First Mentorship Day draws more than 350

Alfred University alumna Danielle Johnson-Kutch '03 delivers the keynote address welcoming students to the 2024 Mentorship Day.

Alfred University's first Mentorship Day, held Sept. 27, drew more than 350 students to the day-long event, linking them with numerous alumni who returned to campus to establish potentially lifelong relationships with future graduates.

"Mentorship Day was a wonderful experience for everyone involved," said Diana Maguire, Associate Professor of Management and Leadership, College of Business. "We loved welcoming our former students back to campus, and the alumni expressed their enjoyment with the level of engagement with our students."

Vice President for Student Experience Amy DeKay also extended thanks to the alumni who participated in the event, in addition to faculty who encouraged students to attend the panels throughout the day, and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure the day went smoothly.

DeKay said the idea for Mentorship Day arose out of a conference she attended with English Professor Susan Morehouse, with whom she had been working to encourage Alfred University's traditions of mentorship. "Our vision was embraced by all of Alfred's academic deans who identified top alumni to serve as panelists throughout the day and mentor sessions," DeKay said.

Mentorship Day began with a keynote address from alumna Danielle Johnson-Kutch '03, who spoke on "The Power of Connecting vs. Networking." Johnson-Kutch worked in the U.S. Treasury Department after graduating from Alfred University and now serves as Director of Government Affairs with DocuSign. Following her address, students fanned out to attend eight panel discussions ranging from employment possibilities in the not-for-profit sector to leveraging student work experience into a career.

More than 30 Alfred University alumni served as panelists and moderators, and the panels concluded at the end of the day with a reception for students, faculty, staff, and alumni presenters in Harder Hall.