By Vivian Laskowski
TAMPA, Fla. –– As the 2025 Spring semester at The University of Tampa unfolds, students are settling back on campus after a much needed winter break. While on campus, you can find students walking to their new classes, grabbing food with their roommates, and embracing the sunny Florida weather by the pool or Plant Park.
Behind the scenes are the students who, along with settling back into college life, have an additional adventure to embark on this semester by becoming University of Tampa Diplomats.
The UTampa Diplomats consist of carefully selected students who serve as ambassadors to the university. Diplomats inspire, encourage, support, educate, and guide students on campus. The leadership and enthusiasm that the Diplomats all share coincide with their drive to serve the UTampa community. Their acts of service have a widespread effect on both UTampa and the surrounding Tampa Bay area. Their ultimate goal is positively impacting the lives of others. Becoming a Diplomat not only means receiving a UTampa red blazer upon induction but upholding the values and morals of what those blazers stand for: service.
Service unites smaller communities by allowing them to be a part of a bigger change.
“The [UTampa] Diplomats are a relatively small organization,” said Diplomat Jordan Haycock, a sophomore at UTampa. “We spend a lot of time with one another, and it feels like a family.”
The Diplomats organization establishes an environment where members can create new connections on a smaller scale while working towards a greater cause.
“The confidence instilled in me by my fellow diplomats is something that has allowed me to have rigorous goals for myself and the organization,” said Paige Lane, a junior and executive member holding the title of vice president of events for the Diplomats.
“Holding an executive position for the UT Diplomats is a true honor. … I am able to connect with many on campus departments, such as the President’s Office [and] Career Services,” said Lane.
Being a member of this organization opens many doors for networking with various departments that otherwise may be more difficult to access. With that, there are unique events that the Diplomats take part in, such as the commencement ceremonies at the end of every semester.
“I believe that being able to see my fellow scholars have their special day is so heartwarming,” said Lane. “I have also been able to see and appreciate all the hard work that goes into the event by multiple UTampa Departments.”
A signature event hosted by the Diplomats is the blood drive.
“Our VP of philanthropy organizes these [blood drives] so students as well as faculty can donate blood with convenience on campus,” said Madison Curtis, a senior and executive member of the Diplomats.
Though the range of service opportunities that the Diplomats take part in varies, they collectively create an influential effect on the communities involved.
Alexandra Reed, a junior who previously served as a member of the UTampa Diplomats, shared insight on the impact the organization had on her life as well as her peers.
“Serving as a Diplomat was an incredibly transformative experience that helped me grow personally and professionally,” said Reed. “The organization allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills, improve my ability to work as part of a team, [and] develop confidence in professional settings.”
UTampa Diplomats allows members to develop and grow their skill sets that will help them through their academic careers, and in their future endeavors postgrad.
“Beyond my own growth, Diplomats play a significant role in shaping the experiences of the University of Tampa students by supporting events that foster a sense of community, engagement, and school spirit,” said Reed. “Whether it was assisting at campus-wide initiatives … or engaging in volunteer work off campus, Diplomats consistently worked to enhance the University experiences for everyone involved.”
As Reed is no longer a current member of the Diplomats, she expresses that her “biggest takeaway from being a Diplomat is the importance of Service in Leadership, and the connections that come from it.”
“I learned that service fosters connection, and some of the most influential personal and professional relationships I built during college came through my involvement in this organization,” said Reed.
With applications now open until Mar. 9, 2025, students who are interested in becoming Diplomats can apply through the application found on the UTampa Diplomats page on the university’s website.
Curtis, who has served as both vice president of leadership and development as well as president of Diplomats, encourages students to apply “if they are looking for an organization that is focused on service, development, and the application of the Spartan Ready Competencies.”
“[I]f you are looking for a new experience where you can meet new forever friends … and really get to know what UTampa is all about, I would recommend you join the UTampa Diplomats,” said Lane.
As for the application process, new candidates are “required to demonstrate Leadership Experience, a passion for Service, and strong communication skills,” said Reed. “[Applicants also need a] minimum of 3.0 GPA … along with a written application.”
“After the written application, there is an interview process where the applicant will interview with two to three current Diplomats,” said Curtis. “After the interview process, the slating committee … reviews the interviewee’s application[,] … there is a vote from the committee, and the applicants get notified if they [are] accepted.”
The UTampa Diplomats empowers its members through service, enhancing professional skills, adapting to new environments, and by making a difference on and off campus communities. Students who share and resonate with the Diplomats’ values are encouraged to take the leap, step out of their comfort zone, and consider applying to make a difference.
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Thumbnail Image Caption: Paige Lane, junior at The University of Tampa. Class of December 2025, UTampa Diplomat Executive Member: Vice President of Events. Photo Courtesy of Paige Lane.