Feature Article
Alumni Ambassadors Program
NETWORK! VOLUNTEER! GET INVOLVED! LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEW ALUMNI AMBASSADORS PROGRAM!
Maybe you want to welcome new social workers to the field. Perhaps you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your alma mater and give back to the School. Or maybe you’re exploring opportunities to reconnect with classmates and network with colleagues. If you found yourself nodding in agreement, you’ll be glad to know that there is a new program at SP² that encompasses all of these things: the Alumni Ambassadors Program.
According to the 2006 SP² Alumni Survey, alumni are looking for meaningful ways to be involved at the School: 30% of respondents would like to volunteer. The creation of the Alumni Ambassadors program was a direct response to the interest expressed in this survey. But given the diverse nature of SP²’s 5,000 alumni, a cookie-cutter volunteer program was out of the question. Instead, the Alumni Relations Office and the Alumni Council designed a volunteer-centered program that caters to the individual interests and abilities of alumni. Regardless of when you graduated, where you live, or which career track you pursued, there is a volunteer opportunity for you. In a nutshell, the Alumni Ambassadors program includes a host of volunteer opportunities that range from heading a regional alumni club to attending an Admissions Open House to serving on an alumni panel for graduating students.
How does the program work?
- Alumni Ambassadors are asked to sign up for a one-year volunteer term.
- During this time, volunteers participate in two activities (although participation in more than two activities is fine).
- Volunteers choose the activities in which they would like to participate, based on their volunteer interests and goals. Activities occur at different times of the day, the week, and the year, so that all volunteers will be able to find something that fits into their schedules. A list of sample opportunities is below.
How do I become an Alumni Ambassador?
- Graduates who would like to become Alumni Ambassadors only need to notify the Alumni Relations Office of their interest by completing a short form. Click here to complete this form online. After this form is received, interested volunteers will be contacted by the Alumni Relations Office to discuss the details of the program and learn more about available volunteer opportunities. All volunteers will receive any necessary training prior to volunteering.
Sample Volunteer Opportunities
- Serving as part of a welcoming committee at alumni activities (ie, Alumni Weekend, Homecoming)
- Hosting a Career Exploration Series for graduating students
- Sitting on an alumni panel at Career Connections
- Serving as a Class Agent during reunion years
- Sending welcome letters to incoming students
- Heading a regional alumni club
- Attending the Alumni Welcome Breakfast for new students
- Participating in an Admissions Open House
- Other opportunities as they arise
If you have any questions about the Alumni Ambassadors Program, please contact Emily Brueckner at 215.573.7133 or embrueck@sp2.upenn.edu.