For Lewis & Clark College alumni and parents, a call from an unfamiliar 503 area code might be more than just a typical phone call—it’s often a friendly connection to the heart of the L&C community. That familiar ring is likely a student caller from the school’s Phonathon program. These conversations are an opportunity for a unique, meaningful bridge between current students and the extended Lewis & Clark family.
The Phonathon program thrives on shared experience—current students genuinely love the chance to share the latest L&C news, talk about their academic pursuits, and offer a real-time glimpse into life on campus. Phonathon calls are an opportunity for the L&C community to be in direct contact with the students who benefit from their generosity”.
As Janet Schempf ’75 shares, for her the calls often lead to surprisingly rich conversations: “Sometimes calls are very fun, with lively conversation about my experiences at Lewis & Clark and how these shaped my paid and volunteer work since graduation. Sometimes we talk about what the student is studying and their goals. Some of the calls get deep quickly.”
Whether reminiscing about college memories, discussing possible career paths, or reflecting on a student’s current studies, Phonathon conversations are rarely superficial. They allow alumni & parents to offer encouragement, share invaluable perspectives, and be involved in the success of the next generation.
Crucially, student callers also develop strong communication skills, gain confidence, and forge real connections with people who were once in their shoes. Current caller Leilani Meshoulam Fabian ’27 says that getting to hear stories from alumni and parents is the best part of the job. “It is always super interesting to hear about how alumni are doing, what they did after college, how they continue to engage with the L&C community, the highlights of their time here and the advice they have for us going forward.”
This interaction often has a profound impact, inspiring student callers to promote and engage in philanthropy as current students and eventual alumni. Elie Al Khoury ’26, who works as a caller and is a member of the Student Philanthropy Council (SPC), sees this connection firsthand. Groups like the SPC use their passion and experience from roles like Phonathon to plan events and fundraise, actively promoting a culture of giving across campus.
So the next time you see the 503 area code, we hope you’ll pick up the phone. These conversations ultimately fuel the college’s mission, reminding us that your connection and support directly empower the Lewis & Clark students of today.”
