5 minute read
EMISSARIES OF EXCELLENCE
Student Ambassadors serve as faces of college
When Layla Zeitouni ’17 was told she had been chosen to be a Presidential Student Ambassador, she had no idea it was going to change her life.
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Layla Zeitouni ’17
“I had always had some social anxiety and never liked speaking in front of people,” she says. “But the ambassador program was exactly the push I needed. I learned how to feel confident in front of a crowd and in managing large groups of people.”
After graduation, she went into a master’s program and started teaching at the college level at 22. She returned to graduate school and continues to teach.
“Without the PSA program pushing me out of my comfort zone, I never would have experienced the growth that I did and been in the jobs that I love now.”
What is a Presidential Student Ambassador?
Formerly known as the Hilltoppers, Presidential Student Ambassadors serve as representatives for the college. They lead Admission tours, assist at Preview Days, participate in donor visits, help host presidential events and speak at civic clubs or campus events.
Dr. John Head, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience, says the ambassadors play a vital role in the recruitment process.
“They are able to connect with prospective students in a way our professional staff can’t by talking about their own experiences of what it is like to be a student on the LaGrange College campus,” he says. “We frequently hear from prospective students that speaking with an ambassador was the highlight of their visit.”
Dr. Head says there is power in stories.
—Dr. John Head Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience
“When our ambassadors share their stories, it really resonates and helps those prospects to visualize themselves on our campus,” he says. “When we can do that, we have taken a big step in getting that student to commit to LaGrange College.”
Building relationships
Making those connections also is important to the students, according to DJ Kelly ’22.
DJ Kelly ’22
“My favorite thing about being an ambassador is when a prospective student becomes a student,” he says.
During his junior year, he was asked to help the staff in Henry Hall with a resident’s room.
“I turned around and recognized him,” he says. “He was in one of my campus tour groups. It warms my heart, knowing that I gave a tour to somebody, encouraged them to come here and I meet them on campus as a fellow student.”
—DJ Kelly ’22 Presidential Student Ambassador
Volleyball player Ariel Modeste ’23 says she had been wanting to become more involved on campus and to learn more about the college.
Ariel Modeste ’23
“This position was the perfect way to achieve that,” she says.
One special part of being an ambassador is the opportunity to conduct campus tours.
“I remember touring colleges when I was in high school and how exciting it was,” she says. “Being able to be a part of that for someone else is my favorite part of being a PSA.”
Sharpening skills
Participation in the Presidential Student Ambassador program helps students develop skills that have served them well in their lives after graduation.
Asti White ’17 is currently enrolled at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta.
Asti White ’17
“Being a PSA allowed me to sharpen my leadership skills,” he says. “I enjoyed encouraging students to get involved and participate in campus groups such as Student Government Association, Black Male Initiative, Black Girl Magic and Greek organizations.
“There are so many wonderful opportunities for students at LC, and I loved sharing my enthusiasm about all the vibrant things happening around campus.”
Zeitouni says she particularly enjoyed visiting with families during Preview Days.
“I was able to talk to students and parents separately,” she says. “I was also a Residential Advisor, so I could share different aspects of campus life that would be the most meaningful for them. Having that experience with both groups really helped me get out of my shell and prepared me for a career in education.”
Getting started
Applications and reference forms for the PSA program are emailed to students in the spring, followed by a review process before selected students are invited to an interview.
There are monthly ambassador meetings and updated training conducted through the Admission office.
President Susanna Baxter said she is extremely grateful for what the Ambassadors mean to the college.
“These young people donate their time and talents to share with others about this institution and the work we do,” she says. “Whether it’s visiting a potential donor or helping host an event at the President’s Home, they are always there, smiling and welcoming everyone. I think they epitomize the best of who we are as an institution and community.”
THE MANY HATS OF A PRESIDENTIAL STUDENT AMBASSADOR
They:
• Conduct campus tours for visiting families
• Assist at Preview Day
• Write and call donors to express appreciation
• Participate in donor visits
• Speak at campus events and at area civic clubs
• Help host Presidential functions
• Support the Admission Office’s efforts
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAMPUS VISIT
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Check the weather so you’ll know if you will need an umbrella or sunscreen.
• Ask questions. Remember your tour guide is also a student, so be sure to ask them about their personal experiences on campus.
• Sit in on a class and meet with a professor
• Take pictures – and make sure you use our hashtag #LaGrangeCollege on social media.
• Spend some one-on-one time with Financial
• After your visit, make notes about your experience to use when making your final college decision.
Schedule your LaGrange visit at lagrange.edu/visit
