For Jeanine Khoury ’82, staying connected to the Ģ����ý isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about purpose.

After decades of professional experience that took her from the corporate world to executive coaching and nonprofit leadership, Jeanine could have easily stepped back. Instead, she leaned in—reengaging with the University not just as an alumna, but as a mentor and guide for others navigating their own career crossroads.

“I had the privilege of a fulfilling career,” Jeanine says. “And I wanted to give back to a community that helped shape the person I became. That’s what led me to the alumni career programs.”

From C-suite to coach

Jeanine’s career began with a strong foundation in collaboration and communication. Over the years, she climbed the banking corporate ladder, overseeing operations and technology integrations resulting from large-scale mergers and acquisitions. Along the way, she developed a passion for helping others grow—engaging in executive coaching, leadership development, and serving on nonprofit boards while transitioning away from the corporate world.

That evolution wasn’t by accident. It came from careful self-reflection and a desire to make her next chapter one of impact and service. So, when the opportunity to mentor fellow Ģ����ý alumni came her way, she welcomed it.

“What I love about the Rochester approach is that it’s holistic,” she explains. “It’s not just about landing the next job. It’s about connecting values to career choices and recognizing that transformation can happen at any stage.”

A new kind of fulfillment

Jeanine currently serves as a mentor in The Meliora Collective Mentoring Program, which pairs alumni and students with experienced volunteers across industries and career levels. While she shares her expertise with others, she’s quick to note the relationship is mutual.

“Mentoring isn’t a one-way street. I’m constantly inspired by the creativity, courage, and resilience of the people I meet. I’ve had conversations with alumni making major career shifts, returning to the workforce after time away, or launching second careers post-retirement.”

She also praises the structure and accessibility of the program. With flexible virtual conversations, thoughtful matching, and a vibrant online community, The Meliora Collective offers a low-barrier, high-impact way for alumni to connect.

A call to fellow leaders

Jeanine believes seasoned professionals and retirees are in a unique position to give back—and get something deeply meaningful in return.

“As a C-suite alum or someone who’s retired, you have a wealth of insight that others are eager to learn from. Sometimes we underestimate how valuable our lived experience really is. The perspective we can offer is something no article or webinar can replicate.”

Whether it’s mentoring, leading a virtual workshop, or simply having an informational coffee chat, she encourages peers to explore ways to stay involved.

“There’s something incredibly energizing about helping someone find clarity in their next step,” she says. “And it reminds you of your own growth. It reconnects you to your ‘why.’”

Lifelong belonging

Jeanine sees her continued engagement as a reflection of the University’s enduring mission.

“Rochester has created a space where belonging doesn’t end at graduation. These programs are about community, curiosity, and contribution. And the results speak for themselves—from job offers and new ventures to meaningful personal reinvention.”

For Jeanine, that sense of purpose is what keeps her coming back.

“It’s easy to think you’ve done your part once you retire or reach a certain level,” she says. “But I’ve found that there’s always more to give—and so much more to gain.”

“What these programs did for me,” Derek explained, “was reawaken the mindset I had back in school. That sense that the world is full of possibilities. It wasn’t just about making a career pivot—it was about reimagining what’s possible at any stage of life.”

For many professionals in their 50s, making a career change—or even considering one—can feel daunting. After decades of experience, well-worn routines, and the weight of expectations, pivoting or reimagining one’s path often seems out of reach. But for Derek Nowicki ’90, the decision to connect with the Ģ����ý’s alumni career programs wasn’t just a helpful step—it was a catalyst for renewed energy, curiosity, and possibility.

“I wasn’t necessarily unhappy with my work,” Derek recalls. “But I knew I needed something to change. I had this strong sense that there was more I could do, or do differently—but I didn’t know what that looked like.”

A serendipitous start

Derek’s reengagement with the University happened organically. As he helped plan his upcoming class Reunion, a conversation led to an introduction to Michelle Cavalcanti from the University’s alumni career services—and the start of something transformative.

“I didn’t go in with a clear plan,” he says. “I just knew I needed to take a step back and reassess. What had I done? What did I still want to do? Where could I go from here?”

Through personalized coaching, Derek began attending virtual workshops on leveraging transferable skills, refining personal branding, and creating a vision-driven career identity. These sessions didn’t give him a linear path—they gave him something more powerful: a fresh perspective.

Reframing the narrative

Rather than abandoning his 20+ year career in New York real estate, Derek began to reimagine how he could do the work differently. Through conversations within the Rochester network, he didn’t throw everything out—he rediscovered the parts of his career that aligned with his passions and values and let go of the ones that didn’t.

“I shifted how I approached my work. I let go of some old routines, infused more fun, and began exploring other opportunities simultaneously. And interestingly, everything started to flow better.”

Instead of chasing certainty, Derek chose exploration. And what he found was not a single outcome, but a “cornucopia of possibilities.”

The power of community

One of the most energizing aspects of Derek’s journey has been the support of the alumni network. He connected with several alumni, each of whom responded enthusiastically—many scheduling Zoom calls within hours of the introduction.

“The conversations were real. Thoughtful. And none of them were under an hour,” he laughs. “What that showed me is that Rochester alumni genuinely care. They want to give back. They want to help.”

From practical advice about exploring new cities to conversations about career transitions, these connections reaffirmed for Derek just how strong and giving the Rochester community is—even decades after graduation.

Reawakening curiosity and confidence

Derek describes his experience with the career resources as “a rejuvenation of spirit.” He found himself more curious, more engaged, and more open to life than he had been in years. What began as a search for career clarity turned into a broader transformation.

