Who are the true coordinators behind alumni and graduation events? Who builds an intricate network for students to harness and utilize? Who are these caped crusaders that facilitate events with proficiency and finesse?

The student ambassadors are a group that have pledged to create as many networks as they can between students, staff, faculty, administration, and the community. Bart Sonnenberg, a student ambassador, says he “considers ambassadors to be the bridge between a student and rest of the world be it the campus or the community they reside in.”

But how do these crusaders of connections make their goals beneficial to the typical student? “We are really a big portion of the behind the scenes workers,” Sonnenberg said. Ambassadors work on a wide range of events such as Student Orientation and Registration, alumni events, the chancellor's ball and graduation.

“Graduation is our largest event in which almost every aspect of the event is student coordinated and operated,” Sonnenberg said. "It allows us to offer our graduating students what they want to get out of graduation and to allow them to stay connected to the university.”

“One of the most rewarding aspects of this position is the ability to meet all sorts of different people,” Sonnenberg said. The ambassador position fosters the ability to interact with alumni, faculty, and administration on a more personal level. Sonnenberg said that his experience in the position has truly enriched his life by learning about the dynamics and the different eras that alumni have lived through.

In addition to working with the alumni, Sonnenberg and other student ambassadors work with a multitude of offices around campus. They collaborate with the foundation office, admissions, Dean of Students and student involvement to name a few.

So how is this position any different than what our student government has? First of all, the position is volunteer based. Also they are a large resource for student organizations; if asked they are more than willing to help out.

“I love this position; we are extremely passionate about this university and are always trying to better the bridge,” Sonnenberg remarks.

Sonnenberg also commented how he enjoys the perks of the position.

“We get the sneak peek on a myriad of things around campus; this includes seeing the new buildings before the rest of campus gets to," the student ambassador said. "The best way to tell the difference between the two is Student Government deals more with the academic and legality side, whereas the Ambassadors are the conversational aspect of the university.”

If students are interested in learning more about becoming a student ambassador, the group will have a tabling session soon in the Yellowjacket Union.