For the 16th year, the IUP Ambassadors student group, which promotes interaction between students and alumni, has been honored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Affiliated Student Advancement Programs.
CASE is a national organization for advancement professionals who work in alumni relations, communications, fundraising, marketing and other areas. The awards recognize an organization for its impact on individual memberships, development and growth, and dedication to the organization, university and student advancement profession.
The IUP Ambassadors received three district awards for programs the group sponsored: the Outstanding External Program award for the Leadership Dinner program, the Outstanding Internal Program award for the Buddy Program and the Tried & True Program award for the Kidz Karnival, a family-friendly Homecoming event.
“We are very proud of the IUP Ambassadors,” said Bill Speidel, vice president for University Advancement. “We continue to be appreciative of the hard work the Ambassadors do on behalf of IUP. They are wonderful representatives of our institution and student excellence.”
Fifty-two schools are eligible to compete for awards in District II, and 315 organizations compete for the international awards.
Through its fundraising initiatives, the Ambassadors group has donated more than $200,000 to the university during its 20-year history. This has included funds to name the IUP Ambassadors Conference Room in the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, as well as donations to the IUP library fund and the IUP Ambassadors Scholarship.
The group's 50 members also serve as liaisons between prospective students, current students, administrators, faculty members, alumni, and friends of the university.
Members are active participants in Homecoming activities and 50-year reunions for alumni. They also host activities on campus for a variety of administrative offices, including the Office of the President.
In addition, members are active in student-recruitment efforts. They have made calls to more than 17,000 students accepted to IUP since 1993 and assist with orientation events throughout the year. The group also distributes a freshman yearbook and organizes a senior recognition event.
To date, the group has won 22 district awards and eight international awards from CASE. Past awards are as follows:
• Most Outstanding Organization, International Level: 1998, 2001, 2006, 2011
• Most Outstanding Organization, District Level: 1994, 1997, 2000
• Most Outstanding Adviser, International Level: Matt Konetschni, 1998; Tonya Anthony, 2002; Mary Morgan, 2003; Sara Barnett Lawer, 2009
• Most Outstanding Adviser, District Level: Matt Konetschni, 1997; Mary Morgan, 2000 and 2002; Tonya Anthony, 2001; Amanda Gunther, 2006; Sara Barnett Lawer, 2009
• Most Outstanding Program, International Level: Tuition Raffle, 2000
• Most Outstanding Program, District Level: Tuition Raffle, 1999, 2005, 2011, 2012; Young Alumni Achievement Award, 2012; “The Breeze” alumni newsletter, 2004, 2007
• Spirit Award, District Level: 2002