Dear Classmates,
Summary
We
are pleased to provide this update on our grandparent class mentoring
activities since the beginning of the academic year. The Class of 2029
has requested—and received—valuable information and advice related to
career-focused professional profiles (LinkedIn) and effective networking
to secure internships and begin their career development.
Our
grandchild class is very enthusiastic about continuing the grandparent
mentoring process. They would like to focus on specific professions and
career paths through panel discussions (in person or virtual) and by
matching with members of the Class of 1979 in their desired fields for
individual mentorship conversations. We hope this update inspires many
of you to participate in upcoming Class of 2029–1979 mentoring
activities.
First Zoom Career Webinar – December 5, 2025
The
Class of 2029 officers were elected shortly after the academic year
began and quickly embraced the grandparent/grandchild class engagement
concept. When asked about their most important near-term needs, their
top request was a LinkedIn-focused Zoom webinar to help them develop and
enhance their professional brand and learn how to network effectively
with alumni to support their internship goals.
We
delivered this guidance, along with additional mentoring support on
using Tigernet and other University Career Development resources. Please
see the attached PowerPoint presentation, and we encourage you to watch
the recording of the Zoom webinar presented by your team, Tony and
Prentis.
Admittedly,
we experienced a few minor technical glitches during our first virtual
session with the Class of 2029, which proved to be a learning experience
for both classes in managing an interactive Zoom webinar. Overall,
however, the results were very positive: 100% of student survey
respondents rated the webinar as “very helpful.”
2026 Mentoring Activities
Your
class officers have discussed additional mentoring opportunities with
the Class of 2029 officers, who expressed strong interest in both
profession-based panels and individual mentoring. We will ask them to
prioritize which format they would like to schedule first.
Career-
based panels will address priority professions identified by the Class
of 2029 and will naturally lead to one-on-one mentoring opportunities.
We will keep you informed as these engagements take shape, including
which professions and career paths students are most eager to explore
with their Class of 1979 grandparent mentors.
The
University Alumni Affairs Office (Cathy Philips) has acknowledged the
exceptional mentoring efforts our class has already implemented through
the 2019 FLi Tigers & Friends mentoring program (our 40th reunion
legacy project) and this year’s Grandchild Class mentoring webinar. As a
result, Prentis and I have been invited to share our best practices
with other alumni groups interested in mentoring students and young
alumni.
This webinar will take place in early 2026 as part of the Alumni Affairs “Tiger Tips” Zoom series for alumni leaders and interested alumni. We will notify you once it is scheduled, should you wish to attend.
Please
let Prentis or me know if you have any questions or would like to
volunteer for upcoming grandchild class mentoring opportunities.
Thank you and best wishes for a happy holiday season.
Tony Rodríguez
Here is the link to the Zoom Webinar video -- use Passcode X%G28+A1
and
the PowerPoint deck is available on our class website
