(Q1 2025) - Member Update
Dear SRBA Members and Supporters,
As we begin 2025, SRBA is focused on refining our core offerings, deepening community engagement, and rolling out new tools and programs that will strengthen member experience and broaden our reach. From new content formats and monthly hangouts to streamlined membership management and exclusive initiatives like the Founders Badge, we are positioning SRBA to provide even greater value to both new and longtime members.
This quarter has also seen ongoing leadership continuity and expansion: Ria Kokkengada has formally begun her service as Vice President, and Gary Burns has extended his work as Creative Director, collaborating with me and Ria to ensure our improvements to benefits, communications, and community events are fully realized.
Key Q1 Achievements
1. Reporting on SURGE Expo24 at Stanford
Though it took place in November 2024, SURGE Expo24 at Stanford deserves recognition in this update. The event brought together over 300 student leaders, faculty, and corporate partners from across the country for our largest gathering yet. The conference featured high-impact sessions, major brand exposure—including support from Mark Cuban and the Shark Tank team—and a thriving social impact marketplace. You can view highlights on our Instagram recap and website.
2. Member Spotlights & Media Expansion
We featured three outstanding member programs in our 2025 Q1 Spotlight Series:
• January – Center for Student Enterprises at Pace University (Pleasantville)
• February – Flyer Enterprises at the University of Dayton
• March – Loyola Limited Enterprises at Loyola University Chicago
Each spotlight included a video interview shared via Instagram, YouTube, and our website.
Pace also earned external media coverage through a feature article, highlighting their innovative student-run business model.
3. Founders Badge Pilot Program Launch
We are now inviting members to pilot our exclusive Founders Badge Program—a distinctive credential for students launching and growing ventures within SRBA. Piloting members will help shape the future of this initiative and gain visibility across the network. Learn more or apply via our Founders Badge page.
4. Website, Portal, and Onboarding Enhancements
We’ve completed major upgrades to the SRBA website and member portal, streamlining how you access content, resources, and programs. Our onboarding documentation, member handbooks, and workshop series have also been updated and are already in use across several campuses.
5. Alfred University Joins SRBA
We’re excited to welcome Alfred University as the most recent SRBA member. Their decision reflects the growing demand for formalized student enterprise ecosystems and signals continued momentum as we expand into new categories of membership.
Upcoming Initiatives
1. Monthly Member Hangouts Now Live
We’ve launched an exclusive new 30-minute monthly virtual gathering for 1–3 student leaders per member school. These sessions are a space to share updates, get ideas, and stay connected across the network. Reach out to confirm your team has received the invite.
2. Annual Membership Dues – Recurring Payments Begin in September
Starting this fall, we are moving most members to a recurring payment model aligned to the academic year. Payments made now will cover October 2024 through September 2025, and you can easily set up or manage your payment plan on our website.
3. Storage Scholars Collaboration Expands
SRBA Corporate Member and student-founded venture Storage Scholars continues to engage actively with our members. They’re offering proven solutions that create new revenue streams while helping meet student housing needs. Contact us to explore opportunities to collaborate.
4. SURGE Expo25 Coming to Penn
We’re excited to announce that SURGE Expo25 will take place at the University of Pennsylvania this fall. The exact date will be confirmed soon, and all members will be invited to attend our Annual Member Meeting during the event.
Please reach out if you’d like to be featured in future spotlights, participate in the Founders Badge pilot, join an upcoming hangout, or explore collaboration opportunities. As always, thank you for helping build this movement with us.
With gratitude,
Owen Raisch