This article was written by Alyssa Merletti ’23, an 麻豆色情片 alum, assistant director of alumni engagement, and advisor to the Student Alumni Association.
This year, 麻豆色情片 University’s Student Alumni Association (SAA) celebrates 10 years of service, marking an important milestone for the group that has forged lasting bonds between students and a thriving alumni network.
As an 麻豆色情片 alumnus 鈥� and staff advisor to the association 鈥� I have seen an exciting growth in the university’s Alumni Association because of SAA. And our alumni connection to students has grown so much stronger because of it.
The association’s slogan, “Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow,” reminds us that the alumni experience begins well before graduation. Over the past decade, the organization has helped students recognize that their journeys here at 麻豆色情片 aren’t over once they walk across the stage. Their connections to this university are lifelong.
Throughout its history, SAA has evolved to meet the changing needs of 麻豆色情片 students, offering support and opportunities that transcend the campus experience. Many former members of the association remain actively engaged in the alumni community, continuing a long tradition of giving back to students.
One such alumna is聽Rachel Lester ’22, who was part of SAA as a student. Now living in Nashville and pursuing her career goals, Lester looks back on her time with the association with gratitude:
鈥淪TAT helped me picture my life and career beyond my time at 麻豆色情片,” she reflects. “I met alumni of all ages working in many different job fields and cities, which encouraged me to not limit the goals I had for myself and reminded me I would always have a strong network of alumni supporting me no matter what path I chose.”
“As an alum living in Nashville now, I鈥檝e met many fellow Petrels who are not only great connections to have, but fantastic people to call friends!鈥�
As advisor, one of my favorite aspects of this role is helping to connect like-minded individuals and build community. I take great pride in supporting our students and share this passion with our broader alumni network. Our department has found that while alumni enjoy attending fun and unique events, they are most motivated by opportunities to support students directly.
From the Class of 2025 all the way back to the Class of 1975, alumni are generously offering their time, talent, and treasure to uplift current students through career panels, mixers, classroom visits, handwritten notes of encouragement, and more.
The Alumni Board, which includes a dedicated Student Engagement Committee, has been a strong advocate for SAA鈥檚 mission. Shahzaib Jiwani 鈥�12, a member of the Board, shared his enthusiasm:
鈥淭he Alumni Board is thrilled to join SAA in celebrating this milestone anniversary! As alumni, we’re passionate about supporting current students, and the SAA offers a fantastic opportunity for students to connect directly with us. We look forward to many more opportunities to support SAA in the years to come!鈥�
Current students also feel the impact of these connections. Fabian Garcia 鈥�27, a transfer student and active SAA member, reflects on the support he鈥檚 received:
鈥淕etting to meet alums here at OU has been very meaningful on both a professional and personal level鈥攆rom helping me with recommendation letters to getting advice on how to navigate college life.鈥�
Looking ahead, I鈥檓 excited for the continued growth of the Student Alumni Association. I鈥檓 confident that our alumni community will remain a source of inspiration and support鈥攏ot only for current students but for future Petrels as well.
