Telephone Campaign
The Telethon is an annual campaign run by the Development Office.
The Telephone Campaign takes place approximately three weeks before Michaelmas term and has two main objectives: to create links between current students and alumni, and to raise money for the College. All alumni are lifelong members of the College, and the annual Telethon helps to keep that connection alive. Many alumni really value the opportunity to speak to current students and find out more about the life of the College today.
Many alumni also choose to pledge a regular gift during the Telephone Campaign and these donations are vital in enabling the College to continue to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.
All our callers are current students or recent graduates, who are looking forward to speaking with you.
We are reliant on generous alumni support to help ensure none of our students miss out on the opportunities available to them while they are in Cambridge.
Current fundraising projects
Our Think Foward campaign aims to raise at least £6 million for student support and the College’s endowment. Your gift to one of the fundraising priorities in this year’s Telethon will help the College to support future generations of Churchillians.
Class Giving
Class Gift Bursaries are means-tested Cambridge Bursaries named after particular year groups.
Think Forward Fund
This is an unrestricted fund where surplus income is invested to add to the endowment of the College. Those Colleges that have existed for many centuries have the security of a larger endowment to offer more financial security. With your help we can secure the funding of the College for the educational benefit of future generations and ultimately for society as a whole.
Meet the 2025 callers
Dawid Baraskiewicz (U24)
“Hi, I’m Dawid and I have just finished my first year studying maths. I am from a town in Wales called Monmouth, known for being home to Rockfield studios, used frequently by Queen. Coincidentally, I am a huge fan of their music but I have not yet been lucky enough to add an album of theirs to my growing vinyl collection. I am also an avid wildlife and nature enthusiast, Churchill’s expansive grounds and slightly more rural setting was a big reason as to why I applied. I have massively enjoyed my first year at Churchill and I have met a great many fascinating people studying alongside me, so I can only imagine it will be incredibly interesting to have the opportunity to talk to some of you!”
Rosie Briginshaw (U24)
“I’m Rosie, a second-year History and Politics undergraduate here at Churchill! I’m currently the JCR Women’s Officer and I also helped run events this year as the Politics Society’s Social Events Officer. Before I started my degree in Michaelmas 2024, I actually worked in both Churchill’s catering department and their College library, so I got to know Churchill very well before arriving as a student. Last December, I also helped out with the online admissions interviews, which was an amazing way to support the college and meet prospective students. I’ve loved being a part of so many different sides of College life, therefore I’m really looking forward to chatting with alumni and hearing all about their time at Churchill and sharing some of my own stories too!”
Sam Brown (U22)
“Hi, I’m Sam. I’m from Cornwall; the beautiful nature there instilled in me a love for nature and science. I have just finished my 3rd year of natural sciences (chemistry) and will stay on for an integrated masters. I took mainly biological modules in 1st and 2nd year as I was planning on becoming a biochemist. Last summer, Churchill funded an internship for me at Harvard working on a CRISPR-Cas9 screen, where I learned maybe biochemistry wasn’t for me, so I switched to chemistry. This summer I have an internship working on developing the undergraduate chemistry curriculum here in Cambridge. I hope to either do a PhD in biological/organic chemistry or work at an NGO developing science/climate policy.”
Aidan Chaplin (U23)
“Hiya! I’m Aidan, a second year mathmo. I’m from a village at the foot of the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire, and enjoy going on walks in the countryside. At Churchill, I have managed to keep up with a few activites alongside the maths, including being on last year’s JCR committee, which involved organising events and looking after the welfare of other students. I have also attempted a little bit of baking whilst being here, involving making a (rather burned) fruit cake for a friend’s birthday! I participated in last year’s Telethon as a student caller, and really enjoyed talking to so many interesting people. I loved finding out about the lives of people who have studied here, and learning about the history of the college. I’m really looking forward to hearing your memories of your time here at Churchill.”
