Entrusted as Ambassadors

Although the outstanding honorees are the main focus of the International Quality of Life Awards (IQLA) the College of Human Sciences hosts each December, another integral part of IQLA involves the select number of students chosen to take part in the IQLA Study Tour — an educational enrichment opportunity where students serve as ambassadors for the college while getting to experience the city where IQLA is held and in 2025, that was Washington, D.C.

This year, eight students across a variety of disciplines from the College of Human Sciences were chosen for the IQLA Study Tour Dec. 5-9 upon submitting an application and completing a competitive interview selection process.

Preparation for the Study Tour occurred throughout the fall semester in special lectures, workshops and assignments designed to enhance the culminating experience in Washington, D.C.

While in the nation’s capital, the students visited a number of different landmarks including visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the touring of monuments by moonlight, taking a visit to DC Central Kitchen, a walking food tour and more.

The visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History stood out to many students because of Maddie Wellbaum, a 2022 event management alumna and now special events coordinator for the Smithsonian, who also participated in the Study Tour as a student in 2021. In a full circle moment, Wellbaum helped lead the Study Tour four years later.

“I really get to put my major and education into practice every day and getting to meet with the students now four years later, reminiscing on the time when I was in their shoes it was so full circle,” said Wellbaum. “I just really enjoyed learning more about the students and hearing about their career goals was so re-inspiring to me and why I’m so proud to be a part of the College of Human Sciences.”

Virginia Dent, a senior majoring in nutrition and wellness and pre-physical therapy, and Joe Champagne, a junior majoring in event management, both said the visit with Wellbaum at the Smithsonian was their favorite part of the study tour.

“I really liked touring the Smithsonian and getting to see behind the scenes and their event spaces,” said Dent. “They were having an event, so we got to see everything being set up and how that process works.”

“I really enjoyed meeting with Maddie Wellbaum, the event coordinator for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, and it was really neat to hear her insight about her day-to-day operations especially as an event management major,” added Champagne.

Another unique experience of the Study Tour was students getting to visit DC Central Kitchen, a nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation.

Students got a special behind the scenes tour of the building that helped serve more than 3.9 million meals last year alone.

For Sarah Prior, the DC Central Kitchen visit really stood out to her as an interior design major as she got to see the unique open layout of the building.

“I feel like going through the tour it was very consistent with what we have actually learned in interior design,” said Prior. “I was thinking of my hospitality studio and what we have done this semester and in commercial last year. It was encouraging to see designs being applied in real life spaces and I feel prepared to go design a place like DC Central Kitchen.”

While the visits to the Smithsonian and DC Central Kitchen were unique, the students took pride in knowing they were seen as ambassadors and honored to represent Auburn University and the College of Human Sciences on the IQLA Study Tour.

“It’s an honor to be able to go to the nation’s capital and be where our state representatives are located,” said Dent. “To represent Auburn University and the College of Human Sciences is a major honor.”

When asked why future students should apply for the IQLA Study Tour, Wellbaum said it’s such a unique thing to experience, especially as an undergraduate student.

“Now looking back, it was so fun, but I also look back with such fondness because the college entrusted that to us to be ambassadors for this prestigious IQLA event and spend time in a new city and let us explore and forge our own path in a way which was really great,” said Wellbaum. “I think there really is no experience like this when it comes to a formal event celebrating such deserving individuals is something that is so uncommon to get to experience as an undergraduate student, let alone getting to have all the joys that come with touring a new city and connecting with alumni and maybe exploring a place you have never been. I’m still in touch with some of the girls I roomed with back then and four years later, it’s awesome seeing their careers flourish. It’s just a great chance to connect with some of your really amazing fellow students.”