The conference started off with an opening picnic and a welcome from BYU–Idaho President Kim B. Clark.  President Clark welcomed everyone to campus and commented on how nice the weather was, a typical day in Rexburg he emphasized.  He thanked everyone for their service to BYU–Idaho and spent nearly half an hour answering questions.  When asked what was expected of our Ambassadors he encouraged our volunteers to simply live the gospel and be good examples to alumni, parents, and student in their home stakes.

The second session of the conference was a special presentation from Advancement Vice President Henry J. Eyring.  He shared some of the latest initiatives at BYU–Idaho and how our Ambassadors can be of assistance.  He specifically talked about the impending launch of BYUI Connect, our new on-line community and network, as well as the university's efforts in on-line courses and distance learning.  He emphasized how our volunteers can be a resource in networking and mentoring with students, both on and off-campus.

Jonathon Lawrence from Admissions gave an overview of Admissions and specifically how Ambassadors can help in working with prospective students.  He mentioned the importance of our volunteers getting to know and working with the admissions area reps.  He also discussed the Get Prepared web site that is a very important resource for students, parents, and Ambassadors. Here are the links to the admissions reps and Get Prepared web sites:

• www.byui.edu/admissions/contacts.htm

• www.byui.edu/GetPrepared
  

• www.byui.edu/careerservices
  

• ICS Service Missionaries
  

David Richards the Director of the LDS Philanthropies (LDSP) Office at BYU–Idaho shared their role and mission by showing a video on charitable giving within the LDS Church.  Here is a link to the LDSP BYU–Idaho web site:

• www.ldsphilanthropies.org/byu-idaho/
  

Three student leaders from the Heber J. Grant program shared a presentation on how this service benefits students who have overcome disadvantaged backgrounds.   They focused on the three main principles of self-reliance, stewardship, and replenishment.  They reviewed their organization including the life skills course, mentoring, and how Ambassadors can assist in identifying students who can benefit from this scholarship program.  They emphasized that students as young as 13 can apply for the scholarship that will be available once they are admitted to BYU–Idaho.  Please see the Heber J. Grant home page at:

• www.byui.edu/heberjgrant. 

Two lead students provided an overview of the plans for the new auditorium and the Manwaring Student Center expansion.  They answered many questions and accompanied the group to the west side of the new auditorium to give a first-hand view of the building's progress.  You can get an up-to-the minute view of the new 15,000 seat auditorium by visiting our live web camera at:

• www.byui.edu/Webcameras/aud2.htm.
  

The Alumni Relations staff was pleased to host our second annual Dutch oven dinner and share some training materials for the Ambassadors.  We also had some treats for the kids.  The two primary training items included our BYU–Idaho Ambassador Training presentation and the new talking points.  The link to the training presentation is provided below:

• Ambassador Training Presentation

The new talking points can be used in communication (letters, e-mail, personal conversation) with church leaders, seminary teachers, Young Men/Young Women advisers and high school counselors.  You can access the talking points at: 

• www.byui.edu/alumni/talkingpoints.pdf.   

Many thanks to Ambassadors Benjamin and Carol Huff of the North Ogden, Utah Stake for coming up with this concept and helping us craft the language.

Francisco and Christine Velasco, our Regional Representatives for the West and Ambassadors in San Jose, California have been busy this year with their BYU–Idaho Information Nights.  They have worked closely with Admissions and Ambassadors Jared and Lori Funk also of San Jose.  All Ambassadors can use this simple and well thought out presentation when they are asked to speak to alumni, parent, or youth groups.  This presentation can be sent to you from the Alumni Relations Office and you can preview it at: 

• www.byui.edu/alumni/BYUIInformationNight.htm. 

We have also provided some guidelines to follow when speaking to any groups.  you can see these at: 

• www.byui.edu/alumni/BYUIPresentationGuidelines.pdf.

We welcome your feedback as you review and use this presentation as we are already working on version 2.

The last session of the conference included some breakout groups for the Alumni Council and Alumni Ambassadors.  The purposes of these discussions were to review the conference and to share new ideas and insights.   Most groups expressed that the conference was beneficial and they have new ideas to help as they serve.   They mentioned looking forward to the launch of BYUI Connect, our new on-line community.  Many expressed and interest in holding BYUI Information Nights and it was determined that the best avenues are to work through Young Men's and Young Women's advisers as well as seminary teachers.  

Several Ambassadors thought of associates who would be good volunteers and expressed interest in having an e-mail message they could send to their friends.

We also heard some volunteers mention the need to better promote our new on-line degrees that you can see at: 

• www.byui.edu/od/.

Members of the Alumni Council expressed an interest in finding ways to better connect with the local community.

We were grateful to have Roy Brinkerhoff of BYU Alumni Relations at our conference.  He shared many good ideas and as always expressed the interest BYU Alumni Chapters have in working with and using our BYU–Idaho Ambassadors.  This served as a good reminder of getting to know and supporting your local BYU Alumni Chapter.  You can learn who your BYU counterparts are by going to:  

• http://alumni.byu.edu/chapters/.