Giving

The Class Representative Program was founded more than 20 years ago.  Class Representatives serve as a liaison between their respective classes and B-W.  Almost every alumni class has a class representative that coordinates communication and information sharing for that class year.  Using volunteers in this capacity is one of the best ways for a college to keep in touch with its alumni. 

Through contact with fellow classmates, these volunteers build and maintain relationships with alumni by serving as a source of information about current campus events.  Class Reps also keep B-W informed of classmates’ changes in personal and employment contact information.  In addition, every fifth year after graduation is an anniversary year that is highlighted by a reunion celebration.  Class Representatives help in the planning and preparation for these festivities.  

Finally, Class Representatives support the efforts of the Annual Fund in a couple of ways.  The volunteer personally makes a gift to the College, serving as an example to fellow classmates.  In addition, once a gift is made the volunteer will send a thank you note to their classmate thanking them for their gift to the college.  Annual Fund gifts are spent during the same fiscal year in which they are given and provide much-needed income to help balance the College’s operating budget.

Responsibilities 

     1.    Personally make a gift to the Annual Fund and be an example to your fellow classmates.  We strive for 100% participation from our volunteers so it’s important to contribute, regardless of the amount of your gift.  Thanks in advance for your support.

      2.      Follow up with prospects after a gift is made with a thank you note.

      3.     Send out our newsletter to assigned classmates two times a year.

      4.      Attend three meetings throughout the year:

          ·        Fall Workshop – Community Day – September 15

          ·        Holiday Event – December 9, 2007

          ·        Appreciation Event – May 17, 2008

      5.      Attend and participate in assorted alumni events (if able).

      6.      Assist in Class Reunion planning & marketing and attend reunion.

      7.      Keep accurate donor records by updating and/or correcting prospects’ current information.

      8.     Offer names of individuals who would be willing to serve as a volunteer.

      9.    Send prospects a holiday card.

     10.  While communicating with your prospects, you may want to follow-up the initial solicitation done by our office in September/October.  We have included sample solicitation letters, follow-up letters and thank you letters to assist with this endeavor.  These can be found in the addendum of the Class Rep Training Manual.

FY 2008 Class Representative E-mails

Sample Letters & Blogs

View a sample letter sent out in October 2007 by one of our Representatives to his classmates.

If you'd like to e-mail John your letter for inclusion on this site, please do so!!!  His e-mail address can be found at the top of the page.  Also, if you're interested in sharing a story about something you've experienced as a Class Rep, we'd be happy to post that as well.  Thanks!!!