UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 25, Page 4
March 26, 1992
Student alumni group recognized as district's best

     For the University of Delaware Student Alumni Association (SAA), Leap
Year Day held special significance. That evening, the SAA was named the
outstanding organization among the approximately 50 student-alumni chapters
in a district covering six Eastern states, the District of Columbia and
Ontario, Canada.
     Established in 1984, the Delaware SAA is a 40-member student group
that promotes lifelong involvement with the University and offers programs
to foster student and alumni interaction.
     The Outstanding Organization Award, sponsored by the Council for the
Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), was announced at the SAA
District II Conference in Buffalo. The selection committee was composed of
a student panel and alumni administrators active in CASE. Last year,
then-SAA President Martin Mitchell, Delaware '91, and SAA adviser William
H. Clark Jr., Delaware '82 and alumni associate, received the district's
member and adviser of the year awards, respectively.
     "A benefit of SAA membership is the chance to meet interesting people
and have fun," said 1991-92 President Jennifer Burke, Delaware '92, who
accepted the award. "Lasting friendships often result from members working
together."
     Burke said the district recognition is the result of the group's
steady expansion and outstanding efforts by many past and present members.
By doubling its membership since 1990, the SAA has taken on additional
programs that have increased its interaction with the University community,
she said.
     On Feb. 15, the SAA sponsored a conference for four area colleges
interested in starting student-alumni chapters, and on March 20, hosted13
members of the Academy of Lifelong Learning. Each visitor was matched with
a student for classes, lunch in a dining hall and a tour of the
undergraduate art exhibit at the University Gallery at Old College. Earlier
this month, SAA ambassadors helped President and Mrs. Roselle host a
reception for alumni letter winners in basketball.
     Next month, the SAA will hold a day long retreat at Lums Pond State
Park for its 40 new members and, for the seventh year, this fall the SAA
will sponsor the Student Connection, a "big brother/ sister" program for
new freshmen in the Dickinson Residence Hall Complex.
     For information, call Clark at 831-2341.