FAQ's

Our callers often encounter the following questions from the alumni, parents and friends that we call:

Q: Who is calling me . . . is this a telemarketing company?

A: No – our is made up entirely of current MSU students.  We give students valuable work experience, the opportunity to build communication skills, and a chance to get to know alumni, parents and friends while giving YOU a chance to share your stories and experiences, ask questions, voice concerns, give feedback and pledge your support to your priority area at MSU.

Q: Where are you calling from?

A: Racer-Thon is located in the lower level of the General Services Building on the campus of Murray State University.

Q: I am on the National/State "Do Not Call" list. Why are you calling me?

A: Murray State University is a non-profit organization.  "Do Not Call" lists are not made available to non-profit organizations.  However, if you ask us not to call you again, we will include you on our own "Do Not Call" list.

Q: Why are you calling me?

A: MSU’s objective through Racer-Thon is to contact all of our alumni, parents and friends so that the university can keep in touch with you annually.  We want to make sure you are receiving the Alumni Magazine and other university newsletters.  We also want to share the university’s latest news with you, provide information on MSU’s priorities, and ask for your support through a gift to the college or area of your choice.

Q: Why can’t you just send something in the mail?

A: We try to contact MSU alumni, parents and friends through the mail.   However, we focus on making most of our contacts through our Racer-Thon phone program because the majority of the alumni enjoy having the chance to speak with a MSU student and make that kind of connection.

Q: Why do I get so many calls from MSU?

A: We do our best to call each household only once, maybe twice a year.  If you do get multiple phone calls, it is only because each of the colleges or areas you donate to is eager to contact you so they can provide you will the latest information on their accomplishments and priorities.

Q: My spouse and I are both MSU alumni. Why do we both get calls?

A: You both get calls because we want to give each of you personal attention and so we can fill you in on activities and news in the college from which you graduated. We also like to get feedback from all alumni individually.

Q: When can I expect my call?

A: Our fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.  We call Sunday-Thursday in the evenings because that is when we reach the most people.

Q: Why do you ask me to increase my gift every year?

A: We would not ask if we did not need to; any increase in your annual gift helps tremendously with the area or project you choose to support.

Q: Why does my gift make a difference?

A: Gifts of any size make a difference to students and programs at MSU. Your participation is very important to us. Alumni giving participation plays a big role in determining school ranking and in getting grants from sources outside the university.  It is also one of the best measures of how graduates feel about their university and the education they received.  Your participation is a great way to demonstrate your endorsement of Murray State!

Q: What happens after I make a pledge through Racer-Thon?

A: After confirming the dollar amount you wish to give and the area you want that gift to support with the caller, you can either take care of your gift over the phone by credit card or request a pledge confirmation letter be sent to you.

If you use your credit card, your gift will be immediately available to the fund(s)you wish to support.

If you opt for the letter, when you receive it, please return the bottom portion of the letter with your payment.  We will then send you 6- and 12-week reminders. You can use these reminders to make your additional payments. You will receive a gift receipt when we have received your payment.

You may also fulfill your pledge online safely and securely.  We proudly accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover.