The IUS Center for Mentoring held its annual mentor recognition luncheon on Wednesday, March 11, where the commitment of more than 90 mentors and the 15 year anniversary of the program were celebrated.
Held in University Center, room 127, the luncheon was attended by more than 70 faculty, staff, alumni and peer mentors and featured opening commentary from Jenny Wolfe, director of university communications and special assistant to the chancellor, a speech from Chancellor Sandra Patterson-Randles and a mentor recognition ceremony led by June Huggins, director of the Center for Mentoring.
The mission of the center, Huggins said, is to “provide one-on-one contact with students to help connect them to the campus and promote sustained academic success,” which the center does by pairing mentees with a mentor who will counsel and support them from their freshman year through graduation.
“No one is self made,” Huggins said. “Everyone needs help, and we’re here to offer our experience and support so that some of the pitfalls students face can be avoided so they’ll have a better chance at success.”
Before introducing Patterson-Randles, Wolfe spoke about the positive impact a mentor had on her life.
“I’m only here as I am today because a mentor took the time,” Wolfe said of her mentor, who she said helped her realize her potential, and that it was OK to be herself.
“Mentors have an impact that reaches far beyond themselves. With their raw passion, they help young people grow into their potential and realize their desires and dreams” Wolfe said.
Patterson-Randles said the impact and influence of mentors in her own life have been immeasurable, from her childhood piano instructor who taught her to love music, to the influence of an algebra professor and the commitment of her mentor of 37 years.
“Cherish those relationships,” Patterson-Randles said, urging both mentors and mentees to remain in contact with each other.
“Mentors have the unique ability to float in and out of their mentee’s life at the most important places,” Patterson-Randles said.
“No matter how busy you are, continue to reach out to each other every once in a while. Your influence may last a lifetime,” she said.
The mentoring program, Patterson-Randles said, was the “single most important contributor for IU Southeast’s reputation of being a caring and inclusive community, where students learn in and outside of the classroom.”
“Attitude determines altitude,” Patterson-Randles said. “The positive attitude of our mentors helps lift the attitude of their mentees as well, and is responsible for IU Southeast being known as an institution that cares.”
Patterson-Randles thanked the mentors for their commitment and effort, and encouraged the mentees and students in the room to “return the favor” by giving their time to mentor as well.
Laquitta Maness, psychology sophomore and first year peer mentor, attended the luncheon and said she has seen many positive affects of the program.
“Students new to IU Southeast don’t know anybody, and a mentor can help them to feel comfortable and get involved, and encourage them in their studies and be a friend,” Maness said.
Maness said she would encourage anyone to consider becoming a mentor.
“It’s not hard,” Maness said. “It’s just making a new friend, everybody should do it. You meet so many people, it’s so enjoyable and fun, and it’s such a supportive and welcoming group.”
Tom Kotulak, associate professor of political science, has served as a mentor for 13 years, and said it has been one of the best experiences of his academic career.
“I firmly believe in mentoring as being a part of the integrating process,” Kotulak said.”It allows mentors to engage with students on a tutorial basis without the pressures of the classroom,”
“Mentoring is rewarding because it gives students perspective on the whole university experience, and as a mentor you get to know students as their trusted confidant,” Kotulak said.
By AMY FAULHABER
Staff writer
amfaulha@ius.edu
