Do you want to get involved in campus? Be given a opportunity to meet other students, faculty and alumni? Do you want to network with alumni across the country in your chosen field? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Student Alumni Association may be the organization for you.

The Student Alumni Association works directly with the Office of Alumni Relations at Saint Louis University to help build opportunities for relations between alumni and students.

SAA was founded in the spring of 2001 to fulfill the need for communications between SLU students and alumni.

SAA student members plan and implement various special events for students and alumni, represent SAA to the Alumni Association as well as the student body, participate in volunteer activities throughout the St. Louis community, network with alumni in their chosen field, interact with other students associations at various colleges and universities within the area and much more.

“SAA is a great organization for what we do for the community and the school,” said Lara Hessel, SAA secretary. “Mentoring with the alumni is beneficial for the school and the students. It’s a great way to network and an opportunity to meet people that may help you later on.”

Some events SAA members have participated in were SLU Make A Difference Day, Arts and Science Breakfast with Santa and the SLU/Mizzou basketball game.

In the spring, SAA plans the Senior Send Off BBQ. The association works with Habitat for Humanity and participates in other community service activities as well.

Alumni Weekend is sponsored by SAA.

Many students believe that homecoming is for them, but it is really for the alumni, as a way to bring them back into the SLU community and family, said Kathleen Nooman, SAA member.

SAA will be hosting an international conference this summer. At the conference members form other Student Alumni Associations at colleges and universities across the country will get together.

There are a few requirements for membership: members must participate in a certain number of activities per year, serve in an executive position or as a committee member and attend committee meetings. Committees in the association are Public Relations/Membership, Special Events/Fundraising, Career Development and Community Relations.

“SAA is a really small, growing organization that is making something for the student to benefit from later on down the road,” Nooman said.

SAA meetings take place once a month in 215 Verhagen Hall, the Student Alumni Room. SAA welcomes any students who are interested in promoting the association.