Full of joy, nineteen newly appointed Student Ambassadors in smart uniforms vowed to live out the mission of the Student Ambassador (SA) by serving and promoting CityU, at the eighth Inauguration Ceremony held 27 January in Wei Hing Theatre.

 

“These students were selected from a pool of around 194 applicants. They are a devoted team of young

people with warm personalities and strong communication capabilities. Today’s Inauguration marks an auspicious start to our 2005 programme. I am confident that the new SA members will continue to enhance CityU's reputation and help to develop sense of belonging among students,” said Professor Edmond Ko, Vice-President (Undergraduate Education) and Dean of Students, in his welcoming speech. New SAs said the selection process was rigorous, but through it they learned more about their personal strengths and weaknesses.

 

New blood waves the SA banner

“I am very glad to join the team. Through interaction with other SAs and our trainers, I have developed stronger ties with the University,” said newly appointed Student Ambassador James Chen, a second-year student in the Department of Electronic Engineering. “Our immediate task is to help organizing “Thank You Week” which is a highlight of the University's annual Wellness March.”

 

Launched in 1997, the Student Ambassadors Programme (“A” Project) has been organized by the Student Leadership and Development Team of Student Development Services (SDS). The programme has since benefited a vast number of students,  boosting their whole person development. Through participating in training activities and serving the University and its community, SAs  build up their confidence, improve their interpersonal skills and develop a positive attitude towards life.

 

Also attending the Inauguration were last year's SAs ready to pass along their  experience to the new recruits. “We participated in many activities last year, such as a visit to Cyberport and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The highlight of the programme was our trip to Japan, during which we visited universities in order to foster academic exchange,” said Johnny Ho, a final-year SA from the School of Law.

 

“The programme has generated in me a powerful sense of belonging and affection for the University. I also learned a lot of things through the programme, such as business etiquette and presentation skills," said  Jenny Zhang, another final-year SA from the Department of Economics and Finance. “Once SAs, forever SAs! We are delighted to share what we have learned and are sure that our successors will provide another term of excellent service to CityU,” she added.

 

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the 23 previous Student Ambassadors for their valuable contributions to the University. Their representatives thanked Professor Ko, Mr Joseph Chan, Director of Student Development Services, and  the SDS counsellors for their inspiring teaching and training throughout the year.

Recalling his experience of training SAs over the past seven years, Professor Ko said, “It was an unforgettable and joyful experience.” He wished the old batch of Student Ambassadors continued personal development and he wished the new ones ongoing success in learning more about their University.

 

Mr Joseph Chan added, “I hope the students enjoy whole person development and strengthen their resolve to serve the community by joining this programme.”