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Five Questions With...
Mentor Jim Casanova, Arts '70

Five Questions With...highlights mentors and mentees in the Marquette University Alumni Association Mentor Pilot Program. This month features Jim Casanova, Arts '70, who is mentoring Shelbie Eggener, Arts '14.

1. What was your first job following graduation, where and what did it teach you?
I was an instructor at University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School. It taught me that I really don’t have all the answers!

2. If you had/have a mentor, what’s one piece of advice that sticks with you every day?
I don’t think I ever had a specific mentor – instead it seems like I have had hundreds of them! One piece of advice that was given to me in regard to dealing with people is simply “Presume good intentions.”

3. What qualities do you look for and appreciate in the people you work with or hire?
Creativity and positive attitude. Oh, did I mention creativity?

4. Professional development book you’d recommend.
Finding our Way by Margaret J. Wheatley.

5. Two things you think a Marquette student should do before they graduate.
Take one course you would have never otherwise picked out. 2. Stop everything for a few days and go on a personal “retreat.” It doesn’t have to be a religious retreat – it can be a few days by yourself in some peaceful setting.

Jim Casanova, M.D., is vice president, Medical Affairs, at Aurora Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Five Questions With...appears in the monthly mentor newsletter and the online mentor toolbox.