Telephone Campaign
The Telethon is an annual campaign run by the Development Office.
The Telephone Campaign takes place each September, just before Michaelmas term begins, and has two main objectives: to create links between current students and alumni, and to raise money for the College so it can continue to provide an outstanding Churchill education. All alumni are lifelong members of the College and the annual Telethon is one of the ways we keep that connection alive. Lots of our alumni really value the opportunity to speak to current students and find out more about the life of the College today. This year our students will be sharing details of the upcoming Renovation and Renewal campaign which launches later this year.
The student callers are really looking forward to speaking with you. Whether alumni’s careers have followed a straightforward path or taken a few unexpected turns along the way, the experiences that they share with current students in these conversations often offer valuable insights and inspiration as the students consider their future options.
We appreciate that some people do not enjoy talking on the telephone. If this is you, please do take a moment to opt out. By opting out, you help to keep the student caller experience enjoyable and enable us to focus our time on reaching those alumni who would like to chat.
All our callers are current students or recent graduates. Competition for a place in the team is high. As well as being paid The National Living Wage (£12.71/hour), students gain work experience for their CVs, develop their communication skills, and are supported to stay in College.
After hearing about the College’s fundraising projects, many alumni choose to add their support by pledging a regular gift. Donations raised in the Telethon are vital in enabling the College to continue to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.
The Telethon is a fantastic time to join our donor community or renew your support of College. New regular gifts that are made during this year’s telephone campaign will have double the impact. Thanks to a generous pledge from a fellow Churchill alumnus, every new regular gift will be matched £ for £.
If you’d rather not wait for a call, you can make a gift using this dedicated Telethon donation form. Regular gifts of any frequency are matched £ for £. If you would prefer to support a different area of College, please use the general donation form here.
Meet the 2026 callers
Agastya (U25)
“Hiya, my name is Agastya. I have just completed my first year studying physical natural sciences. Professionally I am currently exploring opportunities in both finance and research. Otherwise, I am super excited to be starting second year and involve myself even further with the opportunities here at Churchill. This year, I am the Men’s Vice-Captain of the Boat Club and also Co-President of our June Event that we’ll be hosting next summer! I’m delighted to be part of the telethon, and I cannot wait to hear all of your stories and journeys.”
Alexandra (U24)
“Hi, I am Alexandra! I’ve just finished my second year of History, and I’ve loved getting involved in the College community over the past two years. This year I was the Art and Décor Lead for the Churchill June Event, where I helped transform our famously Brutalist College into something a little more magical for one night. It was such a rewarding experience and a brilliant way to meet new people and feel more connected to Churchill. Outside my degree, I love drawing and I’m currently learning Russian through lessons funded by the College – I’m hoping to become fluent one day. I’m still exploring where I want my career to take me, but I’d love to find a path that combines the critical thinking I’ve developed through studying History with my creative side and a chance to make a positive impact.”
Cara (U24)
“Hi! I’m Cara and I’m going into my third year studying Philosophy. Outside of my degree, I play football and spend a lot of time debating at the Cambridge Union. Last year, I was also the Access and Education Officer on the JCR, which gave me the chance to get involved in College life in a slightly different way. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Churchill so far and have met some brilliant people along the way, so I’m looking forward to hearing from alumni about their time here, the people they remember, and what they’ve gone on to do since leaving.”
Dawid (U24)
“Hi, I’m Dawid and I have just finished my second 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 two years 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!”
Enita (G25)
“Hi! I am Enita, and I have just completed my MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar. Before Cambridge, I spent over 15 years working as a civil engineer and project manager in Nigeria. Looking ahead, I hope to contribute to sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure and community development, particularly in underserved areas.
Churchill felt like a natural choice for me because of its strong STEM heritage, progressive spirit and beautiful open grounds especially as someone who loves nature! I have really enjoyed the warmth of the Churchill community, the wellbeing activities, and taking part in the ACCEL leadership programme. I also love reading, painting, nature watching and creative storytelling. I founded an online literacy community that has grown to over 45,000 members, which grew from my love of books and connecting people through ideas and shared experiences.”