Esme Chazan (U24)
“Hi! My name is Esme and I’m going into my second year. As a History student, it would be great to hear about how College life has developed over the years, or even how it has remained the same! I am very attached to Churchill and take every opportunity to feel connected to the College, whether that’s sitting on the field at sunset, or mooching about in the JCR. To think these spaces have been inhabited by students who’ve gone on to do really impressive things over the years is very special, and I’d love to revive some of those memories with the alumni. I spend a lot of time photographing Cambridge on my Canon, and have recently started compiling short films. I love reading, particularly books in Spanish and French, and I play tennis at College.”
Becca Cullen (U24)
“Hi, I’m Becca and I have just finished my first year of veterinary medicine here at Churchill. I’m from a tiny village in Leicestershire, and it was growing up here, working on farms that inspired me to want to become a vet. When I’m not doing vet-related things, I’m probably running. I’m on the committee for the Cambridge university cross country club and love being part of the team. I also love swimming and cycling and anything outdoors. I took a year out before coming to uni and travelled for 7 months. I love exploring new places and meeting new people. I worked for college during the interview process and loved chatting to the students so I’m really looking forward to chatting to alumni and hearing about their lives and stories from Churchill.”
Joshua Dickens (U24)
“Hi, I’m Joshua and I’m an incoming second year engineering student, originally from Tokyo but brought up in London. Having been surrounded by skyscrapers, systems and technology from a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by how things work and are put together, and now I intend to pursue aerospace engineering in my 3rd and 4th years. During my first year at Churchill, I have joined the College Boat Club, having rowed in M3 for May Bumps, and taken up Kendo, a Japanese martial art of fencing based on traditional swordsmanship. I have also enjoyed creating and making in the new Bill Brown Creative Workshop, where I have learnt to 3D print and laser cut with a variety of engineering materials. I am looking forward to participating in this year’s telethon, talking to and hearing about the experiences of alumni.”
Nik Dryden-Diaz (U23)
“Hi! I’m Nik, and I’ve just finished my second year of History here at Churchill College. I’m particularly interested in modern Latin America and its relationships with other countries, and am hoping to stay in academia. I’m currently the Secretary for Cambridge University Scout and Guides Club, love crocheting and embroidering gifts for my friends, and have even taken up rowing in the past year! Having loved participating in last year’s Telethon, I’m really looking forward to hearing more about alumni’s experiences and memories about their time in Churchill.”
Cassie Griffin (U24)
“Hi, I’m Cassie and I am just starting my second year studying History and German at Churchill! Growing up in Reading, I was always surrounded by people from across the world and different cultural backgrounds which has led to my interest in languages and world history. Hopefully my degree will be the jumping off point for a career which will take me all over the world – this summer I’m spending five weeks in Japan teaching English! I love trying new things and starting rowing and athletics at university has made me realise how much I enjoy spending time outdoors. I also love to cook and enjoy cheffing up meals in the College kitchens to share with friends, as well as drawing and crafts. I’m really looking forward to chatting with alumni about their experiences at Churchill and where life has taken them after Cambridge!”
Vanya Jain (U24)
“Hi, I’m Vanya, an incoming second year historian! I’ve loved being active in the Churchill community – from working as a Student Admissions Helper in December to serving as one of the BAME officers on this year’s JCR! This summer, I’ve been mentoring prospective students at a summer school, which has been incredibly rewarding. I’m so excited to engage further with the college community and learn directly about its rich history; I can’t wait to hear all the fascinating experiences and special memories that alumni have of Churchill and to connect with them! My favourite thing to do when I’m not getting through reading lists or writing essays is climbing – I’m a member of the Cambridge University Mountaineering Society! I also love live music, crafting and crocheting!”
Om Patel (U24)
“My name is Om and I have just finished my first year studying Engineering at Churchill College. It’s been an amazing first year having had lots of fun with the newly opened Bill Brown Creative Workshops at Churchill and sports facilities available to me. Particularly engaging in table tennis, badminton, rowing and hopefully adding squash this year helps me take a break from the academics. This summer I am interning at AtkinsRealis exploring engineering through the perspective of a consultancy. I am excited to listen to the careers and memories of all the alumni, hoping to imbibe whatever I can.”
