Annie Truong isn’t your typical telemarketer.

If you’re a Kansas University alumnus, she can tug at your heartstrings by mentioning details of your alma mater. She’s a business major, so she might ask for advice from former business students. And watch out — she’s been known to have hourlong conversations with those on her calling list.

The strategies are paying off for Truong, a KU junior from Wichita. She recently surpassed the $100,000 mark as a member of the Jaytalkers, a group of student employees who raise money for the KU Endowment Association. She is only the second student to reach the $100,000 mark in the more than 30-year history of the Jaytalkers.

“It’s just really connecting to them,” Truong said of her secret to getting alumni to donate. “I feel I’m very personable. It’s very easy to talk to people. It’s easy for me to connect with people and have them reminisce about KU.”

Truong has worked for the Endowment Association since her first semester at KU. Her average gift brought in to KU is $200, more than twice the average among the Jaytalkers. In all, the group brought in $1.1 million last year.

Lindsay Byers, Truong’s supervisor, said her key to success was making good conversation.

“The answer is confidence,” Byers said. “Annie is extremely confident and extremely personable. She can connect with any alumnus.”

About 25 Jaytalkers work every night except for Saturdays, or during home KU basketball games. In all, 50 to 60 students are employed.

Truong had a chance two years ago to pass the $100,000 mark in a hurry. The husband of a deceased KU alumna offered to donate $250,000 to the Graduate School over the phone. Unfortunately, Jaytalkers are only allowed to accept gifts up to $10,000 and must pass donations of more than that on to others at the Endowment Association.

“It would have been cool if it would have worked out,” she said. “I was freaking out.”