Alumni Telephone Appeal 2023

Our annual telephone appeal will take place from 20 February - 16 March 2023

In 2022, our team of student callers raised more than £220,000!

The appeal will continue to raise vital funds for the Student Opportunities Fund, which provides bursaries and employability grants for students in need of financial support. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends we can ensure that all students, irrespective of background or circumstances, can realise their potential. You can read more about the Student Opportunities Fund here.

The campaign calls are a fantastic opportunity for our student callers to gain valuable advice and inspiration for the future. Thank you in advance to all alumni who will speak to our students, your support is greatly appreciated by the whole team.

If you pledged a gift during the campaign or have opted out of receiving a call and want to donate online, you can do so here.

For any queries about the 2023 telephone appeal or if you would like to opt out of receiving a call, please send the Regular Giving team an email at annual.fund@durham.ac.uk

 

 


Meet the student callers!



ZSÓFIA 
I am a first-year law student with a keen interest in international and constitutional law. I am an “insight to Uni” mentor, providing mentorship to A-level students interested in attending Durham University. I am also a student rep of the Durham European Law Institute(DELI) and a researcher for the International Pathway to Law Society.

The collegiate system in Durham has made me feel like part of the “St Mary’s family”, allowing me to build relationships with a very diverse group of students. Outside my studies, I belong to several societies including the pro-bono society, as I understand the importance of giving back.

I am excited to be part of this campaign, as it will give me the opportunity to talk to members of the alumni community and be part of a team raising funds to help make Durham a place of opportunity for all. 



SAMUEL 

Hi, I'm Samuel! I'm a first-year student studying economics at St John's College. I enjoy playing sport and am part of the DU Men's Basketball and St John’s Football teams, which has given me the chance to meet people from different years and form strong relationships (especially during 7am sessions!).

I’m also an avid jazz musician and play drums, piano and bass guitar. You can often find me behind the kit at Fabio’s Bar on Sunday evenings!

Since arriving in Durham I’ve felt a strong sense of belonging, which I’m eager to share with alumni and hear their experiences of university life. I’m thrilled to be a part of the calling team to work with others and enable the next generation of students to thrive at Durham.

 



IAN

My name is Ian, and I am currently in my third year John Snow student studying Chemistry and Physics within Natural Sciences. I am an avid badminton player and runner, and I recently completed my first marathon. I grew up in northern France before moving to Durham and have loved my experience so far!


HANNAH

Hello, my name is Hannah! I am a first year studying Primary Education at St John’s College. I am thoroughly enjoying my course and have recently taken up the role of course representative.

Since coming to Durham I have joined the rowing team in my college, this has been an amazing experience thus far! I have been able to get to know people from my college in other years and bond over the early morning rowing outings!

I have always loved music, both singing and piano and have enjoyed completing my grades in each! When coming to Durham, I knew that I didn’t want to put these skills on the back burner, so I joined the Durham University Gospel Choir and will be competing with the choir in the ‘University Gospel Choir of the Year competition at the end of March!

I am from Northern Ireland and have felt so welcomed into Durham and truly feel like I belong. The collegiate system has greatly benefited me and was one of the main reasons I wanted to study in Durham!

I am keen to listen to your experience of life as a student in Durham and look forward to speaking to you soon!



FRAZIER

I am a final-year Law student with a keen interest in constitutional and public law, currently writing my dissertation on the dissolution of parliament. I sit as the President of Stephenson College Debating Society, providing me with a platform to develop my knowledge of current issues facing societies across the world. 

I am also a keen sportsman, vice-captaining the Stephenson College Mens D Football team. 
Volunteering has become a passion of mine. I dedicate my time to working with Stephenson College and the Brilliant Club, working towards inspiring kids from underprivileged areas into elite higher education. This enables me to give back to both Stephenson College and Durham's neighbouring communities.



SHOAIB

My name is Shoaib and I’m a first-year undergraduate studying Biological Sciences. I am at University College (Castle) and have enjoyed every moment of my time at Durham so far. I’m a hiking enthusiast and playing the clarinet is one of my passions. Aside from this my main aim is to delve into the subject area of plant physiology and genetics within my future career aspirations. 


MISHKA

My name is Mishka, I am a fourth-year student studying English Literature. Last year I completed a year abroad studying in Barcelona. I lived in a flat in the city centre, took classes in Spanish and in English at the University of Barcelona, and ate a lot of tapas! At Durham I play basketball for the university women's team, and I play netball for my college, St. Cuthbert's Society. One of my favourite things about Durham is how pretty the town centre is and how close it is to so many beautiful areas.


LAVANYA

Hi! My name is Lavanya Dev-Kauffmann and I am from Germany and India. I live in Thailand but I’m in my first year of studying Law at Durham University. I live at Josephine Butler and play Badminton in my free time.

Hope we can raise lots of funds!



MATTHEW

I am Matthew, a second-year student studying Modern Languages and Cultures at Trevelyan College. I have loved studying at Durham and, while not living in college this year, I still get involved in college life by working at Trevs Bar every weekend.

As I study Arabic, Spanish and Catalan, I am spending my third year abroad. I will be joining a company in Barcelona this summer and, in 2024, my Arabic will improve as I study the language in Jordan!

Before then, however, I am delighted to have the opportunity to get to know alumni while hoping to benefit the current student body and those in the future!


Development and Alumni Relations Office
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE

0191 334 6305