SMU Students, Alumni, Apply to Serve Community as President’s Ambassadors

Students and alumni looking to participate in community events on behalf of Samuel Merritt University (SMU) learned how they could make a difference Thursday, when the President’s Ambassador Program hosted its annual showcase in Bechtel Hall on the Oakland campus.

More than fifty people attended the event, including students from the Sacramento and San Mateo campuses. The President’s Ambassadors are student leaders who promote unity and engagement among the SMU student body and represent the University in a variety of public venues, including community service events, speaking engagements,  and student recruitment activities.

“It’s a great way to get our students to engage with the community we live in,” said Andre Singleton, Associate Director of Enrollment and Student Services.

Interested students and alumni can apply to become President’s Ambassadors Nov. 2 thru Nov. 13.

Enabit Gebremariam, a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) student, told the audience serving at public events like the Laurel Street Fair and at the monthly First Fridays art festival in downtown Oakland made her feel more connected to the city.

“To work and live and study in Oakland, we’re part of this community,” Gebremariam said. “It’s exciting to get out there and meet people, and let them know what we do and what Samuel Merritt University is all about. After all, we’re right here in the heart of Oakland.”

Many of the current ambassadors cited the annual Allen Temple Baptist Health Fair in East Oakland as a favorite event. The ambassadors helped provide a variety of health services to residents at the iconic church in August.

“I love providing community health,” said Jalia Kizito, an ambassador and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) student at the Sacramento campus. “At Allen Temple, it was great to see everyone from all the different programs at Samuel Merritt University working together. When I saw that, I thought, ‘This is what SMU is all about’ – coming together to help one another.”