November 21, 2024, the OMA&D Multicultural Outreach and Recruitment (MOR) team celebrated the 25th anniversary of the student ambassador program. The evening began with a reception, followed by welcome remarks by MOR Director Myndee Ronning and OMA&D Vice President Rickey Hall.
Hall addressed the group giving context to MOR and the work it does. “Before the creation of the Multicultural Outreach and Recruitment Program, the UW was already invested in the recruitment of underrepresented students for 56 years. OMA&D did this successfully for many years, increasing enrollment of URM students year over year,” said Hall. “Then came I-200, banning universities from using race or ethnicity as a consideration for admissions. The UW reaffirmed its commitment to creating pathways for students across the state to compete in the UW application process, and created the MOR office.” Hall shared later, “Student Ambassadors are also a key part of the MOR group visit program. In the last year alone, we’ve served nearly 3,000 students and gave approximately 200 tours of campus. Many of our student ambassadors participated in MOR programs prior to coming to the UW.”
Hall concluded his remarks with gratitude for the former and current staff and ambassadors of MOR. “I want to say thank you to all of the current and past ambassadors for what you have done to improve access to the UW, and to the program staff and leadership who have grown this program over the years. Your work has made a difference in communities across the state and has made a big difference in improving the UW campus climate through increased diversity on campus.”
Following Ronning and Hall, Julia Jannon-Shields and Francisco Xavier Tzintzun gave captivating keynote speeches about their experience with MOR, their time at the UW, and experience as MOR Ambassadors. Each speaker shared personal and moving stories about the impact MOR and the MOR Ambassador program has had on their lives.
During the dinner portion, the audience was treated to a blessing dance by the Khmer Student Association. The evening was closed out with closing remarks by MOR Program Manager Rose Nguyen, and the crowd stayed around for more mixing and mingling.
At the height of the ambassador program (pre COVID-19 pandemic), MOR had up to 40 ambassadors. They are currently in a growth stage post-pandemic and have about 20 dedicated ambassadors representing all of the affinity groups that MOR serves. Part of the success of the ambassador program is the diversity of students who participate. It is important that students from underserved communities see someone who looks like them in the recruitment process. For some of the students participating in outreach with MOR, they may have never imagined they could apply, let alone attend the UW – until they saw someone who looked like them – from a similar community as them – not only attending, but thriving at the UW.
TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT
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Honestly the advice from the students that attend UW Seattle…I know there’s a community of like-minded people that are Asian just like me. I feel comforted that my experiences are shared and that I am not alone.
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The most beneficial information I learned would be from the student panel as they have high school to college transition types. It made me feel a lot more comfortable knowing others underwent a similar experience as me.
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The identity workshop! It allowed me to really think about how my identity sets a precedent to really my entire college experience and to an extent my career… I loved hearing about the current students at UW (panel). It was really informative to know how real students feel about their experiences and it was also helpful to hear the advice they have for current high schoolers! Since I have seen some people who are also like me attending this University it makes me feel a bit more comfortable and welcomed.
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[Shades of Purple] strengthened my decision and motivated me to continue to pursue college. The student ambassador panel also reminded me why I am here, why I wanted to go to college in order to create my own pathway for my future and my family.
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[MOR Student Ambassadors] showed me who I am and my identity matters. It’s given me strength to believe in myself. It made me realize that I can do it no matter my background and made me feel welcomed to be there.
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EEE has helped me push myself even further for my family and the people in my community. Coming from a small town, I still have big dreams to attend college and attend college as a first generation student … this conference helped me in my decision of attending college by making me not be as afraid of being the only one different.
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We carry stories and identities of others within us, but it is up to us to decide what OUR identity is.
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The SEA experience panel was very insightful and I got to learn a lot of useful information from UW students… I learned especially more about my identity and how I can be proud of it. Being Southeast Asian is important as we’re really not appreciated as much and known.
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[Shades of Purple] has helped me ensure that I am going to apply to UW because it made me sure that my story is important and needs to be heard. It showcased the opportunity that every student has in getting a good education regardless of their background.
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Props to all UW student [ambassadors] who interacted with us juniors and making us feel comfortable… I learned about what to expect and how I will always be accepted no matter where I come from or who I am.
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I really like student session. It has shown me that there are others like me and others who are in similar situations … I was able to hear student’s experience and I am more excited and ready to apply to UW, and the communities seem very inclusive … It helped me learn that there are ways I can add in my unique experiences into my application.
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[MOR Student Ambassadors gave] us the opportunity to hear the voices of Hispanic/Latinx students that attend UW as hearing their stories made me see myself not only going to UW but college in general… it showed me that I could find a community here. I was kinda set on applying, and now I’m for sure applying.
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Every ambassador … today was extremely helpful! I really liked how real the people were when talking about their experiences from questions … Great job to everyone, especially the student who led the community work shop
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Really enjoyed the community workshop, it feels nice to hear from students about how they navigated university they’re freshman year as well as what helped them… Specials shout out to all the speakers and student [ambassadors]. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement.
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I got to see that people like me of my race are in college … that a lot of Pacific Islander parents/ family aspire us to do which was very inspiring to me … I learned there it was really the talk about how we’re all connected and how we come from a nation of voyagers. It made me think more about my roots and where we really come from and I want to deepen my relationship within Pasifika so I now want to major in communication, where I hope to learn how to speak/help the people of Pasifika.
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The personalized stories from the speakers and the student panel resonated with our students (the representation) and helped the students feel more comfortable with the idea of attending the UW.
PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
Photos taken by OMA&D student staff photographer, Lesley Tonga Kamoto.
