Bluefield College is launching an Alumni Mentor Program designed to guide and support current BC students through the experience and expertise of its former students.
Created by the school’s Office of Alumni Relations and Office of Student Success, the pilot Alumni Mentor Program will enable alumni to share their professional and personal experiences with current students and as a result help further the mission of Bluefield College to develop transformational servant leaders.
“Our alumni have the power to inspire, motivate and support our current students,” said Josh Grubb, director of alumni relations. “Their knowledge, experience and insight will help students maximize their Bluefield College experience and open their eyes to opportunities and challenges they will face after graduation.”
The mission of the Office of Student Success is to provide resources and services that promote a culture of academic success among all BC students. What better way to help fulfill that mission, said Lelia Fry, director of student success and students in transition, than with alumni who have already successfully made their way through college.
“Through this program, students will have a chance to learn from alumni who have navigated their programs successfully,” said Fry. “They will have the opportunity to network with mentors in their fields and gain insight into opportunities and challenges they will face after graduation.”
As mentors, alumni will be asked to offer students advice related to life after college, career choices, faith and other post-graduation topics. They will also be called to encourage students in their college studies and to help them set goals and be accountable. In addition, alumni will be invited to pray for their mentee on a regular basis.
“We’d like for alumni to interact with mentees at least once a month, either in-person, by phone, or using a program like Skype,” said Grubb. “Our hope is that alumni get as much out of the mentorship relationship as students do.”
Graduates interested in becoming a mentor to a current BC student are asked to complete an online questionnaire at bluefield.edu/mentors, which will better enable the college to match alumni with students. After a match is made, the Alumni Office will schedule a time for mentors to connect with mentees either in person or by phone.
“You don’t have to be on campus to help fellow BC Rams,” said Grubb. “Whether you live locally or not, you’re invited to be a part of the Alumni Mentor Program.”
To get started, complete the online questionnaire at www.bluefield.edu/mentors, or for more information contact Grubb by email at [email protected] or by phone at 276.326.4208.