Esme (U24)
“Hi! My name is Esme and I’m going into my third 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.”
Harry (U25)
“Hello, my name is Harry and I have just finished my first year studying Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS). I am from Milton Keynes, a fantastic fast growing green city an hour from Cambridge. Personally, I love Churchill’s huge campus and ample green spaces, just like in MK! I have a particular interest in politics and love public speaking and campaigning. I am particularly enthusiastic about doing the telethon to hear how life at Churchill has changed/stayed the same over time. I look forward to having the opportunity to speak to some of you!”
Isabel (U25)
“Hi, I’m Isabel and I’m starting my second year studying Architecture and I am an aspiring Architect. Churchill has allowed me to get involved with sports that I hadn’t tried before with its amazing facilities and clubs such as Churchill College Boat Club, where I learnt to row, and the Churchill Gym where I found my love for weightlifting. The grounds at Churchill also keep me inspired as I enjoy Contemporary art as it is home to many Hepworth sculptures. I am very passionate about Churchill and its facilities along with the opportunities it has. I am eager to talk to the alumni about their experience at Churchill and what paths they have taken post Churchill life.”
Jessie (U24)
“I’m Jessie, a third-year student of politics and international relations. I’m a wannabe cosmopolitan – I play kabaddi (an Indian contact sport) for the University team and I’m learning Russian, both with the support of College grants. This summer I attended an amazing five-day school on resilience in the Baltic region, where we met Lech Wałęsa! I also received some funding from Churchill to solo travel around the region. As kids we all dreamed of stepping inside our favourite books; visiting Eastern Europe myself after reading so much about it felt just as magical! I’m excited to get to know the alumni, and indulge my addiction to matcha chai lattes from the College Buttery!”
Julia (U24)
“Hi, I’m Julia – I grew up between China and Australia and I’m about to start my third year studying Engineering, specialising in mechanical and information. What I’ve loved most about Churchill is how open and friendly the community is. I’ve sung with Inter Alios choir, and I’m a regular at the tennis courts, dance studios and music rooms. In my spare time, I sketch mainly in ink and watercolours and take a lot of photos. This summer I spent eight weeks building an interactive light installation for College, funded by the Summer Bursary and Opportunities Fund. I’d love to hear your stories from beyond the College gates, and to share what’s going on here today!”
Lizzie (U24)
“Hi, I’m Lizzie (they/them) and I’m going into my final year studying Music. I hail from rural Gloucestershire, where peak excitement is getting to feed the neighbour’s ducks. It was the brutalism that drew me to Churchill, and I’ve loved not only the experience of being able to walk to the shops, but also the friendly and relatively informal atmosphere of the College. One of two current Music Sizars, I relish my role in supporting the flourishing musical culture here, and have broadened my own musical horizons by joining the University Javanese gamelan group. Somewhat unexpectedly, I’ve also developed a passion for accounting, having served as Treasurer for a student magazine since its founding. I’m looking forward to talking to you all, and finding out about the myriad paths alumni have taken!”
Tara (U25)
“Hi, I’m Tara and I just finished my first year studying medicine. I’m from Buckinghamshire, only an hour from Cambridge, and I am so excited to come back and start my second year. As someone who was pooled to Churchill I didn’t know anything about the College at first, but it quickly became a place I am proud to call my home. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the previous alumni and chatting about why Churchill is so amazing!”
FAQs
Information for alumni
When and where does calling take place?
The 2026 Telethon is taking place between 21 September and 4 October. The majority of calls will take place between 18:00 and 21:00 BST on weekdays, between 11:00 and 17:00 BST on Saturdays, and between 14:00 and 20:00 BST 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 £12.71/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 academic resources. 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 a Cambridge number starting +44 (0)1223. If you are worried that the call might not be genuinely from the College, you can ask the caller to send you an instant email to verify themselves. Alternatively, 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 choose the Fund to which your gift is allocated. The student you speak to will be able to give you more information about the Renovation and Renewal Fund during your call. If you would prefer to support a different other area of College you can do so via our general donation page. 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.
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