Student Ambassadors program names 2018-2019 members

Wilkes Community College appointed nine students to the Student Ambassadors program for the 2018-2019 school year. Britt Church, director of Recruiting and Andrea Gimlin, director of Marketing serve as program advisors.

The 2018-2019 student ambassadors are:

• Jim Alkema of Statesville is pursuing a degree in Applied Science based in Horticulture Technology and plans to complete a 4-year degree in Agriculture education. Afterwards he is planning to freelance landscape design and grow hops to meet the growing demand with micro and home brewing.
• Bryson Key of Surry County is pursuing a degree in Applied Animal Science Technology and Applied Animal Science Technology- Poultry Management. When he graduates, he wants to work for a poultry company as a service tech.
• Damaris Torres of Moravian Falls, a Wilkes Early College High School student, is pursuing an Associate in Science degree and plans to attend a four-year university to study to be a pediatrician.
• Alyssa Nguyen of North Wilkesboro is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree and plans to transfer to UNC-Chapel Hill to study Business Management.
• Greg Rosales-Navarro of North Wilkesboro is pursuing a degree in Science and plans to go to Western Carolina to become an electrical engineer.
• Aaron Clark of Millers Creek, an early graduate of Wilkes Early College High School, is pursuing both his Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. He plans to attend a four-year university and double major in Biology and Music towards a Pre-Med track.
• Tori Johnson of Boomer is pursuing an Associate in Science and an Applied Science degree in Business. She would like to transfer to UNC Chapel Hill to major in pre-med.
• John Johnson of Purlear is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree and plans to go Western Carolina to become a clinical psychologist.
• Benjamin Barker of Wilkesboro is pursuing a degree in Business Administration and plans to transfer to a 4-year college and pursue a career in music.

Student ambassadors receive a $500 scholarship for each semester they serve as an ambassador. The Kulynych Foundation funds the scholarships awarded to student ambassadors.

Mr. Pete Kulynych is recognized as a Wilkes Community College Heritage Society member. The Heritage Society recognizes individuals who have included the college in their estate planning. The Kulynych Fund has been established and the interest of that fund will support the Pete Kulynych Leadership Scholarships each year for students participating in the WCC Ambassador Programs.

Britt Church, Director of Recruiting stated, “WCC Student Ambassadors gain valuable experiences in leadership skills, networking, and event planning. WCC is thankful for the time and effort they each devote to serving.”

Students selected to serve as Wilkes Community College Student Ambassadors represent the college in an official capacity at special events throughout the year. Student ambassadors will bring leadership skills to their new role and provide an invaluable service by serving as liaisons between the college, its students, and the community. Ideal ambassadors are service oriented, committed to creating change in their community, and excited to share their experiences at WCC with others.

The Student Ambassadors Program brings together students from various academic disciplines and cultural backgrounds. This program serves to cultivate role models and mentors within the student population as well as enrich and enhance communication skills, personal growth, and professional development among its members while creating long-lasting ties with Wilkes Community College. Other benefits from serving as a Student Ambassador are leadership development, resume enhancement, student ambassador attire, and tuition assistance.

Criteria for eligibility to serve as a student ambassador include:

• completing an application;
• having a 3.0 GPA for induction;
• maintaining a 2.75 GPA;
• completing 12 credit hours or one semester at WCC;
• signing a statement of intent committing to serve a complete academic year or until graduation; and
• demonstrating a positive attitude, strong leadership and communication skills, and unwavering ethical behavior.

Other responsibilities of student ambassadors include representing the college by helping with student orientations, campus tours, visits by dignitaries, student assistance on the first day of each semester, and other duties as assigned by the Student Ambassador Program advisor. They will also help with WCC Foundation events such as MerleFest and the Henry Moore Golf Tournament.

Students who were interested in the ambassador program were required to submit an application in February 2018. After the packets were reviewed by the selection committee, the committee interviewed potential ambassadors and made its selections. Nine ambassadors serve the Wilkes Campus. Once the selected ambassadors accept the position and sign a statement of intent, they began their official duties in summer 2018.

For more information on becoming a member of the WCC Heritage Society, please contact Allison Philips, at 336-838-6491 or Allison.phillips@wilkescc.edu.

For more information about the Student Ambassadors Program, contact Britt Church at 336-838-6509 or bbchurch796@wilkescc.edu.