Student Alumni Ambassadors
Interested in becoming a Student Alumni Ambassador?
The Student Alumni Ambassadors is a service-focused, student leadership organization led by the University Alumni & Community Engagement Department. Their mission is to connect SSU donors, alumni, volunteers, and community with students in meaningful ways, grow the student body’s awareness of alumni and philanthropy programs, and develop future Bear leaders.
SAA members serve as the official host group of the University and the Alumni Association. SAA members are also active in the recruitment of new students and promoting Shawnee State University. SAA takes an active role in major events at SSU, including Homecoming, Day of Giving, Graduation Celebrations, President’s Gala and Alumni Reunions.
Benefits to Joining:
Give Back to Shawnee State and make a difference on campus.
Network and collaborate with peers and alumni.
Attend select local and regional Shawnee State Alumni & Community Engagement events.
Gain valuable volunteer and leadership experience.
Have fun!
Meet the Student Alumni Ambassadors:
Abigail Blankenship
Class of 2023
An Occupational Therapy major, Abigail Blankenship is a junior at Shawnee State from Hillsboro, Ohio. On campus, Abigail works in the Office of Admissions as a tour guide, office assistant and an Orientation Leader. She is a member of the Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams and is on the SSU Cheer team.
“I love how small Shawnee State is because there are more opportunities for me to do stuff to participate – like track, cheer, and working on campus.”
Fun Fact: I am the youngest of four.
Avery Booth
Class of 2021
A BSN Nursing major, Avery Booth is a senior at Shawnee State from Falmouth, Kentucky. Avery is a member of Delight Ministries on campus, a sister in Delta Phi Epsilon sorority serving as the Vice President of Membership Development and is also the President of SSU’s Student Nurses Association. She is also a student employee in the Office of Admissions and the Office of Alumni & Community Engagement.
“The small yet welcoming atmosphere drew me to Shawnee. It felt – and still does – like home. It has such caring people that really want you to thrive and get your degree. The small class sizes and majors drew me here with the amount of endless possibilities.”
Eli Cole
Class of 2022
A Health Care Administration major, Eli Cole is a junior at Shawnee State from West Portsmouth, Ohio. On campus, Eli is involved in several organizations, including the Student Programming Board, College Republicans, Bears Assisting Bears, and as a student employee in the Office of Admissions.
“I love the sense of family here at Shawnee State University. Not only with my peers, but also with the faculty and staff here on campus.”
Fun Fact: I have visited 20 of the 50 U.S. states.
Mike Dibble
Class of 2022
A Digital Simulation & Game Programming major, Mike Dibble is a junior at Shawnee State from Marysville, Ohio. He is a member of the Dungeon Crawlers, Skaggs Lab, works in the Math Lab, and serves as an Orientation Leader on campus.
“What I like most about Shawnee State is the close family experiences that come with being at a smaller school.”
Fun Fact: I have been on over ninety different roller coasters in my life.
Marnae Holland
Class of 2022
A Business Management major, Marnae Holland is a junior from Strongsville, Ohio. She is a member of the Women’s Basketball team and works as a student employee in the Office of Alumni & Community Engagement.
“I like playing basketball at Shawnee and getting to be a part of the people and the campus.”
Fun Fact: I’m originally from Michigan.
Sydnie Jenkins
Class of 2022
A Biomedical Sciences major, Sydnie Jenkins is a junior from Lucasville, Ohio. She is a member of the Women’s Soccer team and the Women’s Track & Field team. She is also an Orientation Leader, a member of the Pre-Med Club, and participates in youth groups and her church’s activities.
“Shawnee State is reliable, affordable, and close-knit. I love being able to be so involved on campus and the support I have received.”
Fun Fact: I was valedictorian of my high school.
Ali Lacy
Class of 2022
A Pre-Med major, Ali Lacy is a junior from Portsmouth, Ohio. She is a member of the Pre-Med Club, the Tri-Beta society, Illuminate Ministries, Chemistry Club, and Delight ministries on campus. She is also involved in activities with LifePoint Church.
“At Shawnee, I love the close-knit community that exists here.”
Fun Fact: I can turn my thumbs backwards.
Sofia Mikhailichenko
Class of 2023
A Mathematical Sciences major focused in Acturarial Science, Sofia Mikhailichenko is a sophomore from Sumy, Ukraine. On campus she is an Office Student Assistant in the Center for International Programs & Study Abroad, a math tutor, a crew member in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, a member of the Rotaract Club, and the Math Club.
“Shawnee is small and it makes it easier to get to know people (students and professors) and stay in touch with them. You can create a lot of personal connections.”
Fun Fact: I can speak Ukrainian, Russian, English, and I know a little bit of French.
Hanna Tackett
Class of 2023
A Biomedical Sciences major, Hanna Tackett is a sophomore from Lucasville, Ohio. She is a member of the of the Swimming team, Pre-Med Club, and is a lifeguard on campus. In the community she serves as an assistant swim coach at Northwest High School and Spartan Swim Club, as well as is involved with Unity Full Gospel Youth Group.
“I love the community here. I love that I can walk around campus and see familiar faces.”
Fun Fact: I have a pair of fish shoes.
Josie Tackett
Class of 2022
A Health Science major, Josie Tackett is a junior from Lucasville, Ohio. She is a member of the Swimming Team and Student Athlete Advisory Board. In the community she serves as a camp counselor for Mt. Hope Bible Camp, Unity Full Gospel Youth Group, and the Hills Chapel Church Youth Group.
“Shawnee is a great atmosphere and it’s a small campus, so you get to know everyone.”
Fun Fact: I like to help people and spend time reading.
Taylor Jo Young
Class of 2022
A Business Management major, Taylor Jo Young is a senior from Manchester, Ohio. On campus she serves as an Orientation Leader, a member of Delight Ministries, is a note taker for Cultural Geography, and works as a student employee in Alumni & Community Engagement. She is also involved with her church’s discipleship group and in volunteering.
“At Shawnee I like the more personal atmosphere! With the small class sizes, it’s easier to get to know professors and classmates, and it adds a cozy feeling and sense of being welcomed. Plus, the staff members are super nice and helpful!”
Fun Fact: I cheered for 10 years, and was able to compete in the national competition. I also attended Camp Fashion Design in NYC where I toured Seventeen.