Colleen Jarrott, B.A. 1997, J.D. 2002, has a lifetime of memories from her years at The Catholic University of America.
“All of the profound, fundamental relationships that I’ve had in my life started at Catholic University and have continued since then,” the New Orleans-based renewable energy attorney says.
It is where she met her husband and best friends, a friend group that is so close that they are planning an upcoming trip to Amelia Island together.
It is not surprising that Colleen, who already is a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, signed on to become a Cardinal Ambassador when the program was started in summer 2024. The Ambassador program — 80 volunteers have already signed up — gives alumni, students, and parents an opportunity to help promote Catholic University to prospective students and, each fall before the University’s national collection, to their parishes.
Laura Urquidez isn’t a Cardinal herself, but her daughter, Mae, is an architecture student on track to graduate in 2027. Laura, a 30-year California resident, is a mother of four, co-owner of a construction company, a yoga instructor, and a big fan of Catholic University. She also is a Cardinal Ambassador.
“When Mae was looking at colleges, she knew she wanted to study architecture and find the right fit in her student life. So, our search brought us to Catholic University and now we feel it was made for her.” Laura said.
She learned about the program during Family Weekend. “The moment I heard about the ambassador program, I was jumping out of my seat to be involved. My family adores Catholic University and will do anything to promote it and spread the love.”
Another ambassador, Javier Mazariegos, B.A. 2023 and Board of Trustees member, has seen the impact ambassadors can have. A resident assistant, writing tutor, student government director, and Honors Program ambassador while at the University, the double major in philosophy and English is now a development associate and alumni coordinator for The Heights School in New York City and an alumni representative to the University’s Board of Directors.
Recently talking with prospective students, he gave his email to one in case the student had additional questions.
“He emailed me a few days later and thanked me for talking about Catholic University's unique mission of bringing Catholicism in contact with the world. He said that he was impressed and excited about the possibility of blending his faith life with his professional preparation and personal growth in college. He got the picture,” Javier said.
Many of the ambassadors say it was the people who made the biggest impact on their student experience and compelled them to stay involved with the University after graduation.
“Catholic University has the nicest, most caring people on the planet, from the students to the faculty, staff, and administration,” Rashaun Martin, B.A. 2001 and Board of Trustees member, said. “They lead with light and they are always in service to both Church and nation. It was and continues to be a wonderful community to be a part of.”
Now the managing director of recruitment, cultivation, and diversity programs for Boston Public Schools, Rashaun recruits and retains a diverse educator body. He signed up to be an ambassador not only because the program fit perfectly with his current job, but because he wanted to be a part of encouraging the next generation of students to consider attending Catholic University.
“I think, now more than ever, our kids are in search of kindness and safe spaces in which they can take what they learn and use it for the betterment of society. Catholic University provides that.”
Impacting the Next Generation of Students
At a college fair in New Orleans, Colleen spoke with 70 potential students and their families. She saw the difference a personal connection with a Cardinal can make, and realized how meaningful it was for her, as well.
“I thought after the event, ‘Wow! I just spent two hours talking about my alma mater and hopefully encouraging people to attend.’”
She mentioned one student, a high school junior who is interested in nursing. Colleen not only talked with her and her dad about Catholic University, but also shared photos of the new Conway School of Nursing building that she had taken during a recent trip to campus.
Helping a new generation transition into an exciting stage in their lives “reminded me of when I was searching for colleges and the excitement of possibilities of living in a new place away from home,” she said.
“This was my way of being able to repay the school through service, in order to get the word out and promote Catholic within [the New Orleans] region.”
Rashaun said that “it was an honor to share my own positive experiences as a student” with a prospective nursing student who applied early to Catholic University. “I look forward to her being a new Cardinal in 2025.”
“I think that the best way for people to learn how great it is here is from another person,” said Javier. “My friends and peers from the Class of 2023 are among the brightest and most generous people I know. They are not only talented, but they really care about other people. And they are doing amazing things right now: on Wall Street, in Hollywood and in Catholic schools.”
Now It’s Your Turn to be a Cardinal Ambassador
Rashaun said he encourages “all of my fellow alumni who believe in the transformational experience of attending The Catholic University of America to consider being one of its ambassadors to assist in our recruiting efforts.”
Ambassadors are welcome to participate locally, or on-campus during the Feb. 15 and April 5 Cardinal Preview Day Open Houses for admitted students. If you are interested in becoming a Cardinal Ambassador, learn more and apply via our online application.
Published on: Friday, January 17, 2025
Tags: Alumni Association, Cardinal Ambassadors, Admissions