What is the Cowboy Calling Program?
Comprised of around 70 student fundraisers this enthusiastic team works year around, four days a week to engage with the Cowboy Family. Of course, with a focus on university fundraising they prioritize their efforts on academic and financial student support. The Cowboy Callers contact alumni, parents, and friends of the university.
Your Impact Starts Here
The Cowboy Callers play a significant role in our OSU annual giving efforts. For example, in fiscal year 2018, student callers contacted more than 22,000 alumni and friends. Of these, nearly 25% resulted in a pledge of support to the university, for a total of 5,464 pledges and $620,181 raised.
Working for our program not only raises money for OSU, but also educates student callers about the importance of philanthropy.
By supporting your passions at Oklahoma State University, a legacy is left at OSU providing students the opportunity to grow and learn at the highest level.
Caller of the Month - Sarah Holmes
Why did you choose Oklahoma State University?
I chose OSU mainly because of the welcoming and friendly environment right from the start. There was a noticeable difference for me in how I felt when I was touring OSU versus other universities. The campus truly felt like it could be my home!
What has been your greatest experience at OSU?
My greatest experience at OSU has definitely stemmed from the HTM department. The program really gives the students a chance to see the industry and be hands on. I have met so many people through the various events they hold like the Distinguished Chef Events. OSU in general gives their students the experiences and exposure they need to succeed!
What are your future career plans?
My future career plans are to work in the hotel industry as either an events manager or hopefully become a general manager of a hotel one day. I want to have a career that allows me to meet new people every day and get new experiences!
What do you enjoy most about living in Stillwater?
My favorite thing about living in Stillwater is the tight knit community. Everyone in town is so friendly and treats others as if they were a part of their own family.
Crotchett Cowboy Caller Scholarship Recipient
My name is Emigail Barnes I am a 19-year-old sophomore here at Oklahoma State University, studying Strategic Communications. I was so generously awarded the Chad Crotchett Cowboy Caller Scholarship for the Fall 2022 semester. Not only that, but I am involved in multiple things on campus, I am a part of Camp Cowboy, a branch of new student orientation. I volunteer at Camp Cowboy in the summers, teaching all the incoming freshman OSU traditions and what it means to be a part of the Orange Family. I also have been a part of the Leadership program SUMMIT, writing my own curriculum and facilitating small groups. Additionally, I am a shift supervisor for the Cowboy Callers in the Engagement Center at the Foundation, which is where I get to reach out and reconnect with the Orange Family and friends of the University.
Strengthening Relationships
More often than not our Cowboy Caller team is the only voice for Oklahoma State our alumni & friends hear. Therefore, these students play a vital role in establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with the members of our Cowboy Family.
Caller Responsibilities
- Achieve fundraising objectives for each college
- Reconnect alumni and friends with the university
- Update alumni information
- Inform donors on campus happenings and fundraising successes
- Increase alumni enthusiasm and financial support toward their alma mater
- Answer any questions or concerns about OSU
Acknowledgement
Each caller can sign the pledge card for the donor with whom they spoke, if the alum/friend pledged to support the University at the time of their conversation. These cards are personal as they identify the caller/signer as an OSU student and contain a brief note of thanks.
All prospective donors should receive correspondence from the Annual Giving office within a week of their call, regardless of whether a pledge was made. This is our commitment in showing you how much your time and thoughtful consideration helps advance the ideals and programs of OSU.