Here’s a call I received from my alma mater:
“Hi! This is Cindy and I’m a freshman this year at your college. I’m calling because we’re looking for mentors to give advice to incoming freshmen like me. Could I ask you a few questions about college?”
“Sure, go ahead”
“Well, as you know, budgets are tight this year and we were hoping you would donate at least $2000 to keep the high quality education you enjoyed a part of this college.”
“No”
“No? Well, if that amount won’t work for you, maybe you would consider a donation of $1500?”
“No, I’m not donating anything at this time”
“No? Well, maybe you would consider...”
She continued to lower the amount until we reached a dollar. I told her she could have the dollar if they sent someone to pick it up. She got mad and hung up, but that didn’t stop them from calling again a week later.
Don’t pretend to want an honest opinion and then turn it into a scummy money grab. I don’t owe them anything. I paid for my education and was successful through my own hard work.