Every other Friday, and other times in between, students may see a big group accumulating in Iowa Hall or around the main part of campus on a tour.
They may also recognize current Kirkwood students within this group or leading these tours. Those current students are part of one of the leadership groups here on campus, the student ambassadors.
There are nearly 50 students taking part in the student ambassadors program this semester. Nick Kettman, director of admissions at Kirkwood Community College and co-advisor of the student ambassadors, said, “Their main responsibility is sharing their experience to tell prospective students what it’s like to be a student here.”
Outside of the Friday tours, the ambassadors take part in activities with the other leadership groups at Kirkwood. They use those times to mingle amongst each other make connections. Kettman said those events are a good way to build chemistry in the group and make the tours work more smoothly.
Kolby Wenger, Liberal Arts, is a first-year student who said he was approached by Becca VanderHeiden, co-advisor, to join the ambassadors early in his Kirkwood career.
Hesitantly, he said he went out of his comfort zone and joined. He added that he hasn’t yet had a chance to be a part of the Friday tours, but he has enjoyed his experience making connections within the group.
“So far one of my favorite parts about being in the group is that I am able to see fellow ambassadors outside of meetings and stuff and make the connection. I have had good conversations with them in settings I wouldn’t expect to,” said Wenger.
He said while in Iowa City for an Iowa football game he was approached by a fellow member of ambassadors that he recognized. He said they talked about how they enjoyed the group and the people they have met from being in it.
Kettman said they hope to add members at the start of the Spring 2025 semester. Students interested in joining should reach out to Kettman or VanderHeiden, when the spring is approaching.
Categories: Campus News, News
