The College's bi-annual telethon celebrates breaking the half a million pound barrier in its fundraising campaign.

Now in its sixth year, the telethon is a well-established feature of Imperial College’s fundraising programme, and with the support of thousands of the College’s alumni from the UK and mainland Europe, the campaign has recently marked a major milestone by breaking the half a million pound barrier, with the total raised currently standing at over £600,000.

Since 2003, hundreds of dedicated Imperial students have made countless calls to former students of the College to update them on the latest developments in and around our campuses, share experiences and memories, and to ask them to consider making a gift to the Annual Fund.

The Annual Fund is currently raising money for three priority projects; the Student Opportunities Fund, the Imperial College Union Building Fund and the Library Fund. Donors to the telethon can choose which project to direct their gift to, or they may make an unrestricted donation, enabling funds to be directed to the area of greatest need.

Few people understand the importance of the telethon more than current student caller and second year medicine student Sheeraz Ahmed, himself the beneficiary of a scholarship through the Student Opportunities Fund. “There are so many financial pressures for students these days, so it’s really important that scholarship opportunities are available,” comments Sheeraz. “I would have really struggled to make ends meet without my scholarship and I know that there are lots of other people out there in a similar situation to me. It’s good to think that by taking part in the telethon, in some way I’m helping them to benefit like I have.”

Team morale is vital to the success of the campaign and student motivation has undoubtedly contributed to the £600,000 total. “It’s really important that the callers feel valued and see the significance of what they are doing,” says Telethon Manager, Heather Campbell. “We find that visits to the call room from other members of College staff not only motivate students, but also enable visitors to truly appreciate the hard work and dedication of the team.”

One of the latest visitors to the call room was Pro-Rector for Education, Professor Julia Buckingham. “The telethon is such a fantastic initiative and it was great to meet some of the students,” said Professor Buckingham. “Seeing the campaign in action is a real eye-opener, it’s no wonder the telethon is such a success.”

“It’s lovely to have visitors,” comments third year biology student, Emma Keller. “We wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to speak to people like to Professor Buckingham, and it’s great to know that they are interested in what we’re doing. It makes what we are doing feel all the more worthwhile.”

In addition to raising funds, the telethon provides a fantastic opportunity for Imperial to maintain contact with its alumni, and for student callers to get some first-class advice on their studies and future careers. “I really enjoy talking to alumni,” explains Heng Kai, a second year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student. “They have been here before and understand the concerns we have and the problems we face. It’s inspiring to hear about the successes of past Imperial students, so many have gone on to have such brilliant careers.”

The spring 2008 telethon will end on Thursday 13 March. So far over £30,000 has been raised through the current campaign with a further £10,000 in specified pledges. The College would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our generous donors for their support as we look forward to the next half a million pounds!