Alumnae Mentoring Program Building Connections, Strengthening Sisterhood
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he Converse network of creative thinkers and doers serve as role models for current students and future generations of Converse women. And for the third year in a row, the Alumnae Mentoring Program (AMP) is dedicated to building connections and fostering relationships between alumnae and students for their professional and personal development.
Reunion 2010 All Class Cocktail Party and BBQ
Alumnae line up for the “Parade of Classes” into the Founder’s Day service
The Class of 1960 processes into the Founder’s Day service for induction into The Golden Club
All Class Cocktail Party and BBQ
Young Alumna Award Winner, Elizabeth Moore Pearson ’00, with friends and family
All Class Cocktail Party and BBQ
“The mission of the Alumnae Mentoring Program is to facilitate the career development of Converse juniors by matching them with an experienced professional for the purpose of collaboration and the exchanging of ideas,” said Elizabeth Oswalt ’02, director of alumnae. “The program also offers alumnae and graduate alumni an opportunity to strengthen ties to Converse by sharing their time and talents with current students. It really is a win/win situation for everyone involved.” Recently, interior design student Shekeyse Jones ’11 and her alumna mentor, interior designer Amy Schmidt Christie ’02 reflected on their experience. For Christie, the AMP provided the perfect opportunity to support Converse, “When the opportunity to serve as a mentor came about, it was an instinctual decision to step up and make a tangible imprint on someone’s life by inspiring, coaching and empowering them.” For Jones, the mentorship presented an opportunity to take a closer look at her field of study and gain insight on what it takes to become a businesswoman as well as a successful interior designer. Jones said, “The mentoring program changed my perspective on life after college. I didn’t know I had so many options.”
Become a Mentor
Converse alumnae and graduate alumni are encouraged to participate in the 2010-2011 Alumnae Mentoring Program. Mentors commit to: • Attending the training session on campus on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010 • Serving as role models for students • Nurturing the mentoring relationship, either in person or phone/email • Assisting their mentee in establishing professional development goals • Maintaining confidentiality in the mentor relationship • Participating in a review of AMP Mentors are not expected to: • Provide job opportunities • Review resumes • Interview students • Participate in extended communication • Recruit students for open positions If you would like to participate in AMP, please complete the mentor application online at converse.edu/AMP or call the Alumnae Office at 864.596.9011 for more information.
By being conscientious of the mentor-mentee pairings, meaningful relationships can be formed easily. Oswalt said “We match alumnae and students based on similar professional or personal interests, so they start with a common bond. By the end of the mentoring program, the relationship usually goes beyond that commonality into a long-term substantial relationship.” For Jones and Christie, the experience was mutually beneficial. “It is rewarding to know my leadership in Shekeyse’s life symbolizes the art of paying it forward with praise for and support of a future leader, and a fine, young talent.” Jones is equally enthusiastic, saying, “I gained A LOT! I learned to develop bigger goals in interior design, stay encouraged and not give up just because things do not go as planned. I have made a great friendship with my mentor and really value having Amy in my life.”
Founder’s Day keynote speaker, Berry Bate ’75 with President Fleming
Elisabeth Lucas Marchant ’68 Energizes Alumnae Mentoring Program Kick-Off Alumna Elisabeth Lucas Marchant ’68 was the guest speaker during the 2010-2011 AMP kick-off event in September. Marchant discussed the importance of building relationships with women both personally and professionally, supporting women in executive positions and her own professional journey. “It was thrilling to welcome Elisabeth back to the campus and have her launch this year’s mentoring program!” said Elizabeth Oswalt. “Her diverse background, trailblazing attitude and willingness to mentor and support other women so they can succeed professionally epitomize the goals of the Alumnae Mentoring Program.”
The Class of 1960 enjoys their 50th reunion class dinner at the President’s House
Marchant is founder and CEO of Womenetics, a multifaceted organization that unites women in the workplace and beyond through shared knowledge, community and events. Recognized by ForbesWoman in 2010 as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Women,” Womenetics was launched in 2009 to address the changing needs of today’s professional woman. To learn more about Marchant, visit www.womenetics.com Alumnae line up for the “Parade of Classes” into the Founder’s Day service
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The Golden Club
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