The NIU Office of Development and Alumni Relations concluded their 1987-88 Alumni Phonathon in June, receiving their largest donations to date.

More than 5,500 NIU alumni pledged $113,000, compared with the 3,800 donors who pledged $63,811 in 1986-1987. The number of alumni pledges jumped 46 percent from last year, and the total dollars pledged increased more than 77 percent.

“It was another record-breaking year in terms of both donors and dollars,” said Bob Brown, director of special giving.

The phonathon, run by student volunteers under the direction of the NIU development and alumni relations staff, ran from September to November and January to May. About 30 student organizations with about 1,100 volunteers contacted almost 25,000 NIU alumni.

Phi Beta Sigma fraternity raised the most money during the ‘87-’88 phonathon, with Alpha Phi sorority placing second.

Brown, who was in charge of the phonathon, said, “This is the first time a minority group placed first in our fundraising, and (it) shows their high level of involvement at NIU.”

A total of $200,000 was pledged by 75 NIU accounting graduates who are employed by Arthur Anderson & Co., one of the “Big Eight” accounting firms. The company will match any contributions made to NIU’s Alumni Association.

Jim and Linda Mason of Genoa, both NIU alumni, offered a $20,000-challenge matching gift to encourage young alumni to help support their alma mater.

Contributions made to the NIU Alumni Association help support the university library, the alumni job placement network, alumni publications, scholarships, continuing professional education seminars and alumni programs such as Homecoming and trips.