Marquette Mentors Newsletter April 2021   Marquette Mentors concludes 2020-21 program with energy, networking at virtual finale Thanks to an outstanding year-long effort by program participants, Marquette Mentors formally concluded the 2020-21 year with a virtual finale consisting of more than 200 registrants, including mentors and mentee alumni in nearly 25 states and Europe. “(The finale) was very inspiring and made me proud to be affiliated with Marquette,” shared a mentor attendee. “This program is a great example of ‘Be the Difference’.” Although mentors and mentees didn't meet in person during the seven-month program due to the pandemic, many built valuable, meaningful relationships, as reflected in a thank you video that was shown at the finale. The piece was made possible thanks to the generosity of mentee alumna Devon Hanley, Comm ’19. Valuable insights- including the importance of continuing the relationship- were provided by panelists mentee alumna Lauren Holman, Comm ’15 and Capitol One in Washington, D.C., mentor Gretchen Borden, Eng ’03, Grad ’07, from Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, Arts mentee Buddy Jaffee and campus partner Sheena Carey, Comm ’81, Grad ’83, from the Diederich College of Communication. See the panel discussion. Marquette Mentors salutes all program participants for their commitment, leadership and service in making this initiative the “gold standard for mentoring initiatives” (CASE, 2019). Mentee Herson credits mentor Richlen for assisting with job offer considerations When Engineering mentee alumnus Seamus Herson was offered a position as a concept electrical engineer at Milwaukee Tool, he thought a valuable second opinion might serve him well. Although he had been matched with mentor Jeff Richlen, Grad ’07 and general manager-Parts and Accessories at Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee nearly 18 months ago in the 2019-20 program, Seamus still thought to contact him for perspective and wisdom. “After I got the offer, Jeff and I talked about the role and how I hoped it would fit into my career more broadly,” says Seamus, “Jeff’s insights helped me be more intentional about the type of skills I want to cultivate along with future roles.” From this interaction, Jeff was reminded of how mentor-mentee programs continue to cultivate long-lasting relationships outside of the allotted program year. “I’ve learned many times in this program that the mentee-mentor relationship doesn’t end with the school year, or even graduation,” Jeff says. “It was a joy to receive a call from Seamus.” As noted throughout the program, mentees and mentors are encouraged to continue communication well beyond the formal program conclusion. This can include job updates or periodic conversations to enhance professional and personal relationships. “We are blessed to work with smart, talented, future leaders who simply look to us for a little guidance as they face the challenges of being a student and eventually starting a career” says Jeff. M’Laya Sago is a communication mentee, mentee alumna and intern for Marquette Mentors. (Mentor Nancy Armour, Comm ’93 and USA Today)   Change means innovation as participants, program respond to pandemic Although mentor and mentee communication along with all programming for Marquette Mentors was virtual this year due to the pandemic, participants and engagement opportunities became more innovative to help ensure a productive and valuable year. This included: Shifting from an in-person kickoff to virtual, providing an opportunity for mentors nationwide to participate. It attracted a record-setting 210 attendees The January 2021 Virtual Retreat created networking and learning sessions for more than 125 attendees. Although "Zoom fatigue" has become common, this three-hour gathering received overwhelming positive feedback by program participants Our new virtual “Five Questions With…” interviews with mentors from a variety of industries reached capacity every session, attracting mentees and mentee alumni in a small-group format Marquette Mentors was featured at CASE All Districts virtual conference and the presentation attracted more than 2,800 viewers to learn about the award-winning program considered a national model The April 22 virtual finale and networking celebration attracted a record-setting 225 participants and even included music by mentee alumni Reminder to complete year-end final survey by May 7 Your opinion matters. Please share your program experience by completing the confidential online end-of-year program survey by Friday, May 7. The survey link was shared in an April 28 email. Those who complete the survey and indicate SURVEY COMPLETE in the subject line by May 7 will qualify for a chance to win Marquette merchandise. Contact daniel.deweerdt@marquette.edu for more information.   Expand your network and mentoring by joining the new Marquette Career Network The debut of Marquette Career Network, an online mentoring and networking platform, provides mentees and mentee alumni with the opportunity to expand their connections with Marquette alumni. The opt-in site provides students and young alumni with expanded mentoring connections by directly contacting alumni with similar career interests. Mentees- students and young alumni- can determine the communication frequency with the Marquette graduate mentor. Current mentees were invited to join the network earlier in the month as part of the initial launch. Mentors were also invited and are encouraged to serve students and young alumni in this new expanded mentoring initiative. For details or for an invitation to join the network, contact daniel.deweerdt@marquette.edu In the News Izzi Abookire, Health Sciences mentee, is serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. (Mentor Dr. Richard Lucas, Eng ’98, Radiologic Consultants, Ltd.; Greensburg, Penn.)     Andrew Amouzou, Communication mentee, has been named general manager for MUTV at Marquette University. (Mentor Tim Van Vooren, Comm ’87, WITI-FOX6; Milwaukee)   Dan Avington, Communication mentee, will be serving as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Muskegon (Mich.) Clippers, a college summer baseball team. (Mentor Len Kasper, Comm ’93, Chicago White Sox; Chicago)   Prince Beniana, Business Administration mentee alumnus, has accepted a position as a business consultant at Capgemini in Atlanta. (Mentor Mike Brennan, Arts ’87, CRC Group; Chicago)     Ben Precourt, Graduate School and Trinity Fellows mentee, has been named a concentration coordinator for the Harvard Graduate School of Education. (Mentor John Savagian, Grad ’08, Alverno College; Milwaukee) M’Laya Sago, Communication mentee, has accepted a position as a content writer at Zywave, a software company headquartered in Milwaukee. (Nancy Armour, Comm ’93, USA Today)     Kaelyn Whiteside, Comm ’19, has accepted an associate producer position at Arc Worldwide in Chicago. (Mentor Hope Bradley, Comm ’91, ABC7; Chicago)       Share your new job, promotion, award or volunter role In the News. Send a one-sentence description with a headshot (no selfies, please) to Dan DeWeerdt.