About the Student Alumni Associates

In the spirit of the University motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), the Student Alumni Associates of Virginia Tech (SAA) serve as ambassadors to the Alumni community. As an official affiliate of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, SAA received its charter in 1974 to assist with various programs and initiatives centered around developing a foundation of connected alumni. SAA supports the programs of the Virginia Tech Division of Advancement and Alumni Relations, while embodying the organization's four pillars (Spirit, Tradition, Leadership, and Service) through action and word. SAA produces and implements programming to increase student education and awareness of the programs and services of the Alumni Association, in order to bridge the gap between Virginia Tech students and alumni. As a part of this mission, SAA also facilitates the promotion of spirit and tradition among the student body through activities such as the Hokie Bucket List.


Membership Information

The Student Alumni Associates (SAA) aim to engage the Virginia Tech student body and alumni base in the programming of the Alumni Association to build relationships with both groups capable of advancing the mission of SAA: serving as ambassadors to the present and future alumni community. To achieve this goal, SAA organizes spirit rallies, like those at Gobblerfest, Parent and Family Weekend, Homecoming, The Big Event, and Relay For Life; volunteers at the 50th Reunion during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend during the summers; and partners with other student run organizations to participate in service opportunities. SAA offers its members unparalleled leadership and networking opportunities. Our members consist of student leaders from all across campus members of the Corps of Cadets, SGA, Class Office, cultural groups, pre-professional organizations, Greek life, and more. The bonds forged between members, alumni, and the Alumni Association staff have proved invaluable as many have created long-lasting friendships and networking relationships in the professional world.

SAA accepts membership applications once an academic year, during the early Spring semester. To learn more about the organization and meet our spirited members, consider attending our Open House in November or one of our Information Sessions in January. To stay up-to-date with when these events will be happening, use the links at the bottom of our website to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Please note that attendance at one of the Information Sessions, though not the Open House, is mandatory for those who intend to apply. Following the application process, there will be Group and Individual Interviews prior to new member selection.

Special Events and Networking Opportunities

The Student Alumni Associates of Virginia Tech are regarded as ambassadors of the University. SAA is given the opportunity to provide volunteers for special University events, such as the President's Box each Football Gameday, the Ut Prosim Event, the Black Alumni Reunion, and the 50th Reunion. Each of these events allows SAA members the opportunity to serve the Virgina Tech community and network with prominent University officials and faculty, donors, and alumni.

The President's Box is where the University President and his/her guests view all Virginia Tech home football games. SAA members are invited to the box to express the student experience and convey their passion for all that Hokie Nation has to offer while watching football and enjoying the camaraderie and networking opportunities that come with that. The Ut Prosim event invites back to campus all members of the Ut Prosim Society, Virginia Tech's most generous donors who have given $100,000 or more to the University over the course of their lifetime. At the event each Spring, SAA members provide support for the Alumni Association staff and engage with guests. Similarly, at the Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) Student Alumni Associates assist in the organization and execution of the event, while also enjoying interpersonal interaction. SAA members serve as Reunion Team Leaders at the BAR and the 50th Reunion, both of which, as reunions, are opportunities for alumni to reunite, revisit campus, and reminisce on their years as a Virginia Tech student. SAA members play an integral role in the execution of each of these events and are also offered many opportunities to meet influential alumni and learn from their experiences.

Virginia Tech holds reunions for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45 & 50 years.


Spirit Rallies

Spirit rallies are exciting events put on by the Student Alumni Associates to engage students and their families before important University events. SAA Spirit Rallies are requested for numerous events across campus, including Gobblerfest, Parent and Family Weekend, Homecoming, The Big Event, and Relay For Life. At the rallies, SAA works to promote school spirit while engaging the audience in exciting games, cheers, or activities, with the specifics of each event depending on the intended audience. In the past, prominent coaches, athletic teams, University officials, and student organizations have participated in SAA's spirit rallies.

SAA is referred to as the 100 Most Spirited Hokies, and spirit rallies are just one way we demonstrate that to the Virginia Tech student body!