Vandal Connect
Vandal Connect is the telephone outreach program at the University of Idaho. Students contact alumni, parents and friends to gain philanthropic support for colleges and programs across the university. They also aim to keep you updated on the latest happenings at the university, update your records and relay your comments and questions to the correct university office.
Our team of student fundraisers includes more than forty outstanding students from various majors and colleges on campus — they each bring their student experiences to the phones. Interested students can apply to work at Vandal Connect HERE.
Joseph Proud
Donor Experience Officer
Vandal Connect FAQs
The Vandal Connect team consists of current University of Idaho students from across the University and from all backgrounds. Callers receive valuable work experience—interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills. Callers take great pride serving as ambassadors for the University and know that their work has a direct impact for their fellow students. Please take the opportunity to share your own stories and experiences, ask questions, give feedback and, most importantly, give a gift to support a fund that you are passionate about.
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 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.
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.
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. If you choose not to fulfill your pledge on the phone, you will receive and email and a pledge letter in the mail just days after the call. Simply send back your gift in the mail, give online, or call 208-885-4000 to fulfill your gift over the phone.