The ISU call center made history this month, raising more than $1 million for the Iowa State Foundation.

“We don’t think any other program has accomplished raising 1 million in one month. The closest we’ve personally ever gotten was raising $932,000,” said programs manager Alec Bridenstine.

As of Thursday, the foundation had raised $1,119,694 for the month of October. Their goal was set at $775,000.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011 the national household income was $52,954 and the unemployment rate was about 9 percent. Despite the negative economy and hardships many people are facing, donors are still finding ways to contribute to the cause.

Bridenstine said a combination of things contributed to the donor support that made this historic feat reality.

“We have a lot of skilled students on the phone that are passionate about the university and want to improve Iowa State,” he said. “We also have a really solid alumni base that is more than willing to give back.”

New donors are also helping.

“We’ve had a lot of new callers recently. I know we’ve all been calling as much as we can and working hard to make our goals,” said call center employee Lauren Messina, freshman in animal science.

The money donated by alumni will go toward anything they request. The Foundation supports all programs at Iowa State including scholarships, study-abroad programs and professorships.