Student Alumni Ambassadors
In 1978, the Student Alumni Ambassadors (then called the Student Alumni Association) was created to give University of Evansville students service and leadership opportunities, to build a foundation for future alumni leaders, and to foster communication, awareness and interaction between current students and alumni. Since its founding, the events and programs of the SAA have promoted academic excellence and a sense of tradition, pride and loyalty for the University of Evansville. The main mission of SAA is to prepare students to become future leaders and prominent members of UE's Alumni Association.
Alumni Association
The Alumni Association fosters a lifetime relationship with graduates, former students, current students, and friends of the University by continuing to renew the rewards and friendships experienced at the University of Evansville. The Association encourages each of these groups to be enthusiastic supporters of our University in its mission of educational excellence. Currently, there are approximately 27,000 active alumni in the Alumni Association.
SAA Location
The SAA office is located on campus in the Igleheart Building on the corner of Rotherwood and Lincoln Avenues. The building also houses the Offices of Alumni and Parent Relations, Development and Annual Giving.
SAA Membership
SAA membership is open to all UE students interested in improving student-alumni relations. A membership drive is held in April of the spring semester each year. Faculty, administrators, and current SAA members may nominate any UE student for SAA membership. For further membership and nominating information, please contact Monica Spencer, SAA advisor at (812) 488-4065.
The 2011-2012 Student Alumni Ambassador officers are:
President: Melanie Bacaling
Vice President: Ashley Majewski
Alumni Event Coordinator: Sethlyn Morgan
Secretary: Tyler Scott Hamilton
Purple Friday: Matthew Prest
Student Alumni Association/Student Foundation Network (SAA/SF)
In 1985, SAA joined SAA/SF, a national network organized to establish a communication link among other Student Alumni organizations throughout the United States and Canada. These groups work together to develop a representative body that addresses issues of mutual concern and to inform members of activities. UE's SAA is one of several hundred similar organizations in the SAA/SF network and is a member of the Network's District 5. A district conference and a network convention, hosted by many college organizations, are held annually. The University's chapter of SAA often sends a delegate to at least one district or national convention during the year.
SAA Sponsored Programs
- Student Alumni Mentoring Program - Through the Partners in the Evansville Experience program, the student-alumni mentoring program provides insight into career opportunities by pairing students with alumni who are leaders in their fields and communities, and provides students with valuable alumni contacts and professional networking possibilities. The student gains valuable feedback, counsel and information from their alumni mentor. The alumni mentor gives back to their alma mater by spending time with a student with similar interests and career aspirations. Interested in becoming a member of Partners in the Evansville Experience and the Student Alumni Mentoring program? Contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at ms323@evansville.edu or through the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education to become involved: piee@evansville.edu.
- Homecoming Planning and Activities - SAA works with the Office of Alumni Relations, Student Life, and other student organizations to plan the Student Homecoming activities and events. SAA members help with the organization of the activities and present new ideas for events, as well as serve as volunteers to help with alumni events and activities throughout Homecoming weekend.
- Alumni Liaisons - SAA members are resources for the alumni board; the students help the board know what's happening and current on the UE campus and in the UE student community. The alumni board meets on campus three times a year; October, February and May. During these times, SAA members may be called upon to interact with the alumni board during the meeting or in a social setting. SAA also helps the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations with preparations for various alumni dinners, special events and activities.
- School Spirit Sendoffs - School Spirit Sendoffs are sent from parents of UE freshman to their student, to wish them luck as they begin their collegiate career at the University of Evansville. School Spirit Sendoff gifts contain a letter from the parent and UE merchandise, which SAA prepares and delivers. This is the main fundraiser of the year for SAA. Order forms are mailed to freshman parents in July, right before the beginning of the new academic year with a deadline of late August. Freshmen packets are delivered to students during the first two weeks of school.
- Philanthropy - A wide range of social and service events are scheduled throughout the year in the normal course of Student Alumni Association activities. SAA also participates in a variety of campus and community service projects.
For more information regarding the Student Alumni Ambassadors and how you too can become involved with this great student organization, please contact Monica Spencer at 812-488-4065 or ms323@evansville.edu.
