The KU Alumni Association is more than a network—it’s a powerful community of Jayhawks dedicated to supporting students and one another. Thanks to passionate supporters, programs like the Student Alumni Network and KU Mentoring+ create meaningful connections that shape futures and enrich lives. Your support strengthens the entire KU community — helping students develop leadership skills, while empowering alumni to share their wisdom and experiences to guide the next generation of Jayhawks.
Shayslyne Campos knows firsthand the impact of these experiences. A Kansas City native and first-generation student, she transferred to KU after taking classes at Johnson County Community College. Campos, who wanted to connect with alumni in the marketing field, sought out Mary Padilla, the Alumni Association’s associate vice president of marketing and content strategy. “It was wonderful that Shay contacted me,” Padilla said. “At the time, she was a junior majoring in business. We had a great conversation about her academic background and work experience, then I encouraged her to enhance her leadership skills by joining the Student Alumni Network.”
Campos took Padilla’s advice to heart and quickly became a vital part of the Student Alumni Network (SAN). She volunteered on the 2023 Homecoming Steering Committee, which each year comprises 10 student leaders. Campos served as the public relations and outreach chair and gained valuable experience creating marketing and branding content seen by thousands of alumni and students. “It gave me a confidence boost in preparing for my future job,” Campos said.
Volunteering alongside fellow students also helped Campos strengthen her networking and communications skills —especially when coordinating events. “Collaboration among students is often overlooked,” said Ryan Edmonds, the Alumni Association’s assistant director of student programs. “Too often, we associate group work with uneven effort, when the root issue is a lack of communication. True teamwork is more than just getting along—it’s about effective communication, receiving and applying feedback, problem-solving and strategic thinking.
“Learning to work toward a shared goal is a skill, and it’s essential for students to gain real experiences in team settings where they can develop the ability to collaborate meaningfully.”
As Campos gained experience and spent more time with peers who shared her passion for involvement, her desire to volunteer grew.
In partnership with KU Endowment, the Student Alumni Ambassadors (SAA) play a key role in shaping student leaders and fostering a culture of philanthropy. In the fall of 2024, Campos expanded her involvement by joining the SAA Philanthropy & Service Committee, where she helped create a LaunchKU campaign for the 2025 spring semester. Working alongside her fellow committee members, she strategized creative ways to raise and allocate funds for projects that create a lasting impact on the KU community.
“Being involved makes such a big difference,” Campos said. “Figuring out what we should raise money for and deciding on how that money would contribute to students overall is good for the community.”
Campos, who graduated in December, is already making connections with alumni on the KU Mentoring+ platform. After enrolling on the platform as part of the EY Business Professional Development Program, she connected to numerous alumni in her fields of study—including a Jayhawk who lives abroad.
Giving to the KU Alumni Association on One Day One KU on February 20-21, 2025 — from noon to noon — fuels programs that shape and connect Jayhawks at every stage of life. Every gift — big or small — helps fund student events, leadership opportunities and professional networking experiences that bridge the gap between students and the alumni community. Your generosity creates lasting opportunities, empowering future KU leaders to connect, grow and thrive.
