make a solicitation or petition for something desired; "She is too shy to solicit"
v., v.t. 1. to ask (a person or group) for a contribution of money, resources, a service, or opinion; 2. to request or appeal as for such a contribution. solicitation, n.
Asking for a specific gift to a program for a specific ammount. Can be either written or verbal. However, in the case of a verbal solicitation, appropriate written follow up between the university and the donor must include solicitation amount and program intent before the solicitation is formally recognized.