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Student Alumni Association (SAA)

UC Davis undergraduate Shannon Liu, '09, says the primary function of the Student Alumni Association is to help student members prepare for life after college. "We offer a variety of ways to gain valuable leadership experience," she says. "Through volunteerism and mentorships, SAA members learn by doing, not seeing."

According to Liu, SAA vice president for Campus Relations, the SAA creates opportunities for students to build professional connections at member-only events such as Aggie Diner, Take an Aggie to Lunch and Take an Aggie to Work. "SAA is also a keeper of Aggie traditions such as Pajamarino and Picnic Day" says Liu. With 1400 members, the SAA is the largest registered student group on campus.

Students can join SAA by calling 1-800-242-GRAD or by stopping by the Buhler Alumni and Visitors Center on campus (across from the Mondavi Center). Membership dues are $25.00 for one year, $40.00 for a two-year membership or $80.00 for a four-year membership. New SAA members receive an Aggie-blue t-shirt, lanyard and discount card. The discount card entitles members to a 10 percent discount on UC Davis imprinted clothing and gifts at the Bookstore. Discounts at Davis-area restaurants include Dos Coyotes, Woodstock's Pizza and the Baskin Robbins on Covell Blvd. In addition, students receive $100 off test prep courses on the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT and many more from the Princeton Review. Members also have access to member-only networking events.

"SAA has offered me numerous opportunities, from networking with alumni and getting my foot in the door of a medical career, to making long-lasting friends," says Liu. "Hosting prestigious events with the Chancellor, a leadership position on the Cal Aggie Alumni Association board of directors and an opportunity to allow me to grow as a person and flourish at UC Davis have also been part of my SAA experience."

Liu adds, "College is a time to grow and expand, and SAA has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone. I have broken down my walls and now I feel much more comfortable going into an interview, or networking in order to find a job or internship. The networking skills that I have learned and refined through SAA events have paid off and I have received one internship and one job due to networking, which I learned the importance of from SAA."

"My involvement with the Cal Aggie Alumni Association has put me face to face with recent graduates," continues Liu, "and they always say 'Gosh, why didn't I know about SAA' or 'Why wasn't I a part of this organization as an undergrad, it would have been so helpful.'"

Liu cites a number of big events coming up:
• The Aggie Diner event won an award from the Association of Student Advancement Programs (ASAP), District 7 and will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 6:10 p.m. At this event, we invite a variety of alumni back to campus from various career fields. Alumni are then seated at round tables based on major and then students have the opportunity to rotate three times throughout the evening over a catered business dinner to speak to three different groups of alumni from three different major fields. This is a great event for students who are undecided in their major or minor field. It is also a great way to learn about a blend of careers and the opportunities that await after graduation. And this event is a great program especially for students who may not be super outgoing, as they are engaged in conversation with multiple students as well as alumni and the conversation is not one on one and therefore not intimidating. The event is free for SAA members and costs $15.00 for non-members.
• A new program that we have developed within the past year is called the Buddy/Mentor Program. Students interested in this program fill out an information sheet and then are matched with a board member, and that board member becomes an instant friend to their buddy. Many times, the returning SAA member can guide the newby in SAA events as well as give guidance about school, classes, what professors are good, good general education classes and things like that. Students have found this to be very helpful and a great transition into college. This program has also won an award for the Internal Program of 2006-2007 from ASAP, District 7.
• SAA Basketball Game: March 1, 2008, against Sac State. At this basketball game, we invite alumni back to campus and create at atmosphere similar to homecoming but for the basketball season. We are hoping that this event will grow significantly this year.
• Pajamarino. We just wrapped up a very successful Pajamarino this year with an approximate attendance of 350 people. As this event, we welcome alumni back to campus for homecoming and provide pre homecoming festivities for students as well.
• Alumni panels are held once a quarter on various topics. Past panels included "Aggies Abroad," where alumni talk about their experiences abroad and how it has impacted them. We have also had panels in the last year on graduate school, leadership and where a liberal arts degree can take you.

Liu notes that the SAA holds regular meetings throughout the year on Wednesdays, 6:10 p.m. "The first Wednesday of the month is a board meeting, and then the other Wednesdays include events such as alumni panels, SAA socials, Distinctly Davis Tours, or general meetings in order for students to get to know each other and learn more about the organization," says Liu. "We have an e-mail newsletter that goes out about twice a month that we use to keep students up to date on SAA events, as there are some exceptions to the Wednesday schedule. If students are ever unsure of meeting times or locations, they can check our Web site, e-mail a board member, or call the alumni office."