USD's Alumni Mentoring Program Builds Bridges Across Generations
The goal is to empower students to enter the workforce with confidence while strengthening alumni ties to USD.
“For so many of us, our experiences at USD set us on a path to create and lead fulfilling lives and careers,” said Erin Muckey Patel ’10, a mentor in the program. “It’s our responsibility to support the university and its students to ensure that future generations have opportunities to do the same.”
A New Approach to Getting Connected
“We’ve always wanted a campus-wide alumni mentoring program at USD,” said Ashlin Schoenfelder, director of the Center for Career Design. “There have been so many peer-to-peer mentoring programs, but never a structured alumni- to-student one.”
Launched in 2025, the Alumni Mentoring Program focuses on career readiness, personal growth and intergenerational community-building. Designed as a pilot cohort, the initial phase emphasized a short-term commitment to encourage participation. Key features include a matching algorithm that pairs students with relevant alumni mentors and built-in learning modules to support meaningful discussion. With a strong foundation established, the program is expected to expand in the fall semester.
“The program is set up to support both mentors and mentees every step of the way,” said Stephanie Austin, vice president of advancement services and communications at the USD Foundation & Alumni Association. “All you have to do is log in to the virtual platform, show up for video calls or chats, share your experience and see where the conversation goes. It doesn’t take a big commitment to make a real difference.”
“Mentoring helps students build confidence, develop professional skills, clarify their goals and gain real-world insights from someone who’s been in their shoes at USD,” Schoenfelder added. “The impact goes far beyond a single conversation – it’s about building connections that can shape a student’s path forward.”
Why Mentorship Matters
As the program continues to evolve, the value of mentorship remains clear – not only through personal stories, but also through the research behind it.
“All our research shows that if you have mentoring at different phases in your educational and career trajectory, you do better,” said Julia Kleinschmit, a career coach at the Center for Career Design.
Feedback from students reinforces that mentorship is an integral part of their educational experience.
“Participating in this program is a great way to get honest insight, ask questions and learn from someone who has been in the same situation that I have been in,” said Gavin Doyle, an accounting major in the Beacom School of Business. Doyle decided to participate in the program to build professional connections outside of the classroom.
For mentors, this program offers the opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life.
“Navigating the transition from college to the professional world can be daunting and confusing,” said Nicole Bell ’23, ’22, a mentor in the program. “Being able to provide insight and expertise from my own experiences has been very fulfilling.”
Bruce Putman ’79, another alumnus mentor, agreed.
“I want to use my skills to assist the next generation,” Putman said. “I benefitted greatly from my experience at USD, and it’s important to me to pay it forward.”
Growing Together
Mentorship at USD isn’t just about guidance – it’s about connection and growth.
Kelly Young, a public health major, was paired with Putman, former president and CEO at A-1 Medical Staffing. The two met virtually throughout the academic year, creating space for Young to ask questions during her job search process.
“Life isn’t a race. Do things at your own speed, and enjoy life while you’re at it,” Young said, citing the most impactful advice she received through the program.
Kleinschmit said the impact of a USD education often reveals itself in unexpected ways.
“According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, only 27% of undergraduates end up working directly in a career that’s aligned with their major,” Kleinschmit said. “But the time you spent developing yourself at USD is going to continue to pay off – in ways you might not have anticipated.”
And with interest in the program growing, word of mouth has already inspired new participants.
“Another student heard about it from one of our pilot mentees and requested a mentor – now they’re also using the platform,” Kleinschmit said.
How to Give Back
For those unsure about how to contribute, Muckey Patel offers encouragement.
“If you’re like me and sometimes get stuck on what you can offer, a willingness to listen and root for USD students is a great starting point,” she said.
Beyond individual connections, the program is helping to strengthen the broader USD community.
“It’s a way for us to connect with those who aren’t at USD every day,” Schoenfelder said. “They want to give back – not just financially, but with their time.”
“Alumni mentoring programs are a great way for graduates to stay connected while giving back to the next generation,” Austin said. “Building these connections and a culture of support really reinforces our alumni network.”
Thanks to the virtual format, alumni can participate from anywhere in the world.
“You could have alumni in Japan connecting with students in Vermillion,” Kleinschmit said. “This is really a web of support.”
USD welcomes alumni from all industries and life stages to get involved. Whether nearby or around the globe, alumni can make a difference.
“You certainly won’t regret spending time with USD students, learning from them and sharing some of your own experience in the process,” Muckey Patel said.
To learn more or sign up to become a mentor, email [email protected].
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