Today’s Cal students are faced with the reality of increasing educational costs. Many seek part-time jobs, paid internships, and scholarships. The Cal Alumni Association, in partnership with its donors, houses three scholarship programs, awarding nearly $1.8 million to more than 800 Cal students annually.

Scholarship funds are made available thanks to the generosity of CAA annual donors and endowment holders. With the guidance and support of CAA staff, Cal students are educated on the power of philanthropy and encouraged to say “thank you” to the alumni who make their Cal experience a reality.

To support stewardship efforts, CAA hosts an annual student Thank-a-thon at Alumni House. One of the largest student stewardship outreach events on campus, CAA’s Thank-a-thon is a time for students to express gratitude to the donors who make CAA Alumni Scholarships possible. During the event, students write letters and make phone calls to donors, providing a personal touch that is not always possible with a mass-generated acknowledgement letter. “Participating in the Thank-a-thon offers me a unique opportunity to make a personal connection with the generous donors who contribute to my academic future,” said Moises Hernandez ‘11.

Seasoned in student stewardship efforts, the event grows each year. Last year, 145 Cal students reached out to approximately 1,025 annual donors who made a contribution to one or more of the following giving areas: The Achievement Award Program, The Leadership Award, and The CAA Fund.

This year’s Thank-a-thon takes place on March 10th at Alumni House. More than 100 students from CAA’s three scholarship programs are expected to reach out to more than 2,000 donors.

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