SAS History
In the spring of 1995, the Shocker Ambassadors and the Student Alumni Association united to become the WSU Student Ambassador Society (SAS). This student organization was created through the vision of Christine Schneikart-Luebbe, who currently holds the position of Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Enrollment Management and is still involved with the organization.
Her desire was to create a group of outstanding student volunteers who would work alongside the Admissions Office in recruitment efforts. Looking for the students who "raised their hands first" in volunteer situations, she sought out the "best of the best" by soliciting recommendations for members from University personnel. Seventeen years later, the group is still comprised of stellar students. In 2003 Christine stepped down as the group's adviser. The group is currently advised by Bobby Gandu, Sheelu Surender, Mandy Ronen, and Amy Nichols.
Throughout its existence, the group has grown in size, but not changed in purpose. SAS initiated many sustainable and successful activities including:
- the annual state-wide SAS Leadership Conference for high school juniors and seniors,
- the endowed Amie Montgomery scholarship
- Gore Core, a celebration of the top students who compete in the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational.
Graduates of this group have gone on to be successful lawyers, doctors, educators, engineers, performers, health care practitioners and business professionals who maintain their dedication and loyalty to Wichita State and the Wichita community.
The motto of the Student Ambassador Society is "loyal service through Shocker spirit." This motto has been adopted as a lifetime commitment for its members.
Founder Christine Schneikart-Luebbe with members before the 2011 SAS Leadership Conference