Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAAs) are students selected to foster connections between alumni and students by interacting with alumni and by encouraging students to consider their role as future alumni. Through service and leadership, this organization strives to foster relationships that benefit all parties involved and promote the character and ethics of the University of Mary Washington.

SAA Goals:

  • Serve as proponents and ambassadors of UMW, actively representing and promoting the University to other students as well as alumni
  • Develop an efficient system of student-run leadership that benefits both the students and the organization
  • Provide opportunities to develop leadership, networking, and resourcing skills
  • Assist the Office of Alumni Engagement and the University at events
  • Increase awareness of the Office of Alumni Engagement, and engage students by educating them on the benefits of being a Mary Washington alum

Expectations of SAAs:

  • Attend meetings twice per month during the fall and spring semesters
  • Volunteer at two or more Office of Alumni Relations events per semester
  • Volunteer at either Homecoming (fall) or Reunion Weekend (spring)
  • Make an annual philanthropic gift of any amount to any campus entity
  • Be an advocate for the SAA program and the Office of Alumni Engagement among alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and students

Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate status at UMW
  • Good disciplinary standing with the University Judicial System
  • Commitment to the mission of the University and the SAA program
  • The following personal qualities: a desire to learn, enthusiasm, leadership, responsibility, dependability, maturity, initiative, dedication, and punctuality

Benefits of Membership:

  • Connect and network with VIP donors, alumni, staff, administrators, and community leaders as an official representative of UMW
  • Attend exclusive programs and events to which students normally do not have access, both on- and off-campus
  • Experience resume-building professional development, team-building, and leadership opportunities
  • Travel on behalf of the University to off-campus events and conferences throughout Virginia and beyond
  • Receive up to four tickets for family members for a VIP reception/viewing area during your Commencement

Selection Process and Timeline:

We accept up to eight new members each year, giving preference to younger classes.
   January: Applications period opens
   Mid-February: Completed application must be received online by 5 pm
   March: Applicant Interviews
   Late-March: Candidates are notified by e-mail of their selection as Student Alumni Ambassadors
   Early April: New member training and orientation

For more information, contact Cadi Trevino-Pinto, SAA Advisor, at ctrevino@umw.edu.