ABA to launch mentoring program at Black Alumni Weekend
Author: Unknown Publication Date: Monday August 15, 2011
Katrina Moton remembers her confusion after graduating from UF in 2008. Armed with a degree in public relations, she returned to South Florida ready to work. She knew there was a network of Gator graduates in the region, but she had no idea how to tap into it.
Moton eventually found the Association of Black Alumni and was instrumental in forming a South Florida chapter which helped her make connections to other UF alumni in her area. Now, she serves as Regional Director of the South Florida ABA and is hoping to help other graduates find their way a little faster by introducing a mentoring program.
“We’re just letting them know The Gator Nation really is everywhere,” Moton says. “That kind of builds the family vibe we’re trying to create.”
Introduced in South Florida on a trial basis in January, the program pairs ABA members with graduating high school students to help them make the transition to UF. The plan is to continue those relationships through the students’ college years and into their professional lives, offering guidance and friendship along the way.
The project relies heavily on something the students know well — social media. Although the South Florida chapter of ABA has hosted live get-togethers for students, including a bowling night and a picnic (shown above), it has also encouraged engagement between students and alumni through sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
After seeing how well the mentoring program has been received in South Florida, ABA’s leadership plans to introduce an expanded program during the upcoming Black Alumni Weekend Sept. 2-4 in Gainesville during the Champagne Brunch on Saturday, September 3rd.
“We are so excited to have a program like this in place to support our students,” said Jasmin Robinson, coordinator of ABA. “For those of us who have a UF Degree on our walls, I feel it’s important that we pay it forward and help those who are following in our footsteps.”