As new students arrive on the University of Idaho campus in August, they have the opportunity to enrich their college experience by joining campus clubs and organizations.
The Student Alumni Relations Board (SArb) is one group that is hoping to see new members.
SArb was established on the UI campus in 1969 with the goal of providing students with the opportunity to make important connections that last even after they’ve left the university, said Kristy Mayer, assistant director of the Alumni Office.
“Our main goal is to build a bridge between students and alumni,” Mayer said.
In honor of UI’s founding in 1889, SArb consists of 89 members. Students can apply at the beginning of each semester, and will then go through an interview process. SArb Advisor Lauren Hamilton said SArb seeks students who want to get more out of their collegiate experience and are not afraid to take creative risks in the event planning process. Diversity is also a big focus point in recruitment, Hamilton said.
“We are trying to reach out to some athletes, and we’re really trying to reach out to international students,” Hamilton said.
SArb is responsible for planning and putting on numerous events on campus, and the student members are the driving force behind the implementation of such events.
“They help plan, they help execute events, they help do catering orders and they do media design,” Hamilton said. “They really get to be involved.”
The first event SArb will put on this year is arguably one of the most important, said Hamilton.
Vandal Walk, which is held at the beginning of each school year for incoming students, is a walk from the Kibbie Dome to the Administration lawn that ends with a BBQ. The event is not only a chance for new students to get to know each other and the administration, but is also important in its symbolic nature, Hamilton said. When students graduate from the UI, they make the reverse journey, from the Administration lawn to the Kibbie Dome.
“(Vandal Walk) provides students the opportunity to go full circle, literally,” Hamilton said.
SArb also organizes Dads’ and Moms’ Weekends, GradFest, Silver and Gold Day, and several other small events.
Carley O’Brien, UI student and SArb Internal Public Relations Chair, said she is anticipating the upcoming school year and what SArb has plans to make it great.
“A group of our members has been working on creating a new (Tradition Keepers) book, and I am so excited to see the final product,” O’Brien said.
SArb awards Tradition Keeper pins to participants who fulfill certain university traditions and visit campus landmarks, while also learning about the past and present UI.
SArb will have booths at Palousafest and the Get Involved Fair with information for students who may be interested.
“I have loved being a part of (SArb),” O’Brien said. “It has been a great leadership experience.”
Azumi Smith can be reached at [email protected]