The Diplomats gathered together for a photo with President Dahlberg at the end of the induction ceremony. Photo courtesy of Franchesca Murrugarra.
On April 10, the newest members of the UTampa Diplomats were inducted into the prestigious organization whose mission is synonymous with service. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was the keynote speaker for the ceremony.
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By Franchesca Murrugarra
TAMPA, Fla. — Last Friday, six students raised their right hands in Sykes Chapel in an oath of dedicated service as they were inducted as the newest members of the Diplomats.
The University of Tampa (UTampa) Diplomats are a prestigious group of students who serve as role models and ambassadors for the university, and whose mission is tied to service.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, a UTampa alum, was the keynote speaker for the induction ceremony, discussing leadership, learning from failure, and the importance of making an impact on others, recounting stories from her experience at UTampa and as Chief of Police of the Tampa Police Department.
“Each of you are leaders every single day in the examples that you set for others,” said Castor. “Never underestimate the impact you can have on others in your sphere.”
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor giving a speech to the Diplomats in Sykes Chapel. Photo courtesy of Franchesca Murrugarra.
President Dahlberg also attended the ceremony and, in an interview with The Minaret, gave a piece of advice for the new inductees as they begin their journeys as leaders.
“Do all the things,” said President Dahlberg. “Jump into all the opportunities possible.”
The Diplomats facilitate blood drives, Fall Weekend, commencement, and serve departments on campus yearly.
“Our blood drives are so impactful,” said Shreeya Saha, the vice president of finance for the Diplomats. “Every semester, it’s at least 500 lives that are being saved by just blood donations.”
The Diplomats also serve the wider community.
“We do Service Saturdays where we volunteer in the community,” said Brigette Rosenberg, president of the Diplomats. “This past year, we’ve done a lot with Meals on Wheels of Tampa Bay. We deliver produce to people who are homebound … we are able to be that bright and friendly face.”
Brigette Rosenberg (left), president, and Shreeya Saha (right), vice president of finance. Photo courtesy of Franchesca Murrugarra.
The work they do throughout the year is not always as well-known across the student body.
“I didn’t realize it was always the Diplomats,” said Sydney Walters, one of the inductees.
With her volunteer experience in high school and her older sister previously being a Diplomat, Walters, a sophomore film and media arts major, decided to see what the organization had to offer, which led to her applying.
“Being able to sign the book and get my red jacket with my pin and walk offstage, it just felt like such an accomplishment,” said Walters.
A Diplomat receives a new pin on their jacket for each year they participate in the organization, beginning with the pin they receive during the initial ceremony before they go out to serve both the campus and Tampa community.
A full set of pins on Shreeya Saha’s jacket after four years of dedicated service, including one in honor of the 160th commencement ceremony. Photo courtesy of Franchesca Murrugarra.
“I’m really excited to see the volunteer opportunities off campus,” said Walters. “I’m also really excited to go to graduation and help out. I feel like that’s such an honor to be there and witness all my peers and friends get to walk across the stage. I’m excited to see what we’re able to do in the Tampa Bay Area.”
Sydney Walters, after the induction ceremony with her red jacket and first pin. Photo courtesy of Brooke Gillapsy.
Saha elaborated on the work the Diplomats do for commencement every semester.
“We organize commencements every semester,” said Saha. “It’s a whole day of us working 10-12 hours, helping from diploma covers to flowers … even cleaning up in between ceremonies, we do that.”
Raina Cowans, the advisor of the Diplomats, commended the organization and the members’ dedication and initiative.
“I don’t have to inspire them, they are already inspired by themselves,” said Cowans. “They are already leaders…they are truly a student-run organization who are truly about their values about what they want to do in life.”
Raina Cowans, the advisor of the Diplomats. Photo courtesy of Franchesca Murrugarra.
“I don’t know what’s coming, but I know it’s going to be something that is worth taking a step of confidence in and putting their faith and trust in,” said Cowans. “[The inductees] can trust that once they leave this organization, they will be a different person and a different leader in the end — a better leader.”