Perhaps as you have been walking down West Pine Blvd. checking out the posters that are conventionally located on the trash cans or while sitting in class you have noticed that taped up beside the traditional “Make $12.50 an hour this Spring Break” ad there is a new poster that looks a little different. This ad shows a group of students having what appears to be a good time with lots of action, smiles and happy faces. The eye catcher is that two students are whited out from the ad and the catch phrase “All that’s missing is you” is typed across the top.
After reading the fine print, you find out that the ad is for the Student Alumni Association. The Student Alumni Association (SAA) is a new student-run organization whose goal is to better the relationship between alumni of Saint Louis University and current students.
“Many students are unaware of what being a part of the alumni of Saint Louis University means. There is a misconception that being part of an alumni association is simply about giving. In reality, there are several other components,” said SAA advisor Colleen O’Neill.
Some of these components are the opportunity to obtain leadership experience on campus and in the community, as well as planning and implementing activities for the student body. Activity ideas include a senior send-off, reunion breakfast, networking receptions and career panels. The activities planned for later this spring include a barbecue lunch for seniors and “real world” packets to be handed out around the time of graduation.
According to O’Neill, SLU’s Alumni Relations department believes that this organization will serve as a bridge to connect current and past students by providing an interaction that benefits both the students and the alumni.
“Our organization aims to be a win-win experience for everyone involved. By connecting our students and alumni we often open the door for mentor opportunities, internships and possible employment after graduation,” O’Neill said.
Meetings are held once a month in the Student Alumni Lounge located in Verhaegan Hall, and information can be attained by calling Colleen O’Neill at 977-2214.
As for that eye catching sign, that was all thanks to University Marketing and Communications.
