Without counsel plans fail but with many advisors they succeed. [Proverbs 15:22] For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. [II Timothy 1:6-7]
What is a mentorship?
The CUW Alumni Mentor Program establishes meaningful, personal, and professional coaching relationships between current CUW students and alumni.
Who benefits from a mentorship?
This program is intended to create a deeply meaningful impact on both mentees and mentors.
Students will learn from gifted and successful CUW alumni, outside the classroom to enhance their CUW educational experience; preparing them for success in the work force.
Benefits for student (mentees):
- Develop in mind, body, and spirit
- Gain professional advice, guidance, and vocational exploration
- Grow in self-awareness and career development
- Deepen your knowledge of an industry, employer, or job
- Build a professional network
Benefits for alumni (mentors):
- Gain a heightened sense of purpose and belonging
- Support your alma mater in a direct and personal way
- Experience renewed pride and excitement for your work or vocation
- Identify future leaders and build relationships with the next generation of workers
- Nurture leadership strengths and improve communication skills
How does the mentorship work?
The CUW Alumni Relations and the Center for Academic Advising and Career Engagement (CAACE); in partnership with the academic schools, are proud to co-sponsor the CUW Alumni Mentor Program for current CUW students at every level of study. Student mentees are matched with alumni mentors who are carefully selected for their belief in the CUW mission, expertise in their industry, and commitment to vocation. Mentors and Mentees are encouraged to meet in person, when possible, but no one will be excluded from participation based on geographic location. The Academic Schools, the CAACE and the Office of Alumni Relations work together as a team to provide the best experience for student and alumni involved in this program.
Student (mentee) expectations:
- Submit application and faculty reference by September 30, 2025
- Orientation and launch event (October, TBD)
- Attend monthly meetings, and scheduled events
- Attend celebration event late April
- Demonstrate a willingness and commitment to learning and growth
- Responsible for arranging meetings, schedules, and maintaining active communication
Alumni (mentor) time commitment:
- Mentor training with in-person and virtual options
- Launch event (October, TBD)
- One-hour (minimum) monthly meetings, to be arranged as convenient, September through April; additional meetings are encouraged
- Mentoring program year-end celebration (April, TBD)
Program schedule
Select from either the upcoming or current / in-progress schedules below to learn more.
The Alumni Mentor Program commences October 2024, and will run through the traditional academic year, completing at the end of Spring 2025. Mentor and mentee matching for the 2024-2025 academic year will be completed by early October 2024.
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to continue relationships beyond the program conclusion.
Why we host a launching event: As a community of Concordians, we are family. The launch event gives alumni and students an opportunity to gather as part of the Falcon Family. We gather to nurture community with one another, encourage one another and together, take this important step in your education and vocational development.
In a practical way, it allows us to review the process, make introductions, and build momentum for this important educational step as it begins. We will welcome those who lead and participate, share a devotion and ask God to bless and guide our experience.
Student orientation provides an overview of the student expectation and learning opportunity. Students will receive resources supporting their role in leading communication and facilitating conversations. We will summarize the roles and responsibilities of the students in this program including goal development, scheduling, and topic exploration.
Mentor training has been adapted from the CUW Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) and provided for your personal & professional use in addition to serving as your training for this Alumni Mentor Program. Mentors are asked to complete the training in person or virtually at your own pace. Two training sessions are available for your consideration, specifically provided for the alumni mentors on the Mequon campus. Virtual training modules will be available upon acceptance into the program. If chosen as a mentor for the current year, training must be completed before the launching event (October, TBD).
Why we host a celebration event: As a community of Concordians, we are family. As a Falcon Family, it is important to come together to celebrate the progress and the growth experienced through the mentoring relationships we develop. Participants will also have the opportunity to share about their involvement, provide important feedback and share with others in the program anecdotes and develop the “mentor network.” Special thanks and acknowledgement will be given to those who participated.
How do I get started?
Current CUW students should visit the Mentee page to learn more about becoming a mentee. Interested Concordia alumni should visit the Mentor page to learn about becoming a mentor.