Vandal Connect

We attempt to reach our alumni, parents and friends each year to make sure you are receiving University publications, update your contact information, keep you informed of University news and to gain vital support that the University counts on.

The Annual Giving Program also contacts alumni, parents and friends through direct mail solicitations. However, our focus is the personal contact you receive from our Vandal Connect callers. The majority of our alumni and donors appreciate the opportunity to speak with a current student.

The current economic times are difficult for everyone, including our students. Student fees and cost of living increase regularly, impeding some students’ ability to continue their education—your increased giving directly impacts the ability of these students to successfully complete their degree.

Every gift counts. With gifts starting at $10.00, annual contributions add up to well over $5.9 million.

Our focus is to honor the donor’s wishes. We call on behalf of all University colleges, Vandal Athletics, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Library, Operation Education and much more. There are over 2,500 funds to choose from, giving each donor the opportunity to find the fund that best speaks to their passion for the University of Idaho.

Once you’ve completed your conversation with the caller, they should verify your pledge amount and fund designation. We also ask for you to complete your pledge on the phone using our secure credit card processing system. This is a secure system provided by TouchNet, giving our donors the security they need to give their credit card information over the phone. If you choose not to fulfill your pledge on the phone, you will receive a pledge letter in the mail just days after the call. Simply send back your gift in the mail, give online at uidaho.edu/give, or call 208-885-6796 to speak with our colleagues in the Gift Administration Office.

Our fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. We try to reach each alumni, parent and friend at least once a year. Our calling time runs Sundays until 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday until 9:00 p.m. and Friday until 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time). Every effort is made to honor these times, but due to technical glitches, mistakes are made on rare occasions.