Monday, April 29, 2024
Countless hours of service, juggling class work, jobs and sharing the story of The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth were celebrated on April 18 at the third annual Student Ambassador Pinning Ceremony. Each year, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment hosts a pinning ceremony to thank HSC student ambassadors for their commitment and service during the academic year.
These ambassadors are selected from an application pool to represent the student population at HSC. They provide campus tours for prospective students and their families – both in-person and virtually – participate in admissions events like preview days, the “HSC Experience” in the fall and myHSC Day in the spring. All of this is done while attending classes and clinical rotations.
“These students already have hectic schedules with their families and classes, then they added being a student ambassador to the list,” said Autumn Young, outreach specialist for enrollment management. “It’s an honor that we get to take one night each year to celebrate all they do for HSC. We couldn’t do what we do without their commitment to championing the university.”
At this ceremony, ambassadors are presented with a pin for each year they’ve served as student ambassadors. Graduating students also receive their cords. A key part of this ceremony is celebrating an ambassador of the year from each school. Five students were celebrated for going above and beyond, and a faculty excellence award is often given to the school who volunteers the most time at admissions and recruitment events.
Student ambassadors of the year
Lane Hughes, School of Biomedical Sciences
Hughes graduated with his bachelor’s from University of Texas Dallas in 2023 and is
set to graduate from the Med-Sci program this May. Upon graduation he will join the
TCOM Class of 2028.
“Being an HSC ambassador means I get to give back to the school that’s given me so much by helping recruit the next generation of health care leaders,” Hughes said. “Across the various institutions I’ve attended, I’ve always appreciated the students who would meet with me to provide their perspectives on their programs. I love being able to talk to new students and tell them all about how great HSC is, just like many of the student ambassadors before me.”
Kanedra Roberts, School of Health Professions, Physician Assistant Studies
Roberts is set to graduate from HSC’s Physician Assistant Studies program in May and
has served as a student ambassador for the past two years. Upon graduation, Roberts
will begin her career as a women’s health physician assistant.
“Being a PA student ambassador has been one of my most memorable and fulfilling experiences because it gave me the opportunity to make a positive impact at HSC,” Roberts said. “As a student ambassador I feel that I helped to shape the future of HSC in a meaningful way.”
Stephanie Budrock, School of Health Professions, Physical Therapy
After her career as a professional soccer player in Australia was cut short due to
COVID-19, Budrock decided to pursue her dream of becoming a physical therapist at
HSC’s School of Health Professions.
“Being from New Jersey, I didn’t know much about Texas prior to visiting. But when I first visited HSC, I immediately knew that this was where I wanted to be,” Budrock said. “The student ambassadors at that time were pivotal in helping me with my decision. I love that I now am in the position to be able to promote HSC to future students and guide them on their path.”
Aiyana Ponce, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ponce is a third-year student at TCOM. During her time at HSC she has been involved
as a student ambassador, Latino Medical Student Association, Texas Medical Association
and Student National Medical Association
“It has been an honor to serve HSC as an ambassador,” Ponce said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to become a physician and being able to share the wealth of opportunities available here with others has been immensely rewarding. Meeting prospective students, their families and other community members has been extremely fulfilling as I have been able to showcase the excellence of HSC and its impact on health care and education.”
Hillary Matthews, College of Pharmacy
Matthews is a third-year pharmacy student at HSC. She’s held several leadership roles
in various organizations at HSC such as Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International,
Student National Pharmaceutical Association and Texas Pharmacy Association Academy
of Student Pharmacists.
“To me, being an ambassador means serving as a resource to individuals interested in the field of pharmacy through numerous recruiting events on campus,” Matthews said. “My decision to become a student ambassador stems from the impact the student ambassadors had on me during my pharmacy school application process. It has been a pleasure being able to share my journey as a pharmacy student and share insight on the College of Pharmacy, and I look forward to continuing my involvement next year!”
Faculty Excellence award
Marcel Kerr, associate dean for academic affairs & undergraduate education at the School of Biomedical Sciences accepted the award on behalf of the school.
“I was thrilled to accept the 2023-24 faculty excellence award on behalf of the School of Biomedical Sciences faculty,” Kerr said. “Recruiting is such an important part of developing a new program, and the faculty and I enjoy partnering with A&R out in our community. We could not have met our enrollment success without their hard work. As a team, we are so proud to receive this recognition.”
Become a student ambassador
The student ambassador program is managed by the Office of Admissions & Recruitment at HSC. Currently, the ambassador program includes active students from five of the six colleges and schools that make up HSC.
For more information on how to become a student ambassador or the student ambassador program, contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment at admissions@unthsc.edu. For more information on upcoming virtual or in-person admissions events, campus visits or recruitment activities, visit www.unthsc.edu/admissions.
From HSC Newsroom - Our People by Libby Maness