Honors Ambassadors

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Honors Ambassadors (HA) is a student-run group of current honors students who represent the Honors College at open houses, question-and-answer panels and other recruitment events. Honors Ambassadors are available to host prospective students on select days during the year. Host-a-Days allow new students to explore the everyday life of an Honors student, from classes to campus activities. Honors Ambassadors are the bridge between prospective and current Honors students and a powerful resource for attracting students to UMD.

Students who are interested in becoming an Honors Ambassador can fill out the application here. Applications are currently closed.

Meet Our Student Coordinators

Vanshika Mehta

Hi everyone! My name is Vanshika Mehta and I am a junior in the Gemstone program. Also, my major is computer science on a data science track. Along with being an HA, I am also a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon and the Every Child Project. As the event coordinator, my goal is to help facilitate scheduling and signing up for events. I love the sense of community that Honors Ambassadors provides and I can’t wait to share that experience with current and prospective Honors students.

— Vanshika Mehta ’24

Hi everyone! My name is Ally Rizzo (they/them), and I’m part of the Honors Humanities class of 2026. I am an intended marketing major with a double minor in viola performance and arts leadership. I am involved in extracurriculars such as The Observer and Sigma Alpha Iota. As engagement coordinator, I work to spark interest in Honors Ambassadors and create a strong community among current members and prospective students. This program has allowed me to connect with peers across all honors programs, which has been a fantastic experience.

— Ally Rizzo ’26

Meet Our Staff Advisors

Aarushi Malhotra

Hello! My name is Aarushi Malhotra, and I am the Recruitment and Programming Graduate Assistant who works with our Honors Ambassadors (HAs). Honors Ambassadors are essential because they serve as genuine student voices during recruitment events. You get to help prospective students navigate their college decisions which is really fulfilling. As a former Honors Terp student myself, I’m here to support you and make sure you walk away with a great HA experience. Outside of my role, I am working on a Master of Public Health and enjoying my last year at UMD!

— Aarushi Malhotra ’24

Chantell Smith

Greetings and thank you for your interest in joining the Honor Ambassadors team! As the Assistant Director of Recruitment & Inclusive Communities, my role is to oversee and support this exceptional student-run organization. What does being an Honors Ambassador (HA) mean? It means you are the student representation of the Honors College, as a whole. It is through your knowledge, experience and commitment that prospective students are able to make a sound decision on if UMD Honors should be the place for them to call home. Plus, by being an active HA, you are able to connect with other Honors College students who may be in different living-learning programs (which can be beneficial for your own self-growth). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact myself or the recruiting and programming graduate assistant.

— Chantelle Smith, Assistant Director of Recruitment & Inclusive Communities