Ambassadors link students, alumni
Programs foster interaction with former Bruins
By Rashmi Nijagal
In this world where who you know often seems more important than what you know, a variety of organizations on campus are helping to introduce students to alumni and life after UCLA.
The need for student-alumni interaction has led to the development of the UCLA Ambassador Program. Created last year, the program builds bridges between students, alumni, donors and friends of the university.
Student ambassadors are sent to events where they are given the opportunity to answer questions about the university and express their own views to alumni and donors.
"What makes this program unique is that we are invited to go to events where students typically aren't present," said Peter Hayashida, assistant director for the Advisory and Scholarship Program of the UCLA Alumni Association and ambassador program advisor. "The ambassadors play an active role in engaging in dialogue with alumni, donors and friends of the university."
Organizers try to attract a diverse group by opening ambassador positions to any UCLA student in good standing. Applications are reviewed, and selected applicants participate in a day-long interview.
"It is a highly selective recruitment process," said Erica Mannard, a third-year communication studies and political science major and UCLA ambassador. "We are trained to understand what is happening with the administration, various projects and the campus. So, when we talk to alumni and donors, we can give informed answers to their questions."
The ambassadors are now concentrating on publicity and outreach since recruitment begins in spring quarter. They are also looking forward to participating in a legislative conference in March.
"The alumni response is really positive," said Jennifer Sachs, a fourth-year biology student and ambassador. "The group is well-trained and knowledgeable so they (alumni) get a feel of what UCLA is like now."
An organization with similar goals is the Students Alumni Association (SAA), which is currently coordinating the Dinners for 12 Strangers program. Through these dinners, students have the opportunity to meet with alumni, faculty and fellow students in homes of alumni.
Workshops for students are also held every Wednesday night where alumni from different professions come talk to students. In addition, the student association sponsors major events such as Spring Sing and Homecoming, which involve a great deal of alumni participation.
"It is a great experience for UCLA students to interact with alumni," said Dennis "Buzz" Chapman, a fourth year sociology major and SAA president. "Students have the opportunity to learn a lot, and these programs also give alumni a reason to keep coming back. Such traditions should be kept alive and going strong."
Students are not the only ones who benefit from such interaction. A study conducted a few years ago by Alumni and Students Programs showed that about 3,000 alumni are heavily involved with the university, while 17,000 have been involved in some way or another.
"When you graduate, your experience at UCLA doesn't end," said Keith Brant, director of Alumni and Student Programs. "These programs help alumni to keep in touch with the university."