Samantha Lugo Torres
Clemson University | Class of 2026 | B.A. in Language and International Business
Samantha Lugo Torres
Clemson University | Class of 2026 | B.A. in Language and International Business
Outreach
Community involvement has always been important to me, and I hope to continue making a positive impact throughout my life. During my time at Clemson, I have found meaningful ways to give back to my university and local community, from serving as an Orientation Ambassador to holding a leadership position in a co-ed service fraternity called Alpha Phi Omega. Beyond Clemson, I have also taken opportunities to serve other communities, including volunteering with lowernine.org in New Orleans. These experiences have allowed me to connect with others, contribute to causes I care about, and grow as a leader.
Read more about each of these experiences below!
Orientation Ambassador at Clemson
As a Clemson Orientation Ambassador, I helped incoming students and their families begin their Clemson journey through the Ready, Set, Roar! program. I worked alongside a team of 20 student ambassadors to create a welcoming and meaningful experience for new Tigers.
Throughout the summer, I facilitated small-group sessions of 7–15 students, leading activities and discussions about Clemson’s values and situations students may experience during their transition to college. I served on Q&A panels for families and guests, led campus tours highlighting important resources, and helped organize orientation materials and inventory. I also worked alongside academic advisors to help students navigate course registration. When students had questions about campus life, classes, or courses I had personally enjoyed, I was able to use my own experience as a Clemson student to offer guidance and perspective. I especially enjoyed this part of the role because it allowed me to explore my interest in academic advising and confirmed my hope to pursue an advising position at Clemson in the future.
One of my favorite parts of the position was sharing my own “Why Clemson?” story with incoming students. As a senior, I shared the perspective I gained over four years while also learning from ambassadors at different stages of their Clemson journeys. This experience showed me how much I value helping students transition into college and strengthened my interest in student affairs and supporting students throughout their college journey.
Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity
Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is a national co-ed service fraternity on Clemson’s campus. Clemson’s chapter is the second-oldest organization at the university and has been a part of the Clemson community since being chartered in 1940. I first rushed APO during the fall of my freshman year in 2022, making it the first organization I joined on campus. Since then, it has become one of the most rewarding parts of my Clemson experience.
Throughout my time in APO, I have taken on several leadership roles. I served as the Bylaws Representative for my pledge class for three semesters, where I proposed changes to our bylaws and voted on new policies to help our chapter adapt to the needs of our members and community. I then served as Vice Chair of Membership, working closely with the Vice President of Membership to encourage brothers to complete their service hours and remain active members of the chapter. This semester, I have taken on the role of Pledgemaster, where I lead 21 students from different class years through the rush program. I hold weekly meetings where we learn about the history of Alpha Phi Omega, the importance of service, and our role in supporting our campus and community. Being able to introduce new students to an organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my own college experience has been one of my favorite leadership experiences at Clemson.
Service Trip with Lowernine.org
In late December of 2023, a group of friends and I traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana, to volunteer with lowernine.org. The organization is dedicated to the long-term recovery of New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, one of the communities hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina and the resulting levee breaches in 2005. Nearly two decades later, the effects of the disaster are still visible throughout the neighborhood.
Our group worked at two locations during the trip. At one site, we helped prepare a small building by completing basic spackling and painting. Our largest project was at a local home where we spent about four days completing repairs. Inside the home, we removed the carpet from the stairs, replaced a few wood pieces, and stained them . Outside, we rebuilt the back deck, painted the front deck, and replaced some of the old insulation underneath the home.
After spending several days working on the homes, we had a day to explore the surrounding area and learn more about New Orleans and the Lower 9th Ward. On our final night, the owner invited us to her home for a community BBQ. This became one of the most meaningful parts of the trip. We heard stories from local residents who experienced Hurricane Katrina and learned what the disaster and its aftermath had been like for their families. We also met previous recipients of lowernine.org's work and heard how the organization had helped them rebuild their homes and get back on their feet.
The experience was so meaningful that a group of friends and I plan to return to lowernine.org in December 2026 to volunteer and contribute to the organization's ongoing work in the community.
Clemson, SC
Samantha Lugo Torres
Samanthaltgl@gmail.com