Ambassadors to the Future
A unique program illustrates the full value of a Saint Paul College Education.
Bosnia. Ethiopia. Laos. Liberia. Libya. Mexico. Nigeria. Somalia. Vietnam. Ukraine. The United States. Sounds like a gathering of the United Nations. Almost — they are only a few of the countries of origin of Saint Paul College Student Ambassadors, past and present.
Student Ambassadors pictured above — Back row, left to right: Harrison Jones, Dustin Berry, Taban Artema, Michael Finstrom Jr. Middle row, left to right: Mai Vue, DeLisa Tims, James Youquoi, Halima Shire, Kou Moua, Felicia Hardy. Front row, left to right: Kenosha Washington, Cheng Lee, Kay Eke (Not pictured: Janey Weber).
The Student Ambassador program is a unique initiative in which a select group of students become vital members of the College community by participating in such activities as special events, prospective student tours, student panel discussions, college fairs, high school visits, and similar types of projects. Student Ambassadors have always been as diverse as the students and the Saint Paul College community they serve. Started in 2000, the program has been well represented by student speakers at graduation, student organization leaders, and Phi Theta Kappa All–Minnesota Academic Team awardees. They have passionately represented the College and students across the state, speaking before the Minnesota Legislature about the priceless value of their college education. Some have served in the U.S. Armed Forces before coming here or after they have graduated from the College.
Other Ambassadors have attended other colleges and come here to change or enhance their careers; many have gone on to get their degrees from the University of Minnesota, Metropolitan State University, and other four–year colleges after finishing their two–year degrees at Saint Paul College.
In fact, the program has been so successful that other colleges and universities have created and modeled their own programs based on the one developed at Saint Paul College.
"Our ambassadors paint a picture of the College from a student's perspective," says Brian Mogren, a Saint Paul College admission specialist and one of the Student Ambassador program's advisors. "Who better to talk to a prospective student than a current student?"
Currently, 14 students serve as Student Ambassadors. Four of them continued from fall 2007, while 10 new students have joined their ranks. More than half are in the AA program and plan to transfer to a four–year college after finishing their first two years at Saint Paul College. Others are in business, computer, American Sign Language/Interpreting, trade, and health and service programs. All are enthusiastic about their programs of study and about sharing their experiences with prospective students.
Building connections
Student Ambassador Kenosha Washington hasn't followed what you would call a typical career path. After a tenure in corporate America, a stint as a freelance marketing specialist, and time working with nonprofits, Washington wanted a career that would let her work with her hands and also provide financial security. A decision to work in the construction field took her to Saint Paul College, where she is a student in the Welding program.
"My teachers have been phenomenal; I love it," she says of her experience at the College. Serving as a Student Ambassador certainly has helped Washington build her confidence in interacting with the public. As a result, she now volunteers with a group called Women in the Trades, and helps women working in construction and related fields connect with each other. "Through the Student Ambassador Program, I've improved my team-building skills, my oratory skills, and my leadership skills."
It's also helped her feel even more connected to the College. "It's the camaraderie," Washington says when asked about what she values most about the program. "I've made friends. Lots of the other Ambassadors are involved in clubs, and so I learn about events and people at the College."
Links to the community
The Student Ambassadors, all current students with leadership skills and a commitment to the College, provide a valuable resource for people who are seeking answers to their questions about the College. "Students can relate to students," says Admissions Specialist Candace Robinson, another Student Ambassador program advisor. "The Ambassadors can help visiting high school students see the opportunities that are available here."
The Ambassadors also see the opportunities for themselves and look forward to their futures. "They plan to serve their community in many different ways," adds Amanda Clark, an admissions specialist and Ambassador program advisor. "They're planning a number of different pursuits. One person wants to work with youth and the arts, another wants to be an employment specialist and job coach working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients. Some of them want to start their own companies. The others have varied career paths: welder, bank specialist, lawyer, practical nurse, respiratory therapist, pharmacist, and radio broadcaster."
Another important Student Ambassador function is to connect with the College's benefactors. The Ambassadors will help out at the annual Saint Paul College Foundation Golf Tournament, which raises money to support the Student Ambassador Program. The June 12 event will allow the students to network with the leaders in their chosen fields as well as represent today's students at Saint Paul College.
High standards
Saint Paul College Student Ambassadors live up to the vision and mission of the program as a dynamic team of student leaders committed to promoting the College to prospective students and their families, current students, alumni, and the surrounding communities. By creating a positive first and lasting impression, they help support and enhance the integrity of the College.
The Ambassadors are carefully selected from a pool of applicants. They must be high academic achievers, demonstrate leadership abilities, and show enthusiasm for the College. They also must provide references that can attest to their achievements and abilities. All are required to have completed at least one semester at Saint Paul College. "We're really excited about our group of students, our diversity," says Robinson. "These students work well together and each brings something special to the overall group."
The Ambassadors are financially rewarded for their hard work with a $350 stipend at the end of the semester. To receive the stipend, they must complete the required 35 hours of service. Although the stipend might be what attracts some students to the program at first, it's not what keeps them coming back. "I first looked at the program for the money," Washington says. "But it's really helped me with my skills in facing the public and has enhanced my confidence."
Robinson sees how the program helps students build on those skills that they will use in the next phase of their education or career. "They take away what they need to be even more confident and successful at the next level," she says.
And that is a big part of what a college experience is all about.
Katy Holmgren is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer.
Learn more about our Student Ambassador program or contact: Amanda Clark (e-mail Amanda or call her at 651.846.1792); Brian Mogren (e-mail Brian or call him at 651.846.1788); Candace Robinson (e-mail Candace or call her at 651.846.1376).
