FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2006

Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins

(662) 329-7124

 

MUW SAA members attend conference; win coveted spirit stick

 

            COLUMBUS, Miss. – Three Mississippi University for Women students and their sponsor recently attended the Association of Student Advancement Programs District 3 Conference in Orlando, where they won the coveted spirit stick award.

SAA President Rachel Kent of Southaven and members Valerie Morgan of Hattiesburg and Calli Turner of Siloam Springs, Ark., won the award at the daily role call for their enthusiastic performance of “Old Maid’s Gate.” This was the first time MUW won the spirit stick at a district conference.

            Approximately 37 schools participated in the conference held at the University of Central Florida in March.

District 3 ASAP members include colleges and universities from the Southeast region of the United States. The four-day conference is held annually at one of the member institutions.

District conferences provide an opportunity for student alumni groups to come together and share information about their programs including things that have worked well and those that have not. All schools and students benefit from gathering new ideas to promote school spirit, student involvement and alumni-student networking.

            Carol Newell, alumni relations secretary and SAA sponsor, also attended the conference in Orlando. Newell has served as the sponsor for more than 20 years.

            SAA was founded in 1978 to serve as a liaison between alumni and students. There are currently 35 members. Annual events include Freshman Serenade, Senior Convocation, Homecoming, graduation and the Student Happy Gift bag Fundraiser. SAA also helps with various alumni chapter events and scholarship days with admissions.

            ASAP is an alliance of student organizations formed under the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, a professional organization for advancement professionals in the alumni relations, communications and development fields. ASAP member organizations are provided with resources and networking opportunities as well as leadership development.