Alumni Relations and the Student Alumni Association co-hosted the annual Welcome Back Students picnic at the Argo’s Grill and Gameroom last week. Organizers estimate that more than 200 students participated in this event which highlighted the SAA and its parent organization.

SAA President Robert Kelley said he would like to get the program off the ground at the University and increase awareness and involvement.

“We have more programs in the works,” Kelley said. “We are planning monthly events including tailgating parties at sporting events.

"We have a SAA discount card that offers food and merchandise discounts at various places in town,” Kelley said. “We would also like to get some college nights set up where students would get discounts into places for wearing University of West Florida logos. We are working on more ideas, depending on student’s interests.”

Kelley believes that student awareness is essential in developing the association’s agenda, and the picnic highlighted the benefits and goals of these programs.

“I understand that the SAA is a way for students to get into contact with alumni for networking and career advantages,” said John Dagen, a junior. “I am interested in joining.”

Meredith Jones, coordinator for Alumni Relations at UWF, would like to raise student awareness of the organization, including the SAA and more.

“We do career programs, including Meet the Pro’s. It is a great thing for students to come and network with alumni and recruiters,” Jones said. “It is held before the Career Fair and is more informal.”

The department encompasses several student-oriented programs including grant opportunities, scholarships, SAA and the Student Ambassadors.

“We are planning activities to show school pride and encourage participation in activities,” Jones said. “We would like to change the idea that school is like a job, where students come just for class and then leave. We are trying to get students connected now, and hopefully later they will continue to be involved.”

Student Ambassadors are students that set aside time to volunteer as the official hosts of the University. According to the organization’s brochure, Ambassadors host and participate in numerous activities including tours, open house events and commencement activities.

The organization’s programs are expanding, with student participation guiding future plans. With 50,000 current members, University alumni are a large networking resource available to students through Alumni Relations and the SAA.

The organization’s annual Meet the Pro's event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the UWF Conference Center. For more information visit http://uwf.edu/alumni/.

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