This fall, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is so excited to welcome our new Student Ambassadors for Retention and Success (STARS), all of whom embody CAS’s brand-new, peer-based initiative designed to help students feel more connected and supported.

Each of our nine ambassadors is focused on helping improve their CAS peers’ experiences by building community, sharing resources, and hosting events that create a deeper sense of belonging across the College. And because they’re students themselves, they know where you’re coming from!

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to oversee the CAS STARS program and support our inaugural group of ambassadors this year,” says program coordinator Kat Gainer. “The ambassadors are paving the way through their creativity and passion, bringing this initiative to life and fostering a strong sense of belonging for CAS students. I’m eager to see how the STARS continue to shape the program and strengthen the sense of community and connection across CAS.”

Intrigued? Applications for the spring semester are open now! CAS students can apply right here. You can also email the STARS team with any questions or feedback on events you’d like to see.

Now, it’s time to meet the fall 2025 CAS STARS:

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Momo Alexander ‘26

“My name is Momo (they/them), and I am a fourth-year political science and gender, sexuality, & women’s studies student here at UVM. I am super-excited to be a part of the STARS program because I love ensuring everyone feels involved in the community that has made me feel so welcome. My favorite things are the ocean and my two cats and two dogs!”

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Leah Dillon ‘28

“My name is Leah Dillon (she/her), I’m from Hanover, Massachusetts, and I'm a sophomore English major with minors in writing and philosophy. I'm a member of the Political Science Club, the Creative Writer's Guild, and The Vermont Cynic in addition to working on campus as a UVM Dining Ambassador. Some of my biggest passions are reading and writing, and I'm also a huge music nerd. In my spare time I love to crochet and draw. My favorite thing about UVM is that you can be really any kind of person you want here, and I also adore the interdisciplinary focus of the curriculum. Overall, the educational and social environment at UVM is one that I'm incredibly proud to be a part of and am thrilled to be sharing with other students as a CAS Ambassador!”

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Daniel Gibson ‘27

“Hi! My name is Daniel Gibson (he/they), I'm a junior political science and theatre double-major with a music minor, originally from Burlington VT. In addition to STARS, you'll find me giving campus tours as an AdvoCat, performing locally with various theatre companies, hiking, exploring all the nature Vermont has to offer, and playing with my cat!”

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Sabella Ibinyopakaka ‘26

“Hi! My name is Sabella (she/her), and I am a senior economics and Japanese major here at UVM. I joined the STARS program because I want CAS students to have more opportunities to connect with their peers and faculty, and to build a stronger sense of community. In my free time, I love reorganizing my room while listening to any music genre under the sun.”

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Sadie Korzec ‘26

"My name is Sadie (she/her) and I’m a senior majoring in biochemistry. I wanted to become a student ambassador for CAS because I’m passionate about representing my college and giving back to the community that has shaped my undergraduate experience. I hope to be a friendly face on campus that people feel comfortable to ask questions!"​

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Meredith Loney ‘27

“My name is Meredith (she/her), and I am a third-year student at UVM. I have a double-major in environmental studies and global studies and a minor in French. I joined the STARS program because I believe that having a transdisciplinary academic experience is extremely valuable, and CAS resources can help students achieve this goal. In my free time, I like sewing, writing, and drinking iced caramel lattes.”

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Heidi Prevost ‘27

“Hi, my name is Heidi (she/her), and I am a junior in CAS. I am majoring in geography and anthropology. I was really excited to learn about STARS last semester—I am always looking for ways to be involved on campus and do my part to make positive change. In my free time, I like to draw, hang out with my cats, read, and spend time at the lake."

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Anya Teller-Elsberg ‘28

“Hey! My name is Anya (she/her), and I am a sophomore majoring in sociology. I decided to join the STARS because I want to help further a sense of community within CAS and help students find their place here! In my free time I love reading, camping, and eating lots of good food (especially Thai).” 

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Bobby Zimmerman ‘27

“Hi! My name is Bobby (he/him), and I am a junior neuroscience major and writing minor here at UVM. I joined the STARS program because I wanted to help other students find community at UVM. In my free time I love to practice yoga, swim, and spend time with family. I'm looking forward to working with the rest of the STARS this semester and can't wait to see what we do together!”