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AQuinas Fund - Phone Center Campaign |
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| Aquinas Alumni Enjoy Staying in Touch! |
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Our Phone Center students enthusiastically assist alumni with contact information updates, employment changes, relationship up-dates (births, deaths, etc.), as well as other news and information. This information is confidential and used solely by the College. It is never sold. In turn, student callers eagerly share Aquinas news, upcoming campus events, and facilitate any questions you or other alumni might have.
The students who staff the Phone Center are bright, dynamic leaders and scholarship recipients. Each student has a commitment to the quality education they are receiving at Aquinas. They also are grateful for the financial assistance they receive. As students, they are already giving back to the College through their dedicated service at the Phone Center.
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| In addition to the vital alumni relations services the Phone Center provides, the primary mission is to engage alumni and parents in the AQuinas Fund. |
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| Phone Center Hours of Operation |
| Sunday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m. |
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| Who Is Calling You Tonight? |

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Name: Bridget Harrigan
Hometown: Lowell, MI
Major: B.S. in Communications with an emphasis in Photography and Journalism from Grand Valley State University
Activities / Hobbies: Photography, record collecting, horseback riding, skateboarding, snowboarding, music, riding bicycles, fashion, reading, animals, art, video games.
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Why you like leading the Student Advancement Representative team: I love working with students, alumni, parents, friends, and neighbors of Aquinas College. I have the opportunity to both teach them and also learn from them while at the same time raise money for the AQuinas Fund.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The people here. I am always amazed at not only the diversity of the students on campus, but also how open and friendly everyone is. I still remember the first day I stepped foot on campus as a new employee: I was in awe about how many people took the time to look at me and simply say "hello." That represents the nature of the Aquinas community: warm, accepting, and outgoing. Those characteristics make it a perfect place to work.
What you would love to do after college: Although I have already graduated, I would love to continue to expand my photography skills. I also would love to eventually either own my own business or run a non-profit for a cause that I am deeply passionate about such as animals, music, or art.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Without your support, Aquinas College would not be able to provide worthy, bright students the financial aid that not only helps them fund their education, but also draws them to the college. As education becomes more important in a challenging economy and job market, your help is essential. By educating the students of today, you are also investing in the community of tomorrow. We cannot thank you enough for choosing to participate! |
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Name: Allyson Mills
Hometown: Portage, MI
Major: Community Leadership, Minor: English
Activities / Hobbies: I love to sing, I belong to AQpella, an all-girls singing group on campus. I also love to shop, talk, hang out with friends, and service my community. Titanic is my favorite movie, and I am not afraid to shout it from the roof tops. |
Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative Manager: I like the non-profit experience. I also like getting the chance to help others who were in my position, when I was applying for college, by raising funds for scholarships.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The small community aspects and the chance to get know a large range of people. I also LOVE my major. It is so unique and cannot be found at every college and university.
What you would love to do after college: I would love to be a director of a non-profit…OR work for Project Innocence.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Thank you so much for all of your support and love! We could not be where we are without all of your amazing help and devotion. |
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Name: Yasmeen Ahmed
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Major :International Business, Minors: Spanish & Journalism
Activities / Hobbies: I enjoy reading, writing, traveling, photography, and volunteering.
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I have a great opportunity to speak with alumni who were once in my place and can give me advice and share their experiences with me. I also like being a part of the scholarship fund that benefits me and so many other students here at Aquinas.
The best thing about Aquinas College: I like the small class sizes, the quality education, and the beautiful campus.
What you would love to do after college: After college I would love to get a job traveling and go to grad school.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: I really want to thank everyone who has supported the AQuinas Fund. I wouldn’t be in school without my scholarship, and I know many other students wouldn’t be either. You’re making such a great impact on so many people’s lives I really can’t thank you enough!
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Name: Danielle Ames
Hometown: Caro, MI
Major: Biology
Activities / Hobbies: Photography, Outdoor activities, nurturing animals, art, biology, video games |
Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I enjoy being a Student Advancement Representative because of the opportunity it gives me to connect with the alumni who have had the pleasure to attend this wonderful college and earn a degree which, hopefully, has helped them succeed today.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The campus is beautiful no matter what time of year you decide to visit. I also feel that the teachers and faculty are very open in general and are very helpful towards students, and anyone on campus for that matter.
What you would love to do after college: I would love to work with animals if at all possible, but I would also like to work in a laboratory environment mixed with field work.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: I thank you for your support throughout the years, especially for the years I am attending Aquinas. I will look forward to speaking with many of you throughout the school year. |
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Name: Eric Bloomberg
Hometown: Howell, MI
Major: Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and Communication dual major
Activities / Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, the outdoors
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I like speaking with Alumni who see the value in what they are giving to. I like the fact that this is a job where I get to talk the entire time.
The best thing about Aquinas College: There isn’t just one thing I like about Aquinas. There is something to be said about a school where the president knows you by your first name, or professors who really genuinely care about your success. I like the small class sizes, the fact that it takes me 5 minutes to walk to class. I like the friends that I have met here that I know will be in my life forever. I have had the best 3 years of my life in college and I’m so glad I got to spend it at Aquinas.
What you would love to do after college: I know I will be selling something in some capacity for the rest of my life, it’s what I love, so for me I will most likely be looking into sales and marketing firms all across the country. Whatever company can give me the best job, no matter where it’s at I will be taking it… Ahhhh to be young.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Thank you, I wouldn’t have been able to have the time of my life and the education I have received without the scholarship I received. |
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Name: Ana Cristina Cujar
Hometown: Troy, MI
Major: Sustainable Business
Activities / Hobbies: I really enjoy camping, swimming in Lake Michigan, exploring Grand Rapids, riding my bike, listening to NPR and reading non-fiction.
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I enjoy listening fun Aquinas stories and learning why alumni love AQ!
The best thing about Aquinas College: The opportunity students have to get to know their peers and professors at Aquinas is one of the greatest things about being a student here. I also love the trees!
What you would love to do after college: I would love to work on a small farm and learn what it takes to live off the land!
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Thank you so much for your support! Without your generous gifts, students would have a much more difficult time attending Aquinas. |
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Name: Nicole Gheller
Hometown: Montague, MI
Major: Psychology, Minor: Sociology
Activities / Hobbies: I love sports, animals, long boarding, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I like the environment of talking to people and learning about their Aquinas experience.
The best thing about Aquinas College: I enjoy the small class sizes; this allows you to form a tight relationship with other students and professors.
What you would love to do after college: Crime Scene Investigator!
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Thank you so much for supporting Aquinas College students. Without this support many students, including me would not be able to attend Aquinas. |
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Name: Karen Havens
Hometown: Sturgis, MI
Major: Biology
Activities / Hobbies: Reading, Hiking, Kayaking, Canoeing, Baking, Cooking, and Roller Coasters
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I like being a Student Advancement Rep because it gives me a chance to connect with alumni and hear their stories. It’s also very rewarding; it feels great to give back to the Aquinas community.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The professors
What you would love to do after college: Peace Corps
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Without the support of donors, I would not have been able to even think about coming to Aquinas. Thank you so much for everything you do to open opportunities for myself and other students. |
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Name: Sarah Kimmel
Hometown: Alma, MI
Major: Communication and Computer Science
Activities / Hobbies: Playing Softball, hunting, and hanging out with family and friends.
Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I like being able to help my peers at Aquinas and talking to Alumni. |
Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I like being a Student Advancement Rep because I like to be able to communicate with alumni and hearing their story about Aquinas. I also like being able to help out students that I see and talk to every day.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The best thing I like about Aquinas is how beautiful the campus is regardless of the season.
What you would love to do after college: I would like to go into the Air Force or possibly make programs to help our current society communicate better.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: I would like to thank everyone that has supported Aquinas College and the AQuinas Fund by giving a gift. |
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Name: Eleanor Krzyzaniak
Hometown: Waterford, MI
Major:Visual Art Education, Studio Art. Minor: Developmental Psychology
Activities / Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, crafts, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I enjoy being a Student Advancement Representative because of the wonderful interactions I have with Alumni. It’s very interesting to share the changes Aquinas has made over the years, but also to take part in the connection of sharing great experiences in their time as students.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The closeness experienced between students, staff, and alumni. Aquinas forms a family.
What you would love to do after college: After college I would love to attend graduate school and receive my Master’s degree in Art Therapy.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Thank you for all you do as you’ve truly helped so many receive a college education and share in the joy and positive experiences you have had with Aquinas. |
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Name: Margaret Kosla
Hometown: White Cloud, MI
Major: Social Science
Activities / Hobbies: Running, reading, traveling, and Saints for Scholarships
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I love being able to give back to the same fund that is helping me, and I enjoy talking with the alumni and hearing their stories about Aquinas College.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The at home feeling is the best thing about Aquinas College.
What you would love to do after college: After College I would love to obtain my Master’s Degree, work fulltime in a business, get married and start a family.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Thank you for your gift, its gifts like yours that make my education possible. |
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Name: Alan Lally
Hometown: Lowell, MI
Major: Political Science/Communications
Activities / Hobbies: Singing, running, reading, outdoors, being a political junkie, church, student government and writing.
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I like being a Student Advancement Representative because it gives me the opportunity to interact with alumni and make a positive difference on everyone's education here at AQ.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The sense of community and the small classes. I love always seeing a familiar face, and I thrive with one on one attention.
What you would love to do after college: I plan on going to law school, and after that I would like to work as a lawyer in my own practice or be a partner at a firm. I also want to run for elective office. Most of all: I want to get married and raise a family.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: I appreciate you, and your money is not being wasted. Your donations are helping a potential future leader! |
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Name: Taea O’Rullian
Hometown: La Quinta, CA
Major: Biology
Activities / Hobbies: I like reading, swimming, going to the beach, and volunteering.
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I really like working towards a worthy cause.
The best thing about Aquinas College: I love the small, personal size of the school. You feel at home as soon as you step on campus. The professors and other students are really helpful and friendly.
What you would love to do after college: I want to become a doctor. I would love to participate in Doctors Without Borders. It would be amazing to go to Third World Countries and contribute medically.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Thank you very much for all of your support. Without your help, I wouldn’t be going to this amazing school, earning a great education while making amazing friends!
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Name: Sarah Parlette
Hometown: Brighton, MI
Major: International Studies and French, Minor: Journalism
Activities / Hobbies: I really enjoy international travel, reading fantasy/sci-fi fiction novels, taking weekend road-trips, learning about wine, photography and watching Bollywood movies.
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: As a scholarship recipient I feel that it is important to personally thank Alumni for their generous donations and gifts to the students and to continually update them on the changes happening on campus.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The trees and the tight-knit community.
What you would love to do after college: I would love to receive sommelier training and write for an international travel magazine.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Thank you for having a direct and positive impact on the AQ community and for promoting the Aquinas students through your donations and gifts.
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Name: Molly Robertson
Hometown: Sturgis, MI
Major: Environmental Studies and Language Arts
Activities / Hobbies: Hiking, swimming, animal rescue (wild and domestic), reading, painting, writing poetry, fishing, and teaching Sunday school.
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I love being a Student Advancement Representative because I have the opportunity to help provide deserving students with financial aid so they can attend Aquinas.
The best thing about Aquinas College: What isn’t great about Aquinas?! While there are many awesome things about Aquinas, one thing that I think makes us stand above the rest is the sense of community. Walking onto campus is like coming home.
What you would love to do after college: I would love to travel the world, and take some time to learn other cultures. I would also love to set up a program in Central America employing impoverished families in a rain forest rehabilitation and preservation program.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund: Thank you so much! Aquinas was, and is, the college of my dreams. I can’t imagine going anywhere else! If it weren’t for the support and gifts of generous donors I wouldn’t have been able to attend AQ debt free!
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Name: Britney White
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Major: Biology Minor: Psychology
Activities / Hobbies: AQ Light and Volunteering
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Why you like being a Student Advancement Representative: I like being a student advancement representative because I get the chance to represent my college and give alumni a reason to come back and visit. I also like the idea of being able to give back by helping Aquinas grow. I enjoy working with all the different people I encounter and putting a smile on their faces when I tell them the different things Aquinas has changed. Last but not least I really love the feeling of knowing I made a difference.
The best thing about Aquinas College: The wonderful community
What you would love to do after college: Go to grad school.
A message to Alumni, parents, and friends who support your scholarships through the Aquinas Fund:
I would like to thank everyone who has donated their time and money into the Aquinas fund. Without your help I wouldn’t be able to attend college here at Aquinas. I really appreciate everything you have done to help us continue growing in our education.
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Work at the Phone Center |
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Along with fund-raising for crucial scholarships, the Phone Center Program provides students with the opportunity to gain invaluable business/communication job experience. A bonus for students is the opportunity to network with alumni around the country. It also gives the students an excellent opportunity to learn about Aquinas College in all of its rich historical background.
The Phone Center is a great place to work and has many perks. For further information, to obtain an application,* or make a gift through the phone center program, please contact Bridget Harrigan, Director of the Phone Center & Internet Strategies at (616) 632-2806 or e-mail bridget.harrigan@aquinas.edu
*Note: Only current AQ students are eligible for application. |
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| Phone Center Incentive Program |
| Students who work in the Phone Center who do exceptional work enjoy winning gift certificates from local businesses. Not only do they benefit by receiving these rewards, but businesses in the area receive new customers at their doorstep! The Students Advancement Representatives will greatly benefit from the immense generosity of the following businesses: |
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| The Aquinas Fund phone center and the Student Advancement Representatives would like to immensely thank these businesses for being involved in the incentive program in '11-'12: |
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| About the AQuinas Fund |
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The AQuinas Fund is working toward making our campus the best place for a student to be. We realize the importance of a great college education and understand the sacrifices and commitments our donors make to contribute to that education. Our new fiscal year is underway and we're asking for your help. Our goal is $1.3 million and every gift matters... YOUR gift matters.
Will you consider a gift and help support the AQuinas Fund?
>>View the AQuinas Fund brochure online
>>Visit the AQuinas Fund homepage |
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| Your gift makes all the difference in the world. Invest in the AQuinas Fund today! |
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| To learn more, contact the Senior Director of the AQuinas Fund: Kate Davis at (616) 632-2817 or daviskat@aquinas.edu or the Director of the Phone Center and Internet Strategies, Bridget Harrigan at (616) 632-2806 or harribri@aquinas.edu. To make a gift to the AQuinas Fund online, click here. |
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