January 2015 Survey Says: Share your program insights in the mid-point survey Many thanks for participating in the alumni association’s mentor program. To better serve you and track program progress, please complete this brief and anonymous online survey by Wednesday, Jan. 21. In appreciation of your feedback, all survey respondents can qualify for a chance to win a Marquette prize package by sending an email to daniel.deweerdt@marquette.edu indicating MENTOR SURVEY in the subject line. Join program participants and faculty at special gathering Joined by Klingler College of Arts & Sciences Dean Richard C. Holz, Ph.D., you’re invited to a special gathering with other mentor participants and faculty partners on Jan. 29. As part of National Mentoring Month, the event will be held from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. on campus in the Eisenberg Hall reading room in Sensenbrenner Hall. Register by Jan. 22. Chicago gathering provides value for participants Despite frigid temperatures and much of the city closed for the most part, many mentor program participants braved the elements for a reception at Chicago’s Tribune Tower on Jan. 8. Attendees included mentees Nicolas Schmidt, Eng ’17, and Andrew Patek, Eng ’17, who both traveled from the Milwaukee area. “Along with meeting my mentor Mike Eichten, the event was a good chance to learn from other participants, too,” said Andrew. Guests also enjoyed a behind-the-scenes WGN Radio tour, compliments of Steve  Bertrand, Jour ’85, mentor, event co-host and station news anchor. Five Questions With...Samantha Stilp, Arts '07 (Mary Cate Simeone, Arts '15, mentee) 1. What suggestions do you have for mentees? Take full advantage of your mentor's experience and knowledge, including not being afraid to ask for help in pursuing a job opportunity, reaching out to a professional contact or seeking job shadowing experiences. 2. If you’ve had a mentor, what’s one piece of advice that sticks with you every day? With respect to a career move - Do what makes you happy and fulfilled professionally, and do not be intimidated or influenced by others' opinions of that decision. 3. How do you manage work/life balance? I try to set aside a little "me" time each day where I disconnect from phone/email usually in a yoga class, on a run, or on a walk with my dog. Separation from email, even briefly, is (in my opinion) critical to a healthy work/life balance. Read Samantha's full interview. Five Questions With...appears in the monthly mentor newsletter and the online mentor toolbox. SAVE THE DATE: Mentor Program Closing Breakfast is April 23 on campus. Please look for additional details in the February newsletter. News Corner: January is National Mentoring Month Historic Figures Can Also be Mentors - Forbes Visit the MUAA Mentor Program website for more information or contact Dan DeWeerdt at daniel.deweerdt@marquette.edu or (414) 288-4740.