Gaels smiling in excitement at Saddle Up: Electric Disco, a SAE pillar event. Photo credit: Sergio Celis Photography.
Cultivating Leadership, Belonging, and Engagement: Student Activities & Engagement's Year in Review
"[SAE programs] have given me a sense of belonging and helped me create long-lasting relationships with students on campus."
- Michaela Gergurich '27
The 2025–2026 academic year was one of growth, connection, and student impact for Student Activities & Engagement (SAE). Through innovative programming, expanded leadership opportunities, and thriving student organizations, SAE continued to create meaningful experiences that helped students find community and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
This year, SAE hosted 232 events across 32 departmental entities—a 28% increase in programming from the previous year. More than 8,030 students participated in events and activities throughout the year, while average attendance increased by 6%, reflecting a growing interest in leadership, involvement, and campus engagement.
For first-year student Diana Olmos '29, those opportunities made an immediate difference.
"SAE opportunities and programs have made me feel more involved in campus life and have allowed me to meet new people and engage with my peers!"
Amplifying Student Voice Through Associated Students
Associated Students (A.S.) continued its commitment to student advocacy and shared governance by hosting 11 Senate meetings throughout the year. These meetings serve as a critical space where student leaders discuss campus issues, advocate for student needs, and influence decisions that shape the student experience.
This year also marked another milestone: all 19 executive branch and class senator positions were successfully filled, continuing a streak of full student representation that has remained intact since 2011.
A.S. expanded opportunities for student involvement by chartering five new organizations: Snow Club, Powerlifting Club, Pre-Dental Club, Law Club, and Neuroscience Club. Additional accomplishments included launching a student feedback box funded through Associated Students, passing a resolution to include student leaders in Student Organization Council meetings, and approving an updated Constitution that will guide student government into the future.
Marwa Hashemi '27, a member of the A.S. Finance Committee, reflected on the value of student leadership."SAE leadership opportunities help me understand how to cater to the student body, creating opportunities to work closely with a diverse group of leaders."
Student Organizations Continue to Thrive
Student club & organizations remained at the heart of campus life, creating spaces where students could explore their interests, celebrate their identities, and build lasting relationships.
This year saw the addition of 13 new organizations, bringing the total number of active student organizations to 45. Of those, 31 organizations regularly hosted events, meetings, and programs that fostered belonging and engagement among Saint Mary's students.
For Kylee Johnson '26, involvement in student organizations helped shape her college experience."Clubs and organizations helped me feel engaged on campus and comfortable with my self-identity and expressing who I am, as well as finding new friends and learning about new cultures."
Building Community Through Signature Events and New Traditions
From large-scale traditions to cultural celebrations, SAE programming brought students together throughout the year.
New events such as Banda Night and Pho Night joined established traditions like APASA's Night Market and the Korean Pop Culture Club's Sakura Festival. The Black Student Union's Cookout celebrated Black History Month while creating opportunities for connection and cultural appreciation.
Students also enjoyed the Campus Activities Board's inaugural Oasis concert and annual CAB Carnival, which brought more than 500 students together to celebrate the end of the academic year.
Meanwhile, SAE welcomed back beloved signature events including Halloweekend, Glow SMC, and Saddle Up, while introducing Camp SMC, a new tradition brought to life in collaboration with Residential Experience and Campus Recreation. SAE-led programs were strengthened by collaborations with over 20 campus departments and student organizations, including the Office of Sustainability, the Library, High Potential, Gael Media, Campus Safety, and the Center for Writing Across the Curriculum, whose contributions enhanced events such as Late Night Café and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
Beyond individual events, SAE helped transform weekends on campus by significantly expanding Friday-through-Sunday programming. Of the weekend programs offered, these programs saw a 31% increase in weekend participation, more students found opportunities to stay engaged, build friendships, and create memories on campus.
"SAE programming has helped keep the campus feeling alive and active, especially during the weekends," shared Ashley Maravilla '26.
Developing Tomorrow's Leaders
In response to student feedback, SAE piloted a Leadership Development Workshop series for 100 student organization leaders. Led by Coordinator of Student Activities & Engagement Briana Hubbard, the workshops focused on leadership competencies, recruitment strategies, organizational management, and values-based leadership.
The results were encouraging: participating student leaders reported a 10% increase in confidence in their ability to effectively lead their organizations.
For Saifo Haddid '27, the impact extended beyond personal development.
"SAE opportunities and programs have impacted my SMC experience because not only do I have a fun time at the events that SAE hosts, but [SAE] has helped my club in so many ways."
Empowering Students for Success at Saint Mary's and Beyond
The success of SAE this year reflects Saint Mary's strategic priority to Empower All Students for Success at Saint Mary's and Beyond. Through leadership development, community-building, cultural programming, and opportunities for involvement, students gained experiences that support their emotional, social, and personal growth while preparing them for future success.
Perhaps the greatest measure of impact can be found in the connections and skills students formed along the way.
As Michaela Gergurich '27 shared, "[SAE programs] have given me a sense of belonging and helped me create long-lasting relationships with students on campus."
As the year comes to a close, one thing is clear: SAE is doing more than hosting events. It is helping create the Saint Mary's experience—one where students find community, discover their potential, and build the skills and relationships that will support them long after graduation.
