The University of Tennessee Student Alumni Associates, an organization that unites students of the past, present and future, is currently looking for new members to join in the ongoing chain of tradition.

“SAA is a student organization that works with prospective students, present students and alumni,” Rachel Parsons, SAA president, said. “We are also the official ambassadors for the UT president, so we participate in events such as skybox hosting and other presidential functions.”

Not limited to presidential events, however, SAA participates actively in various campus activities and fundraisers.

“The SAA is the student arm of the National Alumni Association,” Mary Holtman, SAA adviser, said. “The students are dedicated to service and interact with alumni at various meetings and activities.”

Some of these activities have included traveling to alumni chapter meetings, updating alumni on current university affairs, aiding in admissions recruiting and the Relay for Life fundraiser.

The SAA is also noted for its delivery of birthday cakes to new students at the request of their parents, Holtman said.

“The birthday cakes serve as an outreach to parents and students,” she said.

Parsons adds that the SAA does more than just work with alumni and attend meetings.

“We do a lot of fun things,” she said. “We go whitewater rafting every fall, have a Halloween and Christmas party and a faculty appreciation reception.”

SAA also needs new members to help with one of its newest projects, the UT Shadow Day, Parsons said.

“Shadow Day will provide high school students with an opportunity.

They will attend class with a student alumni associate in their potential field of interest,” she explained.

With all of the work that SAA does with former students, current students and those interested in attending college at UT, it is fitting that SAA’s motto is “Students Serving Students … Past, Present and Future,” and Holtman encourages students in get involved in this bridge-building organization.

“It’s a great way to give back, get involved and interact with some great alumni,” she said. “It’s our aim now to get students involved so that they will continue to be after they graduate.”

Parsons also encouraged those interested to apply for a spot in SAA.

“SAA is one of my favorite organizations I have been a part of at UT. The people I have met and the opportunities I have received have been endless,” she said.

“I also love the people who are in the organization. They are campus leaders who love UT, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for them and consider myself fortunate to be in an organization with them,” Parsons said.

Students interested in joining SAA can print an application online at http://web.utk.edu/~saa or pick one up at the Tyson House, located by the library. Applications are due back by Monday at 5 p.m.

Those interested in applying are also asked to attend either of the interest meetings held today and tomorrow at 5 p.m. in the Tyson House.

Once the applications are turned in, students will sign up for interviews. First rounds are done in groups, and second round interviews are done on an individual basis, Holtman said.

SAA will select approximately 40 to 50 members, Parsons said, and the organization suggests that applicants meet a 2.5 GPA standard.

“We are looking for dedicated, responsible people who are looking to gain leadership skills and like to meet new people,” she added.