SPECIAL A L U M N I S E C T I O N
Bobcat Mentoring Program pairs students with alumni
M
ikaleen Lowe started at Montana State with the same expectations many students have when they begin — that with hard work, a solid educational foundation, and her role as president of the Student Alumni Association, she could build a résumé that opened doors to a clearly-defined career path. “I was trying to figure it all out on my own,” Lowe said. “But with only one year left before graduation, I wanted to find somebody who could talk with me about the decisions I was making — to help me know I was on the right track.” That realization spurred Lowe, now a senior in business marketing, to join 15 other students from six colleges across campus in MSU’s inaugural round of the Bobcat Mentoring Program this February. There, she was paired with MSU alumnus Scott Levandowski, ’95 Bus, president and manager for the Gallatin Market for First Interstate Bank in Bozeman. “Talking with Scott gave me a great perspective on what the real work world is like,” Lowe said. “He helped me understand how important it will be for me to keep marketing messages focused on the customer experience, no matter what industries I find myself working in.” Creating an environment where seasoned alumni can share their hardearned professional wisdom and help MSU students better prepare themselves to seek their own success is at the core of the Bobcat Mentoring Program. Inspired by MSU alumni Mike Stears, ’78 ME, and Jeff Sipes, ’86 ME, and jointly designed by MSU’s Director of Career, Internship, and Student Employment Services Carina Beck, ’07 EdD, and MSU Alumni Foundation’s Chief Executive in Residence Kathleen Saylor, ’82 SpCom, the program matches students with alumni from around the country to create an educational opportunity that transcends the classroom. “This partnership between MSU and the Alumni Foundation enables alumni to share the value of their experiences,
connecting them with motivated students who want to make the most of their education,” Saylor said. “As we scaleup the program, we’ll be able to deepen the positive impact our alumni can make as they advise the next generation of Bobcats.” Created with the goal of building strong relationships between alumni and students, the program introduces students to role models who can shape their professional development goals and offer practical learning opportunities that will advance them along the path after graduation. The MSU senior Mikaleen Lowe and her mentor, alumnus Scott Levandowski end result is a program that creates benefits for both the “Based on my conversations with Scott, alumni and student participants. I know that I don’t have to pick the job “What I did not expect was what I now — I know that I can be prepared received in return,” wrote Bobcat mentor to change in my roles and build other Steve Locati, ’97 Arch, ’08 M, after the opportunities throughout my career.” closing session with architecture student Advice she may offer to another MSU Dalton Arndt. “I have been reminded of student — one just like herself — someday things that once inspired me that I have in the future. simply let lay dormant for some time, Alumni interested in volunteering for and how awe inspiring life is when we the Bobcat Mentoring program should are on the cusp of realizing the benefits contact Kitty Saylor at 406-994-2053. of achieving our goals.” For Lowe, the program helped her earn a summer internship that will provide experience that is more in line with her own aspirations. It also changed her expectations for her career path after college.
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