Activities

Adhering to the motto of “Students Serving Students...Past...Present...Future,” SAA has made tremendous contributions to campus life and to the community since our founding in 1971. SAA activities are structured around the fall and spring semesters, as well as the summer. Beginning with the fall semester of 2003, SAA amassed a total of 1,538 service hours. For the spring semester of 2004, SAA contributed 1,592 hours of service for a total of over 3,130 hours.

Because SAA is truly a service organization, SAA’s fundamental goal is to serve as a liaison between the student body and alumni of the University of Tennessee. For the 33 years that SAA has been a part of the UT National Alumni Association, this interaction has encouraged students to become active alumni. While preparing students to become informed and interested alumni, SAA and its members have given their time to the betterment of our campus and our community.

Below is a listing of all of the events in which SAA has traditionally participated.

SAA is dedicated to serving past university students, our alumni. Through various activities, students interact with alumni. In order to highlight such events, it is best that to list and describe them in some detail.

Presidential Hosts

SAA was selected to serve as official hosts for President John D. Petersen. Members assisted with events in the Skyboxes, President’s home and at Tailgate parties prior to home football games.

Big Orange Wrap

With true volunteer spirit, SAAs tied orange ribbons around trees along the VolWalk for football Saturdays. For away games, the SAAs headed to the Knoxville airport where they were invited to decorate the team plane.

Knox County Alumni Welcome Back Barbecue

In the fall, near the beginning of the football season, the Knox County Alumni host a dinner and chance to meet the Vols football team. SAA members served as greeters to the 1000+ in attendance.

Alumni Chapter Meetings

SAA members travel to meetings throughout the state and often out-of-state, giving students the opportunity to visit with alumni, sharing what’s new on campus, and observing the activities of an active alumni chapter.

Alumni Summer College

SAAs are asked to serve on student panels, answering questions and updating alumni on what’s new at the Knoxville campus. Alumni appreciate updates about campus life from SAAs.

Reunions and Homecoming Activities

Students always enjoy this time of year. The numerous activities and events keep us busy, but the spirit of homecoming is very infectious, and the time flies. SAA members decorate for dances and dinners, assist with homecoming picnics for organizational reunions (such as cheerleaders and orientation leaders), make signs to welcome university Golden Grads, and work to assist alumni at the homecoming parade.

All in all, the interaction shared between alumni and SAAs is beneficial and enjoyed by both groups. Alumni have the opportunity to stay informed with campus news. Students, in return, are given the chance to gain firsthand knowledge about the responsibilities of university alumni. Frequent interaction with alumni allows students to develop a deeper appreciation for the university as they listen to past students brag about their favorite institution, The University of Tennessee.

By working with and for their peers, SAA serves present students.

The Big Orange Bash

One of the most popular activities of the organization, The Big Orange Bash also serves as SAAs major fund-raising effort to help with the implementation of other services. Letters are sent to parents of university students at the beginning of the year, asking if they would like to send a cake to their son or daughter on their birthday or other special occasion. The cakes are bought at the Sweet Tooth Bakery in Presidential Courtyard and then delivered on a rotation basis by SAA members. The recipients are always surprised and pleased to be remembered on their special occasions. Download form here.

UTAA Scholarship Luncheon

The UTNAA hosts an annual event for their scholarship recipients. This year it was held at the Knoxville Marriott. SAA members were on hand to assist with the decorations, check-in, and participate in the program as well.

Each year the Alumni Association and SAA ask students to nominate their outstanding teacher. SAA members work shifts at all AOT balloting booths, to assist in the nomination process and inform students of the overall purpose of the award. Students are always interested and excited to give back to that special professor. A member of SAA also serves on the AOT selection committee, reviewing the teachers nominated and observing that teacher in their classroom.

Volunteer Challenge

For the eighth time, SAA participated with the Volunteer Challenge program by working with the Boys and Girls Club. SAAs gave their time to clean, sort, and stock their clothes closet. The Boys and Girls Club acknowledged our service with accolades in their newsletter.

Van Parties

VAN (Volunteer Alumni Network) & Recruitment parties are held across the state in an effort to recruit highly motivated high school students. The UT Admissions and Honors Departments and the UT National Alumni Association sponsor the parties. By serving as university representatives, SAA members work to recruit the future student at these parties.

In conclusion, Student Alumni Associates plan, organize, execute and assist many activities that enrich the lives of past, present and future students of the University of Tennessee. In order to enjoy the success we have had in the past, SAA recruits highly motivated individuals who are willing to challenge themselves, seeking ways to better serve students, alumni and the university. It our hope that by donating the time and energy to these activities, the SAA members, along with their peers, will eventually grow to be better friends and more active participants for the University.

NOTE: At the first annual Dean of Students Leadership Recognition Program in 2004, SAA won the award for the Most Outstanding Student Organization and, at the 1999 and 2001 University Honors Banquets, SAA was awarded the University Citation for Extraordinary Contributions to Campus Life. The group was recognized for their hours of service and continued commitment to UT.

Contact The SAA

Tyson Alumni House
1609 Melrose Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-6507
Fax: (865) 974-0810
Email: saa@utk.edu