“Change doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” he says. “You can pivot without burning down everything you’ve built. Sometimes, you just need to shift your mindset—and the way you show up in your work.”

He remains active in real estate, but now approaches his work with renewed creativity and possibility. And he’s continuing to explore what else might be on the horizon.

A message to fellow alumni

For other alumni—especially those in mid-career—Derek offers this advice:

“You’re not too old to learn something new. You’re not too far along to change course. You’re not locked into anything unless you decide you are.”

He urges others to start small: reach out to a classmate, attend a webinar, or connect with the career center.

“The University didn’t stop supporting us when we graduated,” he says. “They are still here—and the door is wide open.

How alumni resources guided Mary Bucklin ’16 from research to industry success

Mary graduated from the Ģ����ý with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering in 2016.

Making a career pivot can be daunting—especially when you’re stepping into uncharted territory. For Mary Bucklin ’16, shifting from academic research to a role in industry wasn’t just about changing jobs. It was about discovering new strengths, building confidence, and finding a support system that could help guide her through an uncertain transition.

Even after completing a PhD in biomedical engineering and working as a postdoctoral researcher, Mary was still figuring out her path. She had developed a passion for scientific writing—drafting grant proposals, preparing award-winning conference presentations, and realizing how much she enjoyed translating complex research into impactful narratives. But like many professionals looking to pivot, she was unsure how to take the first step.

“I had the skills,” Mary says. “But I didn’t know how to apply them in a different setting, or even what roles might be a good fit. That’s when I turned to the Career Resources offered to Ģ����ý alumni—and it changed everything.”

From uncertainty to action

A single email to the University unlocked a flood of opportunity. Mary was introduced to Mentorship Program, one-on-one career coaching, and a calendar of virtual events designed to empower alumni at any career stage. She jumped in with both feet.

“Working with a career coach and participating in mentoring gave me clarity,” Mary explains. “They helped me update my resume, refine my networking approach, and develop the confidence I needed to move forward.”

Mary also discovered how to use LinkedIn as a strategic tool. After attending a virtual workshop on personal branding and outreach, she began connecting with professionals in medical writing—a field she hadn’t previously considered. That single tactic sparked more than 50 conversations, opened doors to job interviews, and even led to direct referrals.

Community that lifts you up

For Mary, one of the most powerful takeaways has been the feeling of support and belonging.

“Getting a job is often about who you know,” she says. “The Rochester community has been that network for me. From coaches to mentors to fellow alumni, I’ve had people cheering me on and guiding me at every step.”

Her mentor offered firsthand insight into careers in industry and helped Mary understand the value of her academic background in new contexts. Meanwhile, her career coach encouraged her to reflect on what she really wanted and what she was capable of.

“It was about more than resumes or interviews,” Mary says. “It was about realizing that I had options, and I wasn’t alone in figuring them out.”

Encouraging others to reach out

Now actively pursuing roles in medical writing, Mary feels energized by the possibilities ahead. And she’s passionate about helping other alumni see what’s possible, too.

“My advice? Just send the email,” she says. “Explain where you are in your career and what you’re looking for. That’s exactly how I started, and I was blown away by the response.”

Mary’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers to begin. What matters is taking that first step—and being open to what comes next.

“I’m so grateful for the guidance I received,” she says. “It’s made me more confident, more connected, and more excited about the future.”

**After this story was posted, Mary started a new position at Orthofix as a medical writer. She shared, “I’m very excited to start my new position, as I have both a deep passion for and a personal connection to the work I’ll be doing to improve musculoskeletal health.”

How a URochester experience shaped a career in media, cultural awareness, and mentorship

When Bhaskar Pant ’72 arrived at the Ģ����ý in January 1968, the world he entered felt exciting and bewildering. Coming from Zambia via the UK, Pant faced the dual challenge of navigating a new country and educational system. Decades later, he reflects on how those formative years at Rochester shaped his global career and how he remains connected to the University by mentoring students through the and advocating for cultural awareness.

Finding footing in a new world

Pant’s journey to Rochester began with a culture shock. “I remember feeling a bit lost at first,” Pant recalls. “But I soon found a community through the International Students’ Union, which became a crucial part of my university experience.”

Pant overcame feelings of being overwhelmed and learned to find his footing. This made him aware of others who might feel confused by cultural differences or unfamiliar environments. His firsthand experience encouraged him to approach others with empathy and understanding—a characteristic central to Pant today.

Discovering a passion for media

While Pant enrolled as an , his interests soon expanded beyond the classroom. His involvement with WRUR, the university’s radio station, proved to be a turning point. Pant progressed from a volunteer to a newscaster and the station’s general manager, overseeing programming and operations.

WRUR opened a new world for Pant. Media production, communication, and journalism suddenly provided a creative outlet to his technical studies.

Pant’s passion for media extended to the university’s media center, where he directed videotaping of campus events, including 50th anniversary celebrations. This hands-on experience with broadcasting and production planted the seeds for a future career in media.

How an open curriculum fostered a global mission

Although Pant initially pursued engineering, his academic journey evolved to include communication and cultural studies. He took French classes and explored courses in acoustics, blending his technical background with his newfound passion for audio and broadcasting.

After graduating from Rochester, Pant earned a master’s in broadcast journalism from Indiana University. His career took him ultimately to Turner Broadcasting and CNN in India, serving as its first President for South Asia, where he gained firsthand experience in global media.

However, during his time at CNN, Pant noticed a gap—Indian IT professionals traveling to the U.S. often struggled with cultural adaptation. Remembering the culture