Student Alumni Association celebrates 30 years.
“The students selected for this organization will be on the ground floor of what we hope will become a lasting and strong tradition at the college,” said Stephen Kimball ’93 in an article that appeared in The Summit on May 19, 1991. Kimball was talking about the newly formed Student Alumni Association (SAA), of which he was serving as the first president.
Now in its 30th year, the SAA has had more than 460 student members who have supported alumni activities in myriad ways from serving as student ambassadors at Reunion and Homecoming to hosting career panels and networking dinners.
Anne (Pollick) Sant ’88, director of alumni engagement who worked with Kimball to create the SAA, says that leadership development is a hallmark of the organization. “The SAA serves a dual purpose. It keeps our alumni connected to life on campus while also cultivating our SAA students to become future alumni leaders,” says Sant. “We rely on our SAA members, so it is a serious commitment. Our alumni always tell us how impressed they are with our SAA.”
We rely on our SAA members, so it is a serious commitment. Our alumni always tell us how impressed they are with our SAA.
Madison Griffin ’22, who served as the SAA president this past year, says that her involvement helped with both her professional development and leadership skills. “To be able to sit with alums at events—whether a formal dinner or a casual barbecue—and become more comfortable with introducing myself, small talk and engaging in conversation is invaluable,” she notes.
Over the years, SAA has earned several awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), including the National Outstanding Organization award in 2015.
The Summit from May 19, 1991 announcing the newly formed Student Alumni Association.
SAA members host the 1996 District One SAA/CASE conference at Stonehill.
SAA members at Reunion 2009. Each year, SAA plays an important role in helping the College host this annual event.
SAA members, with President John Denning, C.S.C., greet guests at the annual President’s Dinner in 2019.
At Alumni Day 2018, SAA members assist with face painting, campus tours, the chili cook-off and more.
Michael McShane ’21 participates in a panel discussion with President John Denning, C.S.C. during Reunion 2019.
Members on their way to the SAA Appreciation Dinner this past May.
Former SAA president Michael Coutu ’95 and his son, Ryan ’24, who recently joined the organization, are the first legacy SAA members.
Spring 2022
