The Student Ambassadors program has begun the process of inducting new members.

Though the program had previously been considered a “club” on campus, Ambassadors are now recognized as employees of Mercyhurst University; specifically, employees of the Admissions department.

According to the Ambassador’s president, senior Nathan Mead, “people do not understand how prestigious the Ambassadors are.”

Graduate Assistant and Ambassador Sarah Piasecki, who is enrolled in the Physician’s Assistant program, noted the intensity of the pledging process for aspiring ambassadors.
The first round of pledging this year began Sunday, Sept. 7. Now, the students who made it through the initial interviews are sitting through classes and lectures provided to prepare them for the next round of cuts that will occur around Thanksgiving.

After that, near finals, the students will learn how to give tours to prospective Mercyhurst students. Right before winter break, final cuts will be made and induction will take place in February.

At the end of this lengthy journey, the original group of over 100 student applicants will be reduced to about 20.

A prospective Ambassador must have a good personality because the program is all about “selling [the] campus to incoming students” and “reminding them why you chose Mercyhurst,” according to Piasecki.

Piasecki and Mead are in agreement that being an Ambassador is a great way to make connections within the university and build up a professional resume.

When asked why she chose to be an Ambassador, Piasecki, who pledged her freshman year in 2010, said she wanted to get out of her comfort zone and meet new friends. She said she has made lasting friendships since joining the Ambassadors program.

Mead’s advice for new Ambassadors is to “let your personality shine through.” He has personally been benefited in a myriad of ways that include an increase in professional skills and learning how to network. He plans to graduate this year and continue on to earn a degree in law.

In addition to their usual task of giving tours around campus, the Ambassadors will be holding a Halloween party on Oct. 19. The event is free and open to all students.