SAA provides leadership oppotunities, friendships

IU students seeking leadership opportunities might find answers with the Student Alumni Association, which allows interaction with alumni and promotes teamwork that could jumpstart a student's college career.\nSAA is a student-oriented organization assisted by a professional staff that includes about 200 members and sponsors 25 campus wide events. SAA provides opportunities to enhance students' leadership skills through various events such as "Yell Like Hell," Alumni Career Day, LeaderShape IU and Senior Salute. \nThe organization promotes a friendly, supportive and relaxed atmosphere, and collaborates mostly with the IU Alumni Association.\nSAA President Doug Wiley said there are many reasons students should join. \n"It is a great way to get involved because of the wide variety of events that we plan," Wiley said. "It helps to develop valuable leadership skills that employers seek."\nTo many students, the SAA serves as a home away from home or a campus family. \nFormed in 1976, SAA has formed many IU traditions. "Yell Like Hell," one of the most popular events organized by the SAA, is held during Homecoming Week. Greek houses, dorms and other student groups compete against each other by preparing short three-minute skits and performing them for the audience. The audience then has the chance to choose the winner. \nOther Homecoming events include a parade, pep rally, banner and window contest and a King and Queen contest. Winners of this event will be presented at halftime during the Homecoming game. \nSenior Salute, which is held in April of every year at the DeVault Alumni Center, is a huge farewell party for the graduating seniors. Wiley said this event is one of the most well-liked by students. \n"This event is so popular because it gives seniors one last chance to be with their friends in a fun environment while enjoying free food, live music and free giveaways," Wiley said. \nThe SAA provides many opportunities to interact with IU alumni such as Alumni Career Day, which takes place in early spring. \n"Alumni are cool and important people, and the more you interact with them the more you learn about IU," said Jennifer Gurchiek, head of fundraising. "They were in our shoes years ago, and know what it's like. They can give you a new perspective on being a student at IU." \nLeaderShape IU is a weeklong event held before the start of every school year at Bradford Woods. Erin Nigh, vice president of special events, said this event is important for students who hope to pursue leadership roles.\n"Participants learn how to be a successful leader by building a community, leading and living with integrity, and creating visions and goals," Nigh said. "This is also a wonderful opportunity to make many great friends from IU."\nSAA membership is open to all students. Many events are on a volunteer basis, and students can participate as little or as much as they want. SAA head of membership D'Andre May said the organization makes participation as interesting as possible.\n"I think everything we do is fun, whether it be meetings, hosting or even things that may sound or seem boring. We have a way of making them entertaining," May said. "I believe this aspect provides for more productive and successful experiences."\non the web\nFor more information, visit the Student Alumni Association Web site, at www.indiana.edu/~saa and fill out a membership form, or call the office at 855-7221. The next mass member call out meeting will be held Oct. 25 with refreshments and a guest speaker.