The Student Alumni Association (SAA) is committed to better the relationships between current USI students, alumni and faculty. SAA was founded 22 years ago, said Kira Vaal, assistant director of Alumni and Volunteer Services. The SAA welcomes all students with at least 30 credit hours to join.
SAA helps organize the Aunt Sophie’s Chicken Noodle Soup Event. The event is ran entirely by 20 to 25 volunteers, Cindy Bippus said. Bippus organizes the event.
One USI athletic team chosen by SAA is presented with a dinner made by the volunteers. Athletic teams served in the past are tennis, men’s basketball and soccer. This year the women’s basketball team is going to be served the dinner, which includes soup, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, and deserts, Bippus said.
“We hope it’s a little taste of home on campus,” said Bippus.
Another upcoming event is ‘Breakfast with the President.’ This year it will be held March 30 in Carter Hall. This is the sixteenth year ‘Breakfast with the President’ has been held.
It is an informal event where students can discuss issues or concerns they have regarding the campus with President Linda Bennett.
“The breakfast is free to students and lasts one hour,” Vaal said.
‘Breakfast with the President’ features a panel of six students from different organizations throughout campus which varies every year.
Students from the Student Government Association, Black Student Union and the Greek community have all been represented, along with other organizations and clubs.
The panel will then ask the president questions they have concerning the direction of the university and campus issues. In the past, questions have ranged from parking to student leadership Vaal said.
“I would like to go to the event so I can ask about different options for first generation college students,” said Lance Kollker, sophomore Business Administration major. “I can’t find much information about it.”
The SAA invites all alumni, students, faculty and staff to join the event. There are usually 100 to 150 people that attend each year Vaal said. “Students can enjoy a nice breakfast and listen to Dr. Bennett,” Vaal said.
