Senior Jacqulyn Cavanaugh grew up in Philadelphia but she fell in love with Scranton as a child, listening to her father, John Cavanaugh ’77, tell stories of his time at the University. During her last three years as a Student Development Officer (SDO) here, Jackie has found the University community to be exactly what her father described, and more.
SDOs are the students who call and invite you to provide philanthropic support for scholarships and experiences, such as mission trips, research opportunities, as well as other academic and athletic programs. Working as an SDO provides students the opportunity to strengthen their soft skills — communication, critical thinking, negotiation, persistence and tenacity — which are critical in today’s job market, while expanding their Scranton network with countless alumni, parents and friends of the University. Your giving during these calls also demonstrates the commitment Scranton alumni have to enhancing the current student experience at the University.
When you have the opportunity to ask Jackie (or one of her fellow SDOs) about her work, you will learn that the highlight of the call for her and her peers goes far beyond the moment you pick up the phone or when she hears “yes” after asking you to donate to your alma mater. (However, alumni voices and “yes” are quite exciting to hear!) The highlights of these phone calls for Jackie and her friends are often the stories and experiences you share over the phone; this is the kind of exchange that builds and strengthens the Scranton network.
As an SDO, it didn’t take too long for Jackie, a psychology major, to realize that “the events, activities, small class sizes, and great professors are all available to students through the donations put forth by the University community.” Now, Jackie plans to be a role model for future generations of Scranton alumni. “After I graduate in the spring, I definitely plan on donating to The University of Scranton,” she said. “This is in large part due to the gratitude I have for those alumni, parents and friends of the University who have continued to give so that I could get the most out of my experience here.”
So when you see 570.941.6251 pop-up on your caller ID, pick up the phone and strengthen the Scranton network. Of course, you can make your gift to the Royal Fund too! Great students like Jackie look forward to speaking with you soon!
