Phonathon Information
“Over the years, I have participated in many Phonathons and have had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with many students. There is often an energetic buzz that generates around the room during these evenings, and this fall was no exception. Their dedication to the School of camaraderie among peers are evident. Many are members of the organizations supported by the Alumni Association, and I feel fortunate to be able to work with them toward a common goal — inspiring alumni to support the School.
Our deepest gratitude goes out tho those who pledged during the Phonathon, but equally as important, to those who volunteered. Their presence at these events is invaluable to BUSM, and their efforts are key to our success in keeping alumni connected. We owe a large part of the success of keeping alumni connected to the School to their efforts. We appreciate their continued loyalty and assistance and are grateful for their time.”
- Don Grande ’73, Phonathon Director
Phonathons during the 2011/2012 Fiscal Year:
The Fall Phonathons were held on Tuesday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 18, in the Hiebert Lounge. A total of 39 students and alumni came together to ask for contributions to the annual fund, scholarships, and student organizations. $97,565 was pledged to the School from alumni during the two nights of calling.
This spring alumni and students will gather to take part in the second annual Thank-A-Thon! Alumni donors from this fiscal year will be called and simply thanked for their support of the School of Medicine. View photos from this event last year here.
You can participate and support this event and Boston University School of Medicine by donating gifts of many kinds, including not only monetary, but also time as a volunteer and sharing thoughtful advice and a connection with student and alumni callers.
A registration form to volunteer is made available to easily sign up to take part in a night of fundraising at the Phonathons. You can make a gift for this fiscal year anytime via our online contribution form. Click here to make a donation now.
Click here to learn about other volunteer opportunities.
Click here to view photos from our most recent phonathon.
Goals of the Phonathons
To encourage alumni to support the programs and initiatives at the School of Medicine and engage in personal contact to keep alumni connected to the School and BUSM Community. Additionally, Phonathons provide a wonderful opportunity for alumni celebrating a reunion to reach out to classmates and encourage them to attend their class reunions.
Funding Initiatives and Priorities
Scholarship Aid: Providing financial aid remains one of top priorities at the School. The increase in debt has moderated slightly through the generosity of many alumni who have established endowed scholarships and loan funds and supported current-use-funds, such as the Adopt-A-Student Fund.
Safe, affordable campus housing: A plan recently approved by the Boston University Board of Trustees and listed in the University’s strategic plan as a priority issue. Land has be purchased, permits have been secured and construction has been set to begin.
Stethoscopes for Students: A program instituted by the Dean, Dr. Karen Antman, whereby alumni donate stethoscopes for incoming medical students. A note card with the donors name, class year, specialty and address is inserted into the stethoscope case letting the student know of the donors generosity.
Campus Improvements: The Alumni Medical Library recently received support from the Alumni Association, at the request of Dean Karen Antman, M.D., by having funds directed to physical renovations and improvements, including the creation of a new coffee lounge and upgraded electical wiring to accommodate more laptops.
Student Activities: The Alumni Association continues to support a variety of student social and cultural events including the global health luncheon lectures, Business in Medicine seminars, bagels and coffee on major exam days, MyBUSM student website and social events such as Skit Night, Kick Back Kafe, Admissions Opoen House, Senior Week and the Annual Meeting and Banquet. We also proudly support Whorl, the student literary magazine and the senior yearbook.
Facilities: The Alumni Association has provided funding to renovate classrooms for smaller, interactive lectures and renovated study space to provide environments for group study. Alumni have provided support for specialized facilities within the BUSM community named for beloved faculty, such as:
- The William F. McNary Jr., PhD Student Learning Resource Center
- The Peter E. Pochi (Class of 1955) Conference and Teaching Room in the Department of Dermatology
- The Murray Freed (Class of 1949) Resource Library in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
Long-term planning will provide an Academic Center with state-of-the-art classrooms, auditoria and laboratories.
For more information contact:
BUSM Alumni Association
72 E. Concord Street, L-120
Boston, MA 02118
617/638-5150
Email: alumbusm@bu.edu
