SAB PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Outgoing President — Emily Howard ’24
SAB has had a phenomenal year! Each committee has gone above and beyond to ensure that every event we host or assist with makes a difference in the lives of past, present and future K-Staters. Some of the highlights from the year include:
- Doubling the number of students who are Wildcats Forever members and creating a great presence on social media
- Serving purple beer at our fall and spring graduation celebrations
- Hosting an overnight retreat at Rock Springs Ranch
- Recruiting new members through classroom and organization visits
- Welcoming K-State alumni to speak at our monthly meetings
- Working with Adam Walker ’04, ’09 to implement new ideas on campus
Something that I am most proud of from my presidency is the sense of community that has formed within the organization. We always have each other’s backs and true lifelong friendships are being formed. I think this can in part be attributed to the unofficial events that we always seem to find time for in our busy schedules. In fact, this year we hosted one wedding, rented two party buses, and went on a three-day ski trip to Colorado!
For me graduating brings a mix of emotions and closing the chapter of the Student Alumni Board is no exception. What I thought would simply be a bullet point on my resume when I joined freshman year has easily had the biggest impact on my college career. I have learned so much from serving as president and sitting on the board of directors for the past two years, and I will forever be thankful for this experience.
Fellow members of SAB have become more like family and this family is not one that I will ever forget. Moving on and entering a new role in my relationship with the Alumni Association won’t be easy, but I know that SAB is in the best hands and will continue to make an impact in the lives of K-Staters for years to come.
Thank you again and as always, Go ’Cats!
Emily Howard
Incoming President — Carter Warta
Hello! My name is Carter Warta, and as I prepare to enter my senior year this upcoming fall, I reflect with immense gratitude on the journey that has led me here. From growing up in a Wildcat household to currently pursuing a degree in industrial manufacturing systems engineering, I am thrilled and honored to have been entrusted with the role of Student Alumni Board president for the coming year!
From the moment that I stepped onto campus as a freshman, joining the Student Alumni Board was a pivotal decision. Through my involvement, I’ve not only forged lasting friendships but also honed invaluable skills that have enriched my college experience in ways that I couldn’t have imagined. SAB has truly been a cornerstone of my collegiate journey, offering me opportunities for personal growth and meaningful connections that have shaped me into the leader that I am today.
Stepping into the role of SAB president, to say that I have big shoes to fill is an understatement. Emily Howard has led SAB for the past two consecutive years and the impact she is leaving behind is immeasurable. Her dedication and vision have transformed SAB into more than just an organization; it’s become a tight-knit family.
As I prepare to lead SAB into its next chapter, I’m humbled by the challenges that lie ahead. Yet, I draw strength from the continuity provided by the return of half our executive team for a second term. Their experience and expertise combined with the new executive members’ determination and commitment serve as a beacon of confidence, reaffirming my belief in the boundless potential of our organization. Alongside SAB’s dedicated advisors and the unwavering support of Adam Walker, I am excited to collaborate with this exceptional team of leaders, poised to elevate SAB to new heights of excellence.
This upcoming year, we are driven by a shared vision: to link the Alumni Association with the past, present and future K-State members, which is not just a mere slogan but rather a mission that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a Wildcat. From innovative networking events to enhancing current programs and events, SAB aims to create moments for all members of the K-State family to connect, grow and give back.
With passion and purpose, I look forward to the journey, fully confident in our collective ability to affect positive change and make lasting memories regardless of the challenges or opportunities that await. Together, let’s make this year one to remember. Go ’Cats!
GRAD BASH 2024
SAB ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Andrea Bryant Gladin ’02
Assistant vice president of alumni programs
What’s your favorite memory that happened during a Student Alumni Board event or meeting?
My favorite memory of serving on Student Alumni Board was attending the CASE ASAP annual networking conference in Chicago with fellow SABers and our advisor Mitzi. We spent several days learning from other schools and exploring the city, and we came back to Manhattan with a strong feeling of pride for the events and programs we ran at K-State. Years later when I returned as SAB advisor, this annual conference continued to be a highlight every August. I had the opportunity to get to know my students on another level when we traveled together.
Give an example of a connection made through SAB that has been valuable in either your professional or social life?
Being an active member of Student Alumni Board and having relationships with the Alumni Association staff during my time at K-State was what led me to my career in alumni relations. Some of the most common advice I offer college students is to invest heavily in their organizations and extracurriculars. You never know when those connections or experiences will be the connection to your career after college. I never dreamed while studying architecture that this would be my future path.
In your time spent transitioning from a student to a professional within Kansas State University, what are some observable changes and what are some things that have stayed the same?
K-State and the Alumni Association have certainly evolved and grown through the years to be relevant and purposeful to the students and communities we serve. The biggest change has probably been the physical campus with the addition of new buildings and facilities and the renovation of others. I feel the most consistent area is that K-State continues to be a student-centered campus. The undergraduate experience is incredible, and the focus continues to be on the students.
Why are you proud to call yourself a K-State graduate?
As cliché as it sounds, the reason I’m still working for the Alumni Association is due to the people. I love witnessing the pride students have in our university that carries over into their lives as alumni. By planning events and engagement opportunities varying from galas to pregames to awards programs, I am fortunate to connect with wonderful K-Staters across the nation. I love hearing stories of their own college experiences and witnessing their commitment to continue supporting K-State in any way possible.
Congratulations to K-State’s 39th Truman Scholar Adelaide Easter and Truman Scholar Finalist Alexa Heseltine!
Committed to helping solve global food insecurity, Adelaide plans to use this scholarship to pursue a master’s in food and agriculture law.
We could not be prouder of our fellow SABers for these prestigious achievements!
SABers continue to lead K-State, both within the Student Alumni Board and on the greater campus
As Student Alumni Board members Caleb Stout and Jess Binkley transition out of their roles, two more SABers take their place as Student Body president and vice president. Paige Vulgamore and Jack O’Malley gave insight on how SAB has helped develop them into the leaders they are today and what they hope to do as SGA president and vice president:
Paige Vulgamore
“My involvement in the Student Alumni Board has been a highlight of my K-State experience. It's where I met Jack, as well as other inspiring student leaders that led me to my decision to run for student body president. The diverse individuals within SAB inspire me to always give back and contribute to K-State in meaningful ways. During our campaign, we prioritized reaching out to SAB members first, as they have campus-wide connections and an unmatched passion for the university. Through SAB, I've also had the opportunity to connect with alumni who have mentored and guided me on my K-State journey.”
Jack O’Malley
“Student Alumni Board members were absolutely crucial in our campaign for Student Body president and vice president. Paige and I truly relied on their support, and it's fair to say that without them, our success wouldn't have been possible. As we begin our term, SAB members continue to help bring our vision for K-State to life. Whether it's enhancing student health and wellbeing or expanding internship opportunities for students, SAB is always ready to bring energy and life to any issue.”