April finale transitions to virtual celebration, attracts participants nationwide

When the April 23 Marquette Mentors finale celebration at the 707 Hub was canceled in light of the pandemic, it also provided an unprecedented opportunity to gather participants. The program shifted to a virtual celebration and attracted 150 mentors, mentees, mentee alumni and campus partners in 25 states.

“Although we couldn't gather in person to celebrate and honor program participants, we did the next best thing by coming together virtually in 25 states," says Dan DeWeerdt, senior director of Marquette Mentors. "We felt the spirit, enthusiasm and commitment from all participants come alive from coast to coast.”

Prior to the formal program, mentor moderators led seven industry/theme break room sessions for mentees, mentors and campus partners to discuss topics and network. "The break room was really nice to meet and speak with so many who really help make the Marquette community strong," says College of Health Sciencs mentee Ella Geise (mentor Dr. Robert Panther, Arts '86). "I also enjoyed hearing from mentee alumni describe how their mentor/mentee relationship helped prepare them following Marquette, such as grad school or workforce entry."

Read the full story and May newsletter.

Mentees reflect on experiences at Best Practices Workshops

Approximately 60 mentees participated on campus at the spring semester Best Practices workshops Feb. 18-20 to share their mentor experiences, progress toward completing outlined goals and continuing the partnership moving forward. Several mentee alumni also served as panelists to discuss their continued dialogue with their mentor and career journey following graduation. Key discussion topics included:

• Reviewing your goals- What did you set out to accomplish with your mentor?
• Job shadowing/travel stipend opportunity. Discuss today- spring break/by the end of semester? Nearly 20 mentees have received travel stipend funding to shadow their mentors
• Review the Marquette Mentors mentor and mentee alumni online directories to expand your network
• Discuss the possibility of ongoing communication with your mentor beyond the formal partnership
• Send your mentor a thank-you note. According to Monica Oliver, Sp ’81, mentor and certified executive coach, it can make a dramatic impact. Learn why.

M'Laya Sago, communication mentee and program intern, believes the sessions provided an outlook to get other experiences and generate new ideas. “Hearing how others approach their professional goals is a great way to put new ideas to the test. It sheds light on ways to improve your professional development, but it can also expand beyond your own thinking.”

2019-20 Marquette Mentors Resource Guide

Marquette Mentors is the mentor program of the Marquette University Alumni Association. For more information, contact Marquette Mentors Senior Director Dan DeWeerdt.