Eagle Connection Members Make Presentation at Student Development Institute

Four members of The University of Southern Mississippi's Eagle Connection student ambassador group had the opportunity to present at the Student Development Institute hosted by CIVSA (Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Association) earlier this month in Birmingham, Ala.

As part of the educational session, the students reflected on their training experience in their university leadership course designated to university tour guides.

“These Eagle Connection members educated those in attendance about the various communication styles and how to use those to appreciate the differences between members within the organization and the prospective students encounters,” said Austin McDonald, assistant director of Campus Tour Experience/Eagle Connection at USM.

Eagle Connection ambassadors who presented at the institute included:

• Beth Cunningham, a senior from Pace, Fla., with a double major in Media Production and Advertising. She serves as president of Eagle Connection.
• Ian Vowell, a junior from Purvis, Miss., majoring in Accounting. He services a vice president of Eagle Connection.
• Ramsey Thrasher, a junior from Sumrall, Miss., majoring in Economics. He is a first-year member of Eagle Connection.
• Julie Bishop, a sophomore from Hattiesburg, Miss., majoring in Nursing. She is a first-year member of Eagle Connection.

“The students were selected to attend the institute because of their position/experience with Eagle Connection,” said McDonald. “Either they held a position on the executive team or were considered emerging leaders within the organization.”

Altogether there are approximately 75 students participating in Eagle Connection – a voluntary student organization. The students serve as admission ambassadors helping prospective students during the University's large events, at high school college fairs and through daily campus tours.