The University of Alabama’s student recruiting organization, University Stewards, is currently accepting applications for the fall semester.

University Stewards helps The University of Alabama admissions with student recruitment through personal interaction with prospective students and their families.

“The University Stewards embody the friendliness, hospitality, diversity and pride that the campus community has to offer,” Margaret Christian, associate director of undergraduate relations, said.

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This organization focuses on recruiting prospective students that have been recommended by admissions for their impressive academic backgrounds, including National Merit Scholars. Christian said participating in lunches with these VIP students and their families is the most frequent duty of a Steward. Stewards are also responsible for answering questions, giving campus and dorm tours, taking prospective students to lunch, accompanying families around campus and assisting with recruitment receptions.

“University Stewards is an enriching volunteer opportunity to give back to The University of Alabama and helps students find where their home is going to be,” Samantha Gaffney, outgoing president of University Stewards, said.

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Gaffney, a senior majoring in business and health care management, has been involved with this organization for three years. In addition to the normal workload of a steward, Gaffney also sets agendas, runs weekly meetings, helps train stewards, contacts executive board members and acts as a liaison between stewards, advisors and admissions. She once had the opportunity to fly with former UA president Robert Witt, to recruiting receptions in Florida.

Avery Thomas, a junior majoring in operations management, is the president-elect of University Stewards. She was shown campus by a University Steward, and she has now been in the organization for three years.

“I had a steward meet with me. That sort of solidified my decision to come here,” Thomas said. “There was so much hospitality, and they wanted me to succeed.”

Currently there are 60 members within the organization, and the group is looking to add 25 to 30 people for next fall. This year they are expecting the application process to be extremely competitive.

The application process consists of submitting an application and resume and follow up interviews. The application is due Friday, March 28 at 4:45 p.m. Applications can be found in Room 203 of the Student Services Building or requested through [email protected].

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