Meet Our 2025 – 2026 Leadership Team
The Student Alumni Association Executive Board consists of 7 voting student members and a staff advisor. Our E-Board is made up of a group of leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the University of Connecticut.
President:
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| Major: Marketing Class of: 2026 Hometown: Memphis, TN Main SAA duties: Overseeing the Executive Board, outreach to other local SAAs for possible conference collaborations, main liaison between SAA and the UConn Foundation Previous SAA roles: General Member, VP of Tradition Also involved in: Alpha Epsilon Phi, UConn Hillel Favorite place on the UConn campus: Gampel Favorite UConn tradition: OOzeball About me: I joined SAA my freshman year and now I am so excited to be able to serve as the President! In my free time, I love hanging out with friends, listening to music, reading, and finding new shows to watch. I absolutely love this organization and cannot wait for the upcoming year! |
Vice President of Finance & Philanthropy:
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| Major: Pharmacy Class of: 2028 Hometown: Wiesbaden, Germany Main SAA duties: Managing the SAA budget, coordinating the Care Package Program, spearheading SAA’s participation in Ignite Previous SAA roles: General Member Also involved in: Diversability Favorite place on the UConn campus: The Pharmacy Library Favorite UConn tradition: Jonathan’s Birthday Party About me: Hi, my name is Megan and I’m this year’s VP of Finance! I am a sophomore pharmacy student from Wiesbaden, Germany. As an Army brat, I’ve moved around the entire United States and never had a permanent home, but I’m glad to have found one at UConn, especially through the help of SAA! I look forward to helping to do that for other people this coming year! |
Vice President of Alumni Relations:
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| Major: Actuarial Science Class of: 2027 Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Main SAA duties: Leading student and alumni networking events, connecting with SAA alumni Previous SAA roles: General Member Also involved in: UConn Actuarial Society Favorite place on the UConn campus: Homer Babbidge Library Favorite UConn tradition: OOzeball About me: I joined SAA my first semester of freshman year and loved every part of it. I can’t wait to do it again this year along with being a part of the behind-the-scenes. In my free time, I like hanging out with friends or watching movies, and on occasion, working out. |
Vice President of Tradition:
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| Major: Molecular and Cell Biology Class of: 2028 Hometown: South Windsor, CT Main SAA duties: Planning our “Jonathan’s Birthday” celebration and organizing OOzeball Previous SAA roles: General Member Also involved in: The service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega on campus, as well as a member of the WiMSE (Women in STEM) living and learning community. I also work in the BioSupply room in TLS (Torrey Life Sciences Building) during the year.Favorite Place on Campus: Hommer Babbidge Library Favorite UConn tradition: OOzeball |
Vice President of Membership:
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| Major: Biological Sciences Class of: 2028 Hometown: Clifton Park, NY Main SAA duties: Recruiting new SAA members throughout the year, point tracking and rewards, and planning membership retreats Previous SAA roles: General Member Favorite place on campus: UConn REC Favorite UConn tradition: OOzeball About me: If I had to choose one word to describe me, it would be “tenacious”. When I’m not spending time with friends, I’m studying at the library, working out at the REC, drawing, or reading a good book. My favorite sport is wrestling, and I have four years of wrestling experience in high school and college combined. I look forward to a productive and exciting year! |
Vice President of Programming:
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| Major: Chemical Engineering Class of: 2028 Hometown: Fairfax, Virgina Main SAA duties: Planning SAA’s annual Pinning Ceremony, coordinating our participation in Homecoming Week, and coordinating the “81 Things To Do Before You Graduate” bucket list days Previous SAA roles: General Member Also involved in: Horticulture Club and Indian Student Association Favorite place on campus: Garden/Courtyard behind the UConn Alumni Great Hall (and SAA office!) Favorite UConn tradition: Oozeball About me: Hey, I’m Marisa! I joined SAA during my freshman year, and it quickly became my favorite club on campus. I loved being a part of it so much that I knew I wanted to get more involved. This year, I’m excited to serve as the VP of Programming. |
Vice President of Communication:
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| Major: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; Photography/Video Class of: 2026 Hometown: Seattle, WA Main SAA duties: Documenting SAA events, documenting meeting minutes, and improving and maintaining our SAA social media presence Previous SAA roles: General Member Also involved in: TME Art Mentor, Goodreads and Gossip Book Club, Outing Club, and Transfer Student Association Favorite place on campus: Wilbur Cross Favorite UConn tradition: OOzeball About me: Hello everyone! I joined SAA halfway through my sophomore year, and it has changed my life here at UConn in the best way possible. I’m a huge film and photography nerd, and I’m super passionate about connecting art students with opportunities. I love hiking, thrifting, and spending time with my friends (and my cat when I’m back in Seattle). Super excited for this year! |
Advisor:
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| Advisor Since: 2026 Education: University of Connecticut, B.A. in Marketing concentrated in Digital Media and Analytics Position: Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Affinity Engagement at the UConn Foundation Office of Alumni Relations Email: kpalinkos@foundation.uconn.edu Office Hours: By appointment |