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| Ambassadors: more than jackets |
Jana Nordstrand
Staff Writer
Clubs / Organizations Beat |
Jacque Lenz | The Appalachian
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Appalachian Ambassadors
is about more than just bright yellow and black North Face jackets.
Ambassadors are everywhere, pointing, walking and talking as they
spout out facts about Appalachian State University.
Every year around January, ambitious students go
through the strenuous new member drive. After several interviews and
pages of paperwork, some find themselves embarking on a journey in
one of the 38 positions in the Appalachian Ambassadors. |
Following six weeks of
new member classes and a final exam, new members become official and
are handed a sweater and the responsibility of representing Appalachian
State University.
Ambassadors are trained by Appalachian’s finest.
During the new member period, Mrs. Francis T. Borkowski hosts an etiquette
dinner held at the Chancellor’s house.
“I found myself with the owner of Dan’l Boone Inn sitting
on one side of me while one of the Broyhills sat on the other,”
said Seth W. Wiseman, a junior construction major.
Each member is required to give two tours a week at their scheduled
tour times, plus one to two Saturday tours. They must attend a fall
and spring retreat, as well as be a marshal at convocation and graduation.
They are also responsible for attendance at the weekly meetings held
on Tuesdays at the McKinney Alumni Center at 5 p.m.
There are many rewards to this organization, including developing
leadership, communication and social skills.
“We are under the philosophy that those who play well together,
work well together,” said Wiseman.
Ambassadors do their part whether they are on the executive board
or holding a chairmanship.
The group molds together as a unit.
“I have been able to meet the most incredible people and give
back to the school that has already given so much to me,” said
Lynn M. Ruggieri, a sophomore elementary education major and secretary
for Ambassadors.
Started in 1977 by Fred Robinette, Ambassadors are already planning
a 25-year anniversary celebration.
Although Ambassadors is a university-funded organization, they still
participate in fundraisers and also recently proctored testing rooms
on Assessment Day Sept. 5.
This coming winter, through the coldest and windiest times of the
year, remember that while many typical Appalachian students may be
sleeping in or catching up on television time, Appalachian Ambassadors
can be spotted in those famous jackets, with 20 or so eager potential
freshman accompanied by their parents, pointing out landmarks and
historic buildings.
One may only remark, maybe Appalachian Ambassadors are not so typical
after all.
For more information go to http://ambassadors.appstate.edu. |
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