This is not always someone calling for money. A student called and left a message on my voicemail stating that she was doing a driver retention study of managers at trucking companies and wanted my input. In return I would have a donation given to St. Jude in my name. The only problem is that while she (the student) knew my full name, she obviously had no idea what she was doing. I am in no way shape or form involved in the trucking industry. I guess thats just the way OSU executes thier research.
They call me repeatedly. As in, close to once a day (some weeks fewer calls, but generally, over the last 5 or 6 months, it's nearly daily, and always while I'm at work and can't respond). No messages. If it's your job to make calls, then leave a damn message when you call that often. Not leaving a message says to me that you do not want me to know why you are calling, which is a sign of guilt, which means you know you're doing something underhanded. I already donate roughly $1,000 a year as an alumna; apparently even that doesn't get the calls to stop. I wouldn't be rude to these kids, I know what it's like to have to work to pay for school - and good for them for doing some work instead of doing it all on loans - but I shouldn't have to ask a dozen times for them to please stop calling. It seems like they have no communication from one to the next, so when the next person I finally get to speak to calls me, I have to re-explain that I simply have no more to give and to please stop calling. It is very frustrating. Not to mention that Ohio State just sent letters out a couple weeks ago saying they allowed someone access to all of our personal information (including social security numbers) and that everyone who ever had an OSU email account now needs to watch for identity theft for the next year or more to cover their mistake. It certainly doesn't put me in a giving mood when I think about that. Anyways, I think just a simple "Sorry, I just can't afford it right now," should suffice - they seem to be able to relate to that, from what I've heard - instead of getting angry at them. Imagine if it was your kid... :)
[***], this is a telemarketer getting you to donate on behalf of osu. which only a small amount will go to them. if it is the university then ask them for a proof. give a number on campus that you can call thru the campus operator and get the department which is responsible for donations and gifts.
I just got my call and my daughter graduates next month. Guess they are getting a jump start on new alum. Unfortunately, "We are Penn State" is still taking my money for my son. Sorry OSU!