Student Ambassadors: Faces of UTD Spirit

01.28.2019

If you’re a regular on the UT Dallas campus, you have likely seen them — students in crisp, green-collared shirts adorned with the UTD logo.

Student Ambassadors are a select group of Comets who can be found volunteering at events and promoting University programs. Whether organizing the annual Oozeball tournament or serving at commencement, these students are dedicated to leadership and service, as well as their educations.

The 2018-19 Student Ambassadors include 31 students, ranging from sophomores to graduate students. As the faces of the University, these students serve on a number of committees centered on recruitment, student affairs, social activities and alumni relations.

“Ambassadors not only focus on the University, but they also serve on a community outreach committee, where they advise high school and middle school students on what to expect in college,” said Ana Lemons, Student Ambassadors advisor.

Student Ambassadors help organize events such as Ring Days and Notes & Floats, bring students and alumni together through events and meetings, and work to raise funds for the University through UTD Giving Day, senior class giving and North Texas Giving Day.

“Being a Student Ambassador has given me fresh vision to take notice of UTD traditions and spirit,” literary studies senior Karlo Digno said. “While I’ve considered my time at UTD a blessing, I think being an Ambassador has pushed me to really process the reasons why I’m enjoying my time here.”

In order to become Ambassadors, students must have attended UT Dallas for one semester prior to application, be enrolled as a full-time student and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.

Ambassadors take part in a rigorous application process, including a written application, a meet and greet with current Ambassadors, a formal interview conducted by a panel of judges and a one-on-one interview with the Ambassadors’ advisor. During the last selection process in the spring, more than 100 students applied for 15 new spots.

“I am especially proud of our new class because of the diversity of major, age, gender and history they bring,” said biochemistry senior Hrishita Tiwari, a returning Student Ambassador who, for the past two years, has also served on the ambassador selection committee. “They’re exceptional.”

FYI: You can keep up with the group’s activities and philanthropic initiatives on Facebook.

–Melissa Graham