Marquette Mentors Newsletter March 2021 Mentee credits mentor with learning more about career and herself Communication mentee Victoria Kurzynski has repeatedly recognized the instrumental support and partnership of her mentor, Susan Hayes Gordon, Arts ’81 and senior vice president/chief external affairs officer at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “Susan has become one of my favorite people- not only does she give the best advice, she’s a role model,” Kurzynski says. “Speaking with her has taught me how to manage the demanding 24/7 news cycle while not letting it control my personal life and I’ve learned about who I am and what I stand for.” Among their recent notable accomplishments has been Kurzynski’s selection to attend Marquette's Les Aspin Center for Government in Washington, D.C., this summer. They collaborated to think through the application and even managed to have fun along the way, too, according to Hayes Gordon.   “It’s a delight to work with Victoria,” says Hayes Gordon. “I love seeing her work ethic, compassion, care for others and joyful spirit. She’s a remarkable young woman and I’m learning so much from her.” As for the likelihood of continued conversations following the formal conclusion of Marquette Mentors in April, Kurzynski was very clearleft little doubt. “I’m grateful for the time I have with her and will definitely keep in communication after this semester.” Marquette Mentors salutes mentor Dressler for service administering vaccines The past year's COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in a life with so much uncertainty and isolation. However, the availability of multiple vaccines may result in a return to a life we once knew… or at least close to it. Frontline health workers and volunteers nationwide are working diligently to distribute the vaccines throughout their communities at a steady pace. In her free time as a retired nurse, mentor Diane Dressler, Grad ’80, volunteers three-four days weekly at Milwaukee's Bread of Healing Clinics in Milwaukee to distribute the vaccine to a variety of individuals, especially those without health insurance. “Many of us would like to be part of an effort to help our community emerge from the pandemic,” Dressler says. “As a retired nurse, I'm privileged to volunteer at the Bread of Healing, with largest of our three locations (Cross Lutheran Church) just a few blocks north of the Marquette campus.” Her Nursing mentee, Maggie Lyons, noted that Diane’s love and dedication for nursing is demonstrated through how she treats others. “Her work with the Bread of Healing Clinic truly is astonishing” says Lyons. “She’s extremely passionate about expanding access to patients who may have language barriers or barriers due to a lack of transportation.” Lyons also credits Dressler for her instrumental support as a mentor this year. “Diane has helped me create concrete goals toward building a career, including helped me determine my strengths and weaknesses within my nursing skill set. M’Laya Sago is a communication mentee, mentee alumna and intern for Marquette Mentors. (Mentor Nancy Armour, Comm ’93 and USA Today) Mentees learn from mentors while the value of reverse mentoring rings true for alumni   While mentees regularly share the significant value of learning and establishing a meaningful relationship with their mentors, alumni participants regularly share the same sentiments as their mentees. This year has proven to be no different, despite this year’s entire program taking place virtually. Communication mentee Erika Thomas credits her mentor, Angela Hersil, Comm ’95, Grad ’01 and head of Corporate Communications and Community Affairs at Rexnord Corporation in Milwaukee, for providing extraordinary guidance and expertise in many areas. “Angela has been an amazing mentor,” Thomas says. “I appreciate her support in helping me prepare for internship interviews and showing me the communications skills needed to be successful in the profession. I'm learning so much from her.” Hersil has enjoyed mentoring Thomas, but also recognizes how she's greatly benefited from working her, too. “It’s been an incredible experience so far because we both have something valuable to offer,” she says. While I can offer Erika professional insights and networking opportunities, I benefit from her fresh ideas, unique perspective, and her contagious energy." Mentor offers tips how to prepare for an outstanding internship Gerry Ahern, Jour ’87, sports editor at The Detroit News, six-time program participant and mentor of communication student Josephy Beaird, has hired more than 45 interns during his career. Consider his five tips to make sure you impress in your new position. Go to school on your boss and your colleagues. Do your homework. What are their accomplishments and specialties? How can their experience help guide and benefit you during your tenure?  Study the space (whether in person or virtual). Who and what are the most important people and entities you’ll be interacting with, covering and/or competing with? Be prepared to demonstrate that knowledge to your colleagues. Come loaded with ideas. Have well-researched and thought-out projects to pitch to the boss. What new wrinkles might you be able to bring to the party? Think social media, podcasting, video. Make yourself available. No task too small. No hours off limits. Your big break can come from raising your hand and picking up a job someone else on the team isn’t able to do. Stay ready and eager to come off the bench. Sit down with the boss on day one. Have your team leader spell out expectations, roles and responsibilities. Listen intently and take notes. Ask questions. Re-read items 1-4 and be ready to discuss. Make new professional contacts and relationships. Have some fun. Win. Marquette mentors, mentees and mentee alumni step up with support on Give Marquette Day Thanks to the nearly 100 mentors, mentees and mentee alumni who made a gift on March 2 in celebration of Give Marquette Day. Those generous contributions met the giving participation challenges to provide even more support for “the gold standard for mentoring initiatives.” Thanks to all mentors for their continued leadership and service. We Are Marquette!   Save the date: Marquette Mentors Program Finale is April 22 Marquette Mentors Virtual Finale Thursday, April 22: 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. CT (note new time) Mentees, mentors, mentee alumni and campus partners are invited to this annual favorite to network, engage and celebrate the formal conclusion of the 2020-21 program. Look for a calendar invite followed by an electronic invitation later this month. In the News Zac Bellman, Comm ’16 and mentee alumnus, was named a 2020 second-place award recipient by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. (Mentors Len Kasper, Comm ’93, Chicago White Sox; and Steve Rushin, Jour ’88, author/Sports Illustrated)   Dr. Cheryl Brosig Soto, Arts ’90, has been promoted to chief of Pediatric Psychology and Developmental Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She’s served in Marquette Mentors for three years. (Arts mentee Jasmine Jacks)     Peppur Chambers, Comm ’92, was recently featured in the Kenosha News for her still-standing indoor triple jump record as a member of the Marquette Track and Field team as well as her career success. She’s a first-year participant in Marquette Mentors. (Arts mentee Bria Osterberg)      Elexus Comyne, Communication mentee, will be serving a summer public relations and communication internship with AT&T in Atlanta. (Aaron Maybin, Comm ’15, mentor, FOX6 News)   Demetrius Liston, Bus Ad ’01, has been named a vice president at Citibank in New York City. He serves in the Institutional Client Services group as a part of the Treasury and Trading Solutions department. He’s served in Marquette Mentors since 2018. (Business mentee Crystal Ibarra)   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.