Endow the Goddard Ambassadors Program
The Goddard School of Business and Economics sees many capable and motivated first-year students who are interested in becoming engaged with faculty and activities at the beginning of their academic careers — and who could also use financial support that gives them the flexibility to get involved.
The school created the Goddard Ambassadors program, where students are paid an hourly wage as they plan and participate in a variety of events that increase student engagement, and promote Goddard School programs in the community and at local high schools.
From a one-student pilot program in 2022–23, Goddard Ambassadors grew to a team of 10 the following year. The students organized a business case competition, led tours for prospective students, spoke at local schools and created an online course to help current Goddard students learn about majors, clubs, and opportunities within the school.
An Investment in Leadership
Funding is needed to continue and grow this program. The approximate annual cost for one Goddard Ambassador is budgeted at 140 hours at $15 for one year, plus Goddard School attire and gear ($120) for a total of $2,220 per year.
The school would like to create a team of 10 to 20 ambassadors each year, including one president and two vice presidents. The president will receive a full-tuition scholarship and $500 in book money. Vice presidents will receive half-tuition scholarships and $500 in book money.
Funding needs for a team of 16:
- 12 ambassadors at approximately $27,300 for hourly wages and attire
- $1,500 in book money for 3 vice presidents
- $7,500 in half-tuition scholarships for 3 vice presidents
- $6,920 for a full-tuition scholarship, book money and attire
- for president
- $5,000 for activity budget
Total cost: Approximately $48,000/year. An endowment of $1.2 million would provide sufficient annual earnings to continue this program going forward.
Wildcat Spotlight
As a new WSU student in fall 2022, Preston West was the Goddard School’s lone student ambassador. He knew that other business schools had entire ambassador teams, and he made the case for creating one at Weber State. In 2023–24, he was president of that new 10-person team.
“There are students who want to get more involved, meet new people, make friends, get experience and make an impact on Weber State and the community,” he said. “This team is a way of not only communicating that with potential and current students, it also serves as a home for students who want to get involved with the university and meet others. When the team goes to events, prospective students can see firsthand that there is a body of students just like them who are engaged and involved.”
The ambassadors have received positive feedback from Goddard School students and faculty. “We had a great first year, and there are a lot of ideas for this upcoming year that we’ll develop on top of what we’ve already accomplished,” West said. “I’m excited and very optimistic about where this program will go!”
Support the Goddard Ambassadors program by making a gift today.
To learn more about the Goddard Ambassadors, contact a Weber State University development director.