The Telephone Campaign is an annual campaign run by the Development Office. It takes place over approximately three weeks and has two main objectives: to maintain links between current students and alumni, and to raise money for the College. All alumni are lifelong members of the College, and the Telephone Campaign 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 also choose to pledge a 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. True to the founding principles of the College, over 80% of our undergraduates are from state schools and nearly all require some level of additional financial support. 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.
Your gift to one of the fundraising priorities in our Think Forward campaign will help the College to support future generations of Churchillians.
We understand that this may not be a good time for you to receive a call. If you would prefer not to be called on this occasion, please let us know by submitting this form, or by emailing development@chu.cam.ac.uk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Information for Alumni about the annual telephone campaign
When and where does calling take place?
Why do students apply to be callers?
Are the students trained?
How do I know if I will be called and am I able to opt out of a campaign?
Can I make a gift over the phone?
Can I choose which area of College my gift will support?
Can I choose how much I give and for how long?
In what other ways can I help the College other than by making a gift?
Calling team introductions
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 – I am part of the Churchill College badminton team, and also in Easter term I started learning how to play croquet. 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 am so interested to find out about the lives of people who have studied here in previous years, and what memories you have of your time here at Churchill.”
Akua Osei-Dompreh (U22)
“Hi! I’m Akua, a 3rd year HSPS-er from East London. I love to do anything which involves creativity, especially crochet, water colours and music. My favourite place in College would definitely have to be the Zen garden because of the quiet you get there while enjoying nature. In the future, I hope to get into marketing or public relations (more focused on the political side though).”
Davina Wang (U22)
“Hi! I’m Davina, a second year (going into third year) Architecture student. I’m from New Zealand. In my free time I love painting and drawing, anything that help creativity flourish. This year I was the Co-President of the May Ball Committee, we organised an amazing night for all attendees making it significant part to their College memories. In the future I hope to become a professional architect bridging between the arts and sciences. I am excited to hear about the alumni of Churchill and share our experiences and explore Churchill through different perspectives!”
Emily Chard (U23)
”Hi, I’m Emily, a philosophy student from Manchester going into my second year of studying here at Churchill. In my free time I love to make use of the amazing facilities Churchill has to offer; you might find me in the Dance Studios, the Chapel, or the Bevin Library! I’m also on various different committees, being a representative for Churchill’s Christian Union and a JCR Entertainment Officer! I’m very excited to be part of the telethon and can’t wait to talk to so many interesting people!”
George Crimes (U20)
“Hi, I’m George! I’ve just graduated from Churchill after four years studying Modern and Medieval Languages. I served as our JCR Green Officer and was involved in the Boat Club, as a cox for most of my time! Next year, I’m hoping to come back to Cambridge as a College gardener! I love to talk about my year abroad, the College gardens and uni ballet!”
Lucy Underwood (U22)
“I’m Lucy, and I’ve finished my second year of Natural Sciences. I am one of the music directors in Churchill Jazz Band, and this year I was the Women’s Vice Captain in CCBC. I love an early morning out on the river, and coming back to a supportive academic community in college. I’m really excited to talk to alumni and share our different experiences at Churchill!”
Mridul Shrestha (U22)
“Hi, I’m Mridul, a second (going on third) year natural scientist. I have really enjoyed my second year at Churchill as I feel I’ve become really ingratiated within the community. This year I have founded my own society, Game Show Soc, where we host weekly game shows and was even on the May Ball Committee, where we were able to host an amazing night for so many students. Having done the telethon last year, I really enjoyed hearing about all the alumni’s personal experiences of the College, and I look forward to hearing even more of these stories this year.”
Nik Dryden-Diaz (U23)
“Hi, I’m Nik! I’ve just finished my first year of history and am especially hoping to focus on Latin American history in future. I’m currently the Secretary for Cambridge University Scout and Guides Club, love crocheting and embroidering gifts for my friends at the College knitting club, and of course going on walks with Shrimp around the grounds. I’m excited to hear about alumni’s time here at Churchill, and how their lives and relationship with the College have developed after leaving, and to keep exploring what the College has to offer myself.”
Noah Stewart (U23)
“Hi! I’m Noah, a first-year History and Politics undergraduate from London excited to be a part of the calling team this year. I have loved my time at Churchill so far, enjoying study sessions in the Bevin library, playing football on the fields and taking part in societies like the rugby team. I’m taking part in the telethon this year because I know the impact donations make to individuals and the wider college community ensuring we benefit from a diverse body and can fulfill the college’s values of sustainability and inclusivity.”
Sonya Badianova (U23)
“Hello, thank you for taking an interest in the Telethon campaign. My name is Sonya, I am a student of Churchill College, and in my free time I take opportunities to work in the canteen of the College and connect with my peers. In the future I hope to pursue enzymatic kinetics as a part of me studying chemistry. I believe that this campaign will greatly help to support the community of Churchill and provide a wider variety of opportunities to its students to pursue their academic goals. I am very excited to talk to alumni of Churchill to find out about their experiences in the College and share mine.”
Thomas Ralfs (U22)
“I’m a bio natsci who just finished their second year learning about plants, physiology and biochemistry with a brilliant cohort of peers and supervisors. Originally from Liverpool, I spent sixth form running round the mountains of Eryri/Snowdonia. However, in the flatness of Cambridge I run round the college grounds, compete in taekwondo and captain pole sports. Outside of training, I’m the academic liaison for the Cambridge alternative protein project and spend a large percentage of my time squirrelled away in the Bevin library armchairs typing furiously atop the planks. Churchill provides the perfect environment for learning and has helped lay the foundation for my future in agricultural research and mycorrhizal interactions. I hope this telethon can raise funds that enable Churchill to continue providing these beautiful facilities to future students, creating the next generation of scientists.”
Vicky Dahmen (U22)
“Hi, I’m Vicky – a third year medical student. My interests include pharmacology and cardio-renal physiology. Other than academics, I enjoy hiking, rowing and traveling. I can’t wait to hear from Churchill alumni!”
Zohaa Sheikh (U22)
“Hi, I’m Zohaa! I just completed my second year studying HSPS, with a focus in Politics and Sociology. I was born and raised in London but am ethnically Pakistani. I play for the University’s women’s ultimate Frisbee team which is great fun; I also enjoy having casual games of football and badminton with my friends. I have also grown into quite the Formula One fan, I love keeping up to date with all the races and developments. One of my favourite places in College has got to be the Zen gardens, evening walks through there with my friends is a must, it is such a beautifully calm area. I very much look forward to taking part in the telethon, as this will be a great opportunity to practice my interpersonal skills while updating alumni about the amazing developments across College!”
