In Your Own Words: MENTOR POWER
Whether they challenged you in the classroom, helped guide your career path, or answered your questions over coffee, W&J faculty members have a reputation for going the extra mile (or two) to ensure their students’ success after graduation. When we asked you to tell us about your mentors at W&J, we weren’t surprised that you filled our Facebook and Twitter pages with touching accounts of how professors have influenced your lives. Here are just some of the highlights.
Dr. R. Kirk Wicker was one of the unsung heroes of the chemistry department. He had industry experience and always was there to help. – MICHAEL HENGELSBURG ’91
Dr. Todd Verdun. His classes challenged and encouraged like no other. His dedication to his craft inspired my future plans. – ALEXANDRA BRUECKNER ’11
– MICHAEL BREVETTA ’97
Dr. John Mark Scott and Dr. Bob Dodge were the first two professors I met over coffee the first day of my freshman year. The friendship that developed among us is still going strong today. – JOSHUA ANDY ’04, PH.D.
Dr. Robbie Iuliucci was and remains to be a positive force in my life and career. He emphasized that, while money is nice, doing what you love and aiding those you teach is more fulfilling. – JACOB HORNICK ’10
Don’t see your mentor here? Go to www.washjeff.edu/magazine for more stories.
Dr. A.B. Lee. His Intersession tour of the Middle East opened my eyes to the wider world and instilled in me a love of travel and culture.
DR. LORI GALLEY IS A PHENOMENAL PROFESSOR WHO GENUINELY IS INTERESTED IN WHAT’S BEST FOR HER STUDENTS. PLUS, SHE’S AN ALUM! – SHANE JONES ’11
Dr. Sam Fee. I stumbled upon his new media class as an elective and found myself sucked into design work as a hobby during my history career at W&J. – LINDSAY HARLOW ’08
Dr. Bob Dodge taught me how to study— really study—and prepare and outline my thoughts. Before taking his classes, I didn’t know how to analyze and digest information in a meaningful way. – JULIE FOLGER WOOLLEY ’00
MTV documents journey of young alumnus Visit the website for the new MTV reality show, “Chelsea Settles,” and you will find one of its stars, Jarel Settles ’09, described as funny, supportive and opinionated. Chat with any of his classmates from Washington & Jefferson College, and you are likely to hear the same description with the added quality of “determined.” While at W&J, Settles kept it no secret that his dream was to move to Los Angeles and make it in the entertainment industry. With the support of W&J’s Ellis Hyman Internship Award and Magellan Project, Settles took the first step toward his goal when he landed a summer internship with the Universal Music Group. “The internship was everything I imagined, plus more,” the business administration major said. “It made me a part of who I am today, because it taught me to be flexible and adaptable to change.” Today, Settles is back in Los Angeles with his cousin, Chelsea. Their move across the country last winter was documented by television cameras for the highly rated MTV show, which follows Chelsea as she tries to find her way in the fashion industry. Along for the journey, Settles is on hand to offer his support, honesty and laughter. “Moving was full of emotions. I was excited, because I would be in the city I wanted to live in with my best friend and cousin,” Settles said. “However, I was afraid of not being able to accomplish what I sought to do.” While Settles is unsure of what his exact job title will be in 10 or 20 years, he credits the W&J Magellan Project and Office of Career Services with directing him toward his passion. Today, he gives back to W&J as a volunteer and mentor, offering advice to students interested in pursuing an entertainment-related career. “The key is to not get discouraged,” he said. “Sure, you may hear a thousand ‘no’s,’ but you have to keep going after your goal. One door definitely will open if you keep knocking.” – KERRI DIGIOVANNI ’09
Learn what more young alumni like Settles are doing at www.jayconnected.com/gold.
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