They were trying to raise money through the alumni network. I personally believe Emory should find other ways to directly foster and fund such an interest. http://www.alumni.emory.edu/emorywire/news/news-articles/2017/08/igem.html
Also, a few may have been from Oxford. If you ever knew or know any of their members, I would recommend that they reach out to bio 141 courses at beginning of the year to search for interest or talent. Most instructors in those courses are willing to advertise such opportunities on campus, and green pre-healths and future life sciences majors may be the types open enough to make it a part of their schedules.