Syracuse Sun

The School of Education is set to launch EdMentor Connect, a pilot mentoring program designed to connect current undergraduate students with alumni. The initiative aims to support professional growth, enhance career readiness, and provide insights into future professions for students.

The program will kick off during Alumni Week 2025 in February, beginning with two online alumni panels on careers scheduled for February 19 and 20. It will conclude with a networking event and reception on February 21 at Huntington Hall’s Sharon H. Jacquet ’72 Education Commons. Students are encouraged to participate by completing the EdMentor Connect Student Interest Survey to ensure an optimal match with an alum.

EdMentor Connect was created by student leaders from the Deans’ Undergraduate Advisory Panel, with assistance from Assistant Dean for Student Success Huey Hsiao and Career and Certification Counselor Lauren Gill. Additional support came from Assistant Dean for Advancement Torin Washington and the School of Education Advisory Board.

Lauren Gill highlighted the benefits of mentorship: “Everyone can benefit from a mentor, but those students who are in a teacher program and maybe realize they don’t want to only work in the classroom—and specifically our selected studies in education students—can learn about other real-world experiences.” She emphasized that many students may not be aware of the diverse opportunities available with an education degree.

Huey Hsiao noted the strength of the school’s alumni network: “We have an extensive Orange network, and we help each other like a family.” He pointed out that mentors could offer various perspectives on future careers to all participating students.

Sofia DaCruz ’25, a senior student involved in developing EdMentor Connect, expressed her enthusiasm: “As a senior, I think this program will be especially useful for students like me who are trying to figure out what they can do with the major after graduation.”

Emily R. Ades ’89, P’21, P’23 shared her excitement about joining as a mentor: “I started as an elementary school teacher had a mentor for nine years,” she said. Ades recounted how mentors have guided her through different phases of her career across various sectors.

Lauren Gill also reflected on her experience with mentorship early in her career when her host teacher became her coach during her transition into teaching roles post-graduation.

Madison Zeltzer ’25 contributed additional reporting to this story.