Who We Are
Student Foundation serves as a link between students, staff, faculty, and administration at Southwestern. While fostering these connections, Student Foundation strives to engage the campus community in promoting the welfare of the University through support of University events and programs.
Activities
Student Foundation takes initiative to develop programs that encourage campus community and open dialogue among students, faculty, staff, and the administration. Members also represent and assist with annual University activities and programs, including:
- New Student/ Transfer Student/ Parent Orientations
- Homecoming and Reunion Weekend - Organize SING!, the parade and the Homecoming Cup along with assisting the University at various functions throughout the weekend.
- Family Days
- Roy and Margaret Shilling Lectures
- Commencement
- Other Special University Events
In addition to assisting with University events, Student Foundation coordinates their own events, which are designed to encourage dialogue between students, faculty, staff and the administration. These events include:
- Straight Talk with Senior Staff
- New Faculty and Staff Luncheon and Welcome
- Transfer Student Dinner and Activity
Membership
Student Foundation maintains a membership of up to forty students. Current members review membership applications, conduct interviews and vote to elect new members. The Membership Drive occurs every spring. Any Southwestern student may apply for Student Foundation; however, the following criteria must be met in order to be considered for membership:
- Members must be of sophomore, junior or senior standing during the next academic year.
- Members must maintain a 2.5 grade point average each semester.
- Members must have a genuine commitment to the welfare of the University, leadership potential, effectiveness in meeting people, maturity, responsibility and time to actively participate in the organization’s activities.
To inquire about membership, please contact the chair or call the Alumni Office at x1486 (800-960-6363 off-campus).
2012 Steering Committee
A five-member Steering Committee provides leadership, sets goals, and delegates authority and responsibility to Student Foundation members. Members are divided into committees that do detailed planning of Student Foundation activities. The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations works closely with and advises Student Foundation.
- Ashley Johnson, Chair
- Sarah Ally, Vice-Chair
- Carly Dennis, Public Relations Chair
- Lucero Pina, Planning Chair
- Jay Scheinman, Membership Chair
Student Foundation Committees
Members of Student Foundation, with the exception of the Chair and Vice Chair, belong to one of three committees: The Planning Committee, the Membership Committee, or the Public Relations Committee. All members of Student Foundation represent and help to staff University events such as New Student/ Transfer Student/ Parent Orientations, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Family Days, the Roy and Margaret Shilling Lecture Series, and Commencement.
The Membership Committee
Plans and runs the Membership Drive, which includes planning a Membership Informational for the Fall and the Spring, recruiting new members for Student Foundation and overseeing New Member Training sessions and Induction Ceremony. The Membership Committee keeps current members engaged with Student Foundation. Membership also oversees the StuFo programs “Straight Talk with Senior Staff” and the New Faculty and Staff Welcome and Luncheon. We staff and help with campus events like New Student/ Transfer Student/ Parent Orientations, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Family Days, Roy and Margaret Shilling Lecture Series and Commencement. The Membership Committee supports the Planning and PR Committees with their projects.
The Planning Committee
Plans and coordinates every element of SING! (during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend), which is our primary responsibility. We staff and help with campus events like New Student/Transfer Student/Parent Orientation, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Family Days, and Commencement. The Planning Committee supports the PR and Membership Committees with their projects.
The Public Relations Committee
Coordinates and produces all the publicity for Student Foundation events and University events if requested by faculty, staff and administrators. PR is responsible for spreading the word about Student Foundation events, programs and other initiatives. PR helps to foster anticipation in Student Foundation and the campus community for programs such as SING!, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend and Family Days. Duties include creating signs/flyers/banners, sending e-mail, and producing effective marketing materials for Student Foundation. PR also oversees the Transfer Student Dinner and Activity, and StuFo Birthdays. We staff and help with campus events like New Student/Transfer Student/Parent Orientation, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Family Days, and Commencement. The PR Committee supports the Planning and Membership Committees with their projects.
Student Foundation Advisor
Grace Josey Pyka ‘05
Associate Director for University Relations- Alumni and Parents
512-863-1486
Current Members Of Student Foundation
Sarah Ally
Colin Berr
Dane Beyer
Erin Bradley
Anne Bransford
Sadie Clarendon
Sarah Cook
Colin Daniels
Charlotte Dennis
Paige Duggins
Annie Emswiler
Colton Ferrell
Bailey Hayes
Ashley Johnson
Katy Jones
Kadidiatou Magassa
Jonathan McAtee
Bailey Olderog
Eleanor O’Neil
Austin Painchaud
Lucero Pina
Sarah Puffer
Leslie Ramey
Robert Rios
Daniella Rodriguez
Jay Scheinman
Alex Sheppard
Katherine Sokolyk
Aaron Sulak
Rachel Terry
Trey Thiele
Rebekah Vela
Jeanne Wehde
Elizabeth Wong
