Connecting students with alumni in the areas of leadership, tradition and community is the vision statement of the re-established Student Alumni Association.
Many changes have gone into effect with the SAA. Jerry Wayne, vice chancellor for Alumni and Community Relations, is overseeing the changes.
Josh Kornberg, communications junior, is the current SAA president.
After having as many as 267 members, the SAA is currently re-building membership.
“I was approached by Wayne in February to start over with a fresh perspective,” Kornberg said.
One of the SAA’s goals is for alumni to maintain connections to their school by helping current students become successful alumni themselves.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about the SAA that people have is the thought of our group being strictly for alumni,” Kornberg said. “In fact, it’s an IU group.”
The IUS chapter of the SAA is currently connected with several other IU campuses, including IU Bloomington, in an effort to work together within the IU family.
The SAA also works closely with Career Services in an effort to give back to the community through contributions. One contribution is the annual blood drive challenge, which takes place in November.
Another event the SAA is having is the Nearly Naked Mile, which is at 10 p.m. on Sept. 30 in McCullough Plaza
All proceeds will go to the IUS Alumni Association Scholarship fund. Although there is a $5 charge, it is free for SAA members.
“Get memories, free give-a-ways and a great time,” Kornberg said. “Just remember to wear anything a bathing suit can cover.”
The SAA has many avenues for students to assert themselves and get involved.
Freshmen and sophomores can develop into SAA leaders by joining the member corps and completing the assigned training.
One of the newest changes in joining the SAA is membership cards. Students will now have to fill out a physical membership card and pay a $5 fee.
“Literally every student can get involved,” Kornberg said. “It doesn’t matter your age, race or color. We are all Grenadiers and are obligated to give back to our community.”
By GARRETT TAYLOR
Staff
gartaylo@imail.iu.edu