UWAA has provided students with the opportunity to get involved in campus life and the alumni association through the Wyoming Student Alumni Association (formerly WyoSAA), a student organization since 1982. Chase McNamee (B.A. ’13) is UW’s student engagement coordinator. During the fall of 2013, the organization was rebranded as the WYO-gold Student Alumni Association, staying consistent with our original mission: “to aid UW students in becoming engaged leaders on campus and after graduation and to foster a sense of pride in the University of Wyoming as students, and later, as distinguished alumni of their alma mater.”
McNamee says students can join the organization in two ways. One is to become a WYO-gold Student Association member. That means students receive a supply of UW Pride clothing and other items that they can proudly display around campus. They also can volunteer for activities and gain valuable experience. The other avenue is to join the WYO-gold Leadership Council. Through the council, students get involved in meaningful professional and leadership development opportunities, including event planning and networking with alumni.
McNamee says that by 2016, they expect to have 60 Leadership Council members and 80 or more association members. Even though the Leadership Council is time consuming, McNamee is pleasantly surprised at how many students are interested is this option. A lot of willing hands are needed, considering the activities the students perform.
“They want to increase their leadership development and professional network, more than just something on their resume,” he says. “Students want tangible skills, like communication, conflict resolution and to be able to really connect with alumni in their field.” McNamee says the majority of members come from the College of Business, followed by the College of Health Sciences.
McNamee describes the membership drive “Bring a Friend” day. “People come to a meeting, win prizes, see what it is all about,” he says. McNamee has noticed it is easier for new people to “ease in” when they have friends already there.
WYO-gold is positioned as a premier organization that students become a part of to show UW Pride, get involved, and forge connections and lifelong friendships with others who attend our outstanding institution.
