Building relationships and fostering pride for a University of Rochester community ever better.
The Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAAs) are a select group of undergraduate students managed by the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement to serve as liaisons within the University’s alumni community. SAAs are passionate about “all things Rochester” and eager to engage with the alumni community and promote school spirit and our Rochester Traditions across campus.
Recruited each spring semester, you can recognize the SAAs by their signature ‘R’ cardigans and silver nametags. Members are selected because of their involvement and leadership roles on campus, their strong desire to connect and engage with the alumni community, and overall, their love and pride for the University of Rochester.
Roles and responsibilities
Student Alumni Ambassadors connect past, present, and future Yellowjackets in a variety of ways. Some of the roles and responsibilities include:
- Assist with on-campus, local, and regional alumni events, including Meliora Weekend.
- Welcome alumni and prospective incoming families to campus and provide the student experience during meetings, events, visits, and private campus tours.
- Spread awareness to other undergraduate students about the alumni community and the programs and services offered by the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement
- Help direct the future of student-alumni programs by providing feedback and insights into current student interests, needs, and priorities.
- Build and strengthen connections between students and alumni.
Benefits
The SAA program focuses on providing students with opportunities to acquire and sharpen leadership and communication skills while building their personal and professional network with not only alumni but also other student leaders on campus.
- Develop networking skills through formal training and in-person and virtual opportunities.
- Unique access to alumni, parents, and friends of the University.
- Invitations to exclusive programs and events.
- Potential opportunities to travel on behalf of the University.
- Opportunity to attend an annual professional conference designed specifically for students in ambassador-like programs.
Expectations
- Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing with the University.
- Attend an annual spring orientation and at least one of two monthly meetings.
- Complete a minimum of 10 volunteer hours (by assisting with various events/activities) per year, in addition to 8 hours during Meliora Weekend.
- Participate in the Senior Giving Campaign as a senior.
- Be an advocate for the SAA program and the Office of Alumni Relations among alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and students.
What do SAAs do?
The Student Alumni Ambassador program builds relationships among students and alumni, and fosters pride in the University of Rochester.
Learn more about the Student Alumni Ambassadors directly from the student participants and hear about other ambassador programs at Eastman School of Music and the School of Medicine and Dentistry.
If you’re interested in learning more, please fill out this form, or reach out to Karen Carhart, associate director for student engagement, at Karen.Carhart@rochester.edu.