Rrrring: It's the Future Calling

By day, Maia Masuda is a third-year voice student in the Schulich School of Music. But two evenings a week, she enters McGill’s Student Phonathon, dons headphones and microphone, and raises some impressive sums. Masuda is one of 65 students employed at the Phonathon in the evenings and on weekends, canvassing McGill alumni and parents for their support of the Alma Mater Fund and the Parents Fund.

While callers make their pitches, student supervisors – former callers like Anna Nelson and Cyrille Zimmer - offer support and advice, occasionally listening in on conversations and providing feedback. The supervisors keep the tone light, leading short games of Boggle or Trivial Pursuit during two-minute breaks.

The friendly atmosphere does not hide the fact these students take their work seriously. “What’s special about the Phonathon is we’re raising money for things that directly benefit us,” says Masuda. Fellow caller Isis Ortiz agrees: “The job we’re doing here has a direct impact on students.”

Those early evening calls are making a big difference. Last year, the Phonathon broke the $1-million dollar mark for the first time, and this year they cracked that barrier in mid-February, one month earlier. That’s a lot of gifts, especially with an average pledge of $105, and the vast majority falling between $25 and $200.

Part of the reason for this tremendous success is that the Phonathon works hard to retain experienced callers, such as one-year veterans Masuda and Ortiz. “The job can be difficult, especially when you are learning. You take it personally if people don’t give, or if they’re angry at you for calling,” explains Ortiz. “But I’m familiar with the process.”

Working in the Phonathon does have many rewards, though. “The great part about the job is the students get the opportunity to connect with alumni of all ages and backgrounds,” explains Sasha Bateman, the Annual Fund Officer who serves as Phonathon Coordinator. “Many of the student callers receive scholarships or financial aid, so they really appreciate the opportunity to chat with the people who help provide that assistance.”

Masuda agrees. Although all that talking can be hard on a singer’s voice, she gets to hit some high notes: “We have very interesting alumni to talk with, and that makes me feel so fortunate to be at McGill."