Sofiia Shypovych (U23)
“My name is Sofiia, and I’ve just completed my second year studying Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Cambridge. I’m originally from the Donetsk region in Ukraine. At university, I’ve been actively involved with the Cambridge University Ukrainian Society, which I had the privilege of leading over the past academic year. I’m passionate about working with people and take part in various volunteering and mentorship programs, both within Churchill College and beyond.”
Sophia Yuen (U24)
“Hi! I’m Sophia, and I am from Hong Kong, but I came to the UK for secondary education. I have completed my first year of Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Churchill, and I am excited to start my second year, as we will be exploring some of my favourite topics, such as criminology and developmental psychology! In the coming year, I will become part of the Churchill JCR committee, and my role as a mental health officer will involve being an active listener for Churchill members, and also caring for the welfare of other students. Outside of studies, I am interested in arts and crafts, including fashion design, painting, and photography. Another thing I love is eating good food, and people often tell me my stomach is like a vacuum (but only when I’m not suffering from exam stress). I also really enjoy listening to people as I find people’s stories fascinating and inspiring, so I am eager to hear about the alumni’s memories in Churchill!”
FAQs
Information for alumni
When and where does calling take place?
The 2025 Telethon is taking place between 16th September and 3rd October. The majority of calls will take place between 18:30 and 21:15 on weekdays, between 10:00 and 17:00 on Saturdays, and between 16:00 and 21:00 on Sundays. All calls are made by current students or recent leavers, and they are ringing from the Sixties Room in Cowan Court, here in College.
Why do students apply to be callers?
Usually it is because they want to give something back to the College. They understand the importance of fundraising, and the direct impact that your donations have on their educational experience.
Students are paid £12.21/hour for their hours worked and are given an allowance towards accommodation and meals. (This is not funded from donations received during the Telephone Campaign.) This covers the costs of them staying in College during the vacation period, to make use of the Library and other resources for their studies. The Telephone Campaign specifically takes place outside of Full Term in order for it not to interfere with their studies.
Furthermore, students acquire valuable communication and negotiation skills, which help to prepare them for their future careers. The campaign is great work experience for their CVs. The calling team is also a fun and sociable working environment.
Are the students trained?
Yes, the students receive two full days of training from a professional fundraising consultant. The students are also supported throughout the duration of the campaign by the Development team and a dedicated call room manager.
How do I know if I will be called and am I able to opt out of a campaign?
We invite a group of alumni to participate in calling and they will receive either a letter or email from us in the weeks leading up to the campaign. We hope you will choose to accept the call and engage with our students on the understanding that there is no obligation to make a gift.
You will always be contacted before a campaign and given the opportunity to opt out. Please let us know if you would prefer not to be called this year by completing the online opt out form on this page or by emailing [email protected].
If you would like to support the campaign by making a gift, but do not wish to speak with anyone or are unavailable during our calling times, you are still able to do so by using the online donation form on this page.
Can I make a gift over the phone?
We are always grateful to those who choose to make a gift to the College during their call. It is quick, easy and secure to make your gift over the phone. Our students can set up paperless direct debits for regular gifts or transfer you to a DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency) line to make a single gift using your telephone keypad. Calls from the campaign will show as originating from our Development Officer’s phone number which is +44 (0)1223 331660. If you are worried that the call might not be genuinely from the College, please contact our Development Officer on [email protected] who will be able to reschedule your call.
Can I choose which area of College my gift will support?
Yes, you can specify where your gift is allocated. You may find the above “areas of support” section helpful. The student you speak to will also be able to give you more information about the specific funds during your call. Alternatively, if you are happy to allow the College to apply your donation to the area of greatest need, you can choose to give to our unrestricted Think Forward Fund.
Can I choose how much I give and for how long?
Yes, you can choose the amount, frequency and length of your gift. You can also cancel, amend, reduce or increase your donations at any time, simply by contacting the Development Office. Please email [email protected] or call +44 (0)1223 336163.
Can I help the College other than by making a gift?
Please speak to our callers about mentoring opportunities if this is how you would prefer to support the College and its students. Signing up to our free, online mentoring platform Churchill Connect is the best method for volunteering in this way.
You may also be interested in:
