A Greenline to Spartan spirit and giving back

By Lois Furry

August 9, 2011

On almost any given night in the core of the Spartan Stadium Tower, you can find a motivated team of MSU students working hard to keep Michigan State at the forefront. They are not elite athletes but their positions are highly sought after with a crowded list of more than 400 applicants eager to join their ranks. They are proud to represent Michigan State to thousands of individuals in a very direct and tangible way. They are the members of MSU Greenline, the voice of Michigan State’s annual fund, charged with placing nearly one million phone calls to alumni and friends of our university each year.

Their numbers are staggering. MSU’s Greenline calling program is the largest in the Big Ten. The more than 200 students employed each semester attempt nearly 15,000 calls during each four-hour shift working from 83 calling stations.

Their enthusiasm is contagious. From their conversations, last academic year alone, the students obtained upwards of $3.5 million in gifts from more than 60,000 donors. They also keep thousands more Spartan alumni and friends engaged and up-to-date on the issues, concerns and achievements of students at Michigan State.

Greenline callers work Monday through Friday evenings and on Sundays. Each spring, they call faculty, staff and retirees on behalf of the All University Campaign. But they reach out to alumni, parents and friends to secure funds for MSU throughout the academic year.

Thriving in an economic downturn requires financial flexibility. The individual and collective annual gifts to Michigan State from those who answer the call of the Greenline provide an essential edge for colleges, departments and programs across campus.

New this year, MSU Greenline’s website features webcams of the calling room so that visitors can see the students’ energy first-hand. The webcams capture the spark of theme shifts—think bowling night, World Cup extravaganza or 80s flashback—while a buzz of Spartan spirit pervades every shift. Web visitors can also leave feedback and encouragement for the students via social media. Go to: givingto.msu.edu/greenline.

And, if you hear MSU Greenline is on the phone, take a moment to talk with these dedicated students. It’s likely to make your day!