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On Friday, Sept. 16, the Division of University Advancement inducted its newest members of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ambassadors with President Dr. Jaime Taylor giving opening remarks and presenting red blazers to each new Ambassador.

After a rigorous application process, 18 out of 40 applicants were chosen for the 2022-2023 cohort. Once selected and sworn in as a Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ambassador, they hold that position for life.

With their right hands raise, in unison, each new Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ambassadors recited the official Ambassador pledge to affirm their commitment to doing their best while serving in the prestigious role.

“We consider them to be Ambassadors for life, continuing to use what they have learned to be active alumni and represent Â鶹ÊÓƵ in their respective communities, promoting all Â鶹ÊÓƵ has to offer,” said Shannon Figueroa, director of Alumni Affairs.

Just before the conclusion of the ceremony, President Taylor was presented with his own honorary Ambassadors red blazer. 

Figueroa said, “In recognition to your dedication and outstanding commitment to the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ambassadors, the Ambassadors would like to present you with your very own red blazer.”

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ambassador Caroline LeBlanc presented Taylor with his blazer followed by a speech noting that in the 15-year history of the Ambassador program, this is the first time that a Â鶹ÊÓƵ president has been presented with a red blazer.

“We have all been chosen to wear these red blazers as a reflection of our leadership, professionalism and passion for serving at Â鶹ÊÓƵ,” LeBlanc said. “Dr. Taylor, we present this blazer to you to symbolize the support of the Ambassadors pledge to you as university president. Thank you, Dr. Taylor, for your leadership at Â鶹ÊÓƵ and for your passion for serving Â鶹ÊÓƵ students. The future of our university is bright with you at its helm.”

“Thank you all so much, you honestly have no idea what this means to me,” Taylor said.

Figueroa said the Cardinal red blazers are a symbol of hospitality and professionalism for each member.

“Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ambassadors have a rich tradition of promoting service to Â鶹ÊÓƵ and to the community at large,” she said. “Ambassadors represent the Â鶹ÊÓƵ student body at official university events and work to promote university pride among students, prospective students, alumni and friends of Â鶹ÊÓƵ.”