"Recognizing students yearned for the type of wisdom, insight and perspective alumni provide, the team set out to reconnect alumni with the School and find alternate ways to give back. A pilot program was formed with four mentoring pairs, linking interested students and alumni. The response was amazing and a huge success on all fronts. Development viewed any level of engagement as positive, academic advisors saw this information as filling holes in student education and the School felt these efforts would produce better educated students. This spring, the team will add six more pairs and an additional ten looking towards fall 2019.

"For their efforts to establish a sustainable student-alumni experience with meaningful interactions associated with one-on-one mentorship opportunities, outreach to student organizations and in-class presentations and projects that are universally accepted by all areas within the School of Industrial Engineering, the IE Student-Alumni Mentoring Initiative Team is being recognized with the Team Award.