So what is Scarlet Guard?

     Scarlet Guard is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Student Alumni Association. The group is currently the largest student organization at UNL, boasting over 1,450 members during the 2013-2014 school year. Within the general membership, Scarlet Guard is run, organized and led by a student Board of Directors, which is made up of 35 individuals from all colleges, grades, and various majors. Among that 35 is the Scarlet Guard Executive team: The President, 6 Vice Presidents, and an Executive Delegate. A member of the Nebraska Alumni Association staff acts as the group's adviser.

     The mission of Scarlet Guard is to engage students with their University and provide them with the most authentic and ultimate Husker experience. This is accomplished through a heavy focus on campus traditions that can be found in the Cornhusker Compass, a traditions book that is given to all members at the time of their registration. The Cornhusker Compass highlights 65 "campus traditions" that vary from attending a Husker football game and participating in the balloon release or the Kissing Columns on UNL's City campus. Once Scarlet Guard members complete 25 of the 65 traditions, they are deemed a "Knight" and are invited to an exclusive networking event every year for the remainder of their time at college. If members complete 50 of the traditions, they are recognized as Official Tradition Keepers, are given a medal to wear at graduation, and are invited to the exclusive Alumni Awards Banquet with distinguished alumni.

     The Scarlet Guard Board of Directors plans and executes events for general members to assist them in completing their Cornhusker Compasses. These events are both social and professional. Social events include free t-shirt giveaways for home conference games, an Amazing Race-style competition that features challenges related to campus traditions, and dodgeball in Memorial Stadium. Events that promote networking and professional development include Alumni Masters Week, which gives students the opportunity to network with distinguished alumni. Another is Backpacks to Briefcases, which provides students with knowledge and resources that will help them maximize their college experiences and launch their careers.

    However, most valuable part of Scarlet Guard isn't the events. The part of Scarlet Guard that inspires, encourages, and impacts students the most is the connections that are made with alumni and fellow students. These relationships, much like the memories one gains from college life at Nebraska, last a lifetime.