I feel that Phonathon is a friendly environment and motivation given from lead callers and managers helps us to work better.
Name: Theresa
Class Status: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Double major in Elementary Education & Theatre Arts
Activities/Hobbies: Student teaching, dancing, acting, modeling, drawing, and painting.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: My favorite experience is student teaching. I really enjoy working with the younger students and it will help me become more knowledgeable in my future goal as a teacher.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I became a Phonathon employee because I needed a job. Working for Phonathon is a pleasant experience because my co-workers and the atmosphere are really great. I've made a lot of friends and it's an awesome place to be and fits in with my class schedule.
Name: Tiffany
Class Status: Senior
Major/Minor: English / Studio Art
Activities/Hobbies: Best Buddies, Student Arts League. I enjoy writing poetry and drawing and painting on my free time.
Favorite Experience at S.C.S.U.: I love the English and Art departments because I like creative writing and fine arts.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: Five
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I came to Phonathon during my Sophomore year in the spring of 2005 and I have to say it was a great opportunity for both a campus job and my first job as a student. I figured since I go to Southern that I might as well talk to alumni and see where they come from in possibly directing me in my career options. Phonathon is also a fun experience by getting to know the alumni and also building relationships with my co-workers.
Name: Linton
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Nursing
Activities/Hobbies: Intramural football and currently a neophyte of Beta Mu Sigma.
Favorite Experience at S.C.S.U.: Homecoming 2007 - I was a participant of the float contest.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: Phonathon is a very flexible job. I enjoy conversing with the alumni and trying to get them to give back to S.C.S.U. Overall, it's a rewarding feeling because you gain communication skills as well as get advice from the alumni pertaining to academics.
Name: Kelly
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Business Administration
Activities/Hobbies: Working at Phonathon and a daycare center, Hall Council in my residence hall, and hanging out with friends.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Homecoming 2007, meeting new people, and going out with friends.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to be a Phonathon employee because it seemed like a job I would enjoy. The thing I like the most is that it is a rewarding feeling that I'm helping out Southern by raising money for various programs.
Name: Julia
Class Status: Senior
Major/Minor: Early Childhood Education / Liberal Studies
Activities/Hobbies: Volunteer at
Favorite experience at SCSU: Freshman year at S.C.S.U.- I met a lot of new people and I had a lot of fun. I also enjoyed taking classes pertaining to my major, especially EDU 206 (fieldwork experience).
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to work for Phonathon because the location and time schedule are convenient. I enjoy connecting with the Southern alumni on the phone and learning about their experiences. Their shared experiences have given me some good advice and information pertaining to my major. I also enjoy talking to the alumni about how much Southern has changed and answering questions about the university. It is exciting to work for Phonathon because the callers receive rewards for working hard and reaching nightly goals.
Name: Nicholas
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Nursing
Activities/Hobbies: Rushing for Beta Mu Sigma and playing soccer.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Homecoming 2007 and participating in the Greek float.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: When approached by the employment opportunity of Phonathon, I realized that becoming part of this team would better my communication skills. Since becoming part of the Phonathon team, I enjoy talking to a variety of alumni and in the process I have learned the rich history of Southern.
Name: Kafach
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Nursing
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: My sister worked at a Phone-at-hon at E.C.S.U. and she told me it was an interesting place to work. So far I am happy that I made the decision to work here. I enjoy working with the entire Phonathon team and like the conversations that I have with the alumni.
Name: Angela
Class Status: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Double major in Secondary Education & Mathematics
Activities/Hobbies: Class, work, going out, and shopping.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: This semester is my favorite semester yet. I lucked out with a great room-mate and it has been enjoyable living with her. I also really like all of my classes and professors this semester.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to be an employee at Phonathon because I needed a job on campus and liked that the callers don't have to work Fridays or Saturdays. Working at Phonathon is an enjoyable job that also helps students and my school. I like the hours and it is close to where I live on campus.
Name: Emily
Class Status: Junior
Major/Minor: Nursing / Psychology
Activities/Hobbies: Best Buddies, Associate Program Coordinator; I enjoy going to the gym and exercising to stay fit; reading; dancing; and spending time with my family and close friends. My latest hobby is golfing.
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: I remember dancing to "Thriller" to represent West Campus Residence Complex for Homecoming of 2006. It was fun getting together with all of the residents in my dorm, along with the R.A.'s and hall director to make this event memorable.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I was referred to Phonathon by April (Phonathon Assistant Manger) and since then my experience at Phonathon had definitely been worthwhile. I personally enjoy calling alumni because I feel as if they have a huge impact to the present and future successes at SCSU. Alumni who choose to donate to our program really make a different to students' lives because some student wouldn't be going to college without their help. Being a part of making a difference to the university is what I consider the most rewarding experience of my job.
Name: Abigail
Class Status: Sophomore
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Name: Rebecca
Class Status: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Double major in Elementary Education and Sociology
Activities/Hobbies: Volleyball; and hanging out with my friends and family.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to be an employee because the shifts worked very well with my schedule and the people that worked at Phonathon seemed very nice. This job also is not very time consuming and it allows me to have more time concentrating on my school work.
Name: Rayna
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Nursing
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I felt that Phonathon would be a fun job and be a good experience - so far it has met my expectations. I enjoy when I receive a pledge and when the alumni are nice over the phone.
Name: Valerie
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Elementary Education
Activities/Hobbies:
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Meeting new people. I have enjoyed events that Southern has held such as seminars and events help by Hall Council or on campus coordinators.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I wanted to help out my school with fundraisers. I enjoy calling the S.C.S.U. alumni not only to raise money, but to hear about their experiences when they attended Southern.
Name: Bronwyn
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: History (BA)
Activities/Hobbies: Residence Council
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Making new friends that I live with and having fun with them. These are the friends that you keep long after you've graduate.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I needed an on-campus job and the Phonathon team seemed interesting so I tried it out. When joining the Phonathon team I connected with my co-workers and we have a lot of fun with our job.
Name: Chanel
Class Status: Freshman
Major/Minor: Undeclared
Activities/Hobbies: BSU (Black Student Union)
Favorite experience at S.C.S.U.: Living on campus and away from home.
How many semesters have you worked for Phonathon?: First semester
Why did you choose to be a Phonathon employee and what do you enjoy most about working in the Phonathon program?: I chose to be a Phonathon employee because I was looking forward to meeting people and making friends. I enjoy the energy of Phonathon and making a difference for S.C.S.U.

