The Advancement Office at the University of South Carolina Aiken has launched a new texting program to facilitate better connection with the community and university donors.
Those enrolled will receive one text per month with information regarding key campus events, university developments, social media updates, and information on how donor funds are being invested.
About 2,000 donors received their first text alert on Thursday, July 27, welcoming them to the program. Right now, texts are being sent to anyone who has made a gift to USC Aiken since Fiscal Year 2020.
Wesley Brown, major gift officer at USC Aiken, explained that even though emails are a primary form of communication, they can sometimes be overlooked, landing in spam folders or inactive inboxes.
According to a study by the Radicati Group, the average person receives 88 emails a day, or 2,640 a month. With the use of smartphones, texting is an easy cost-effective way to supplement email communication. Experian Marketing Services reports the average person checks their phone 150 times a day and almost 80% of their activity is focused on text messaging. "We launched this program to supplement all those different forms of communication," he said.
Brown also mentioned that donors are the ones who support USC Aiken's mission and help to provide students with the programs and tools they need to excel. "We want to make sure they understand what we're doing so that they can know what their dollars are being used for," he said.
To receive text alerts from USC Aiken, text USCA to (803) 761-0499. Those interested in donating can contact Wes Brown at (803) 641-3417.
For more information, contact Angela Saxon, angela.saxon@usca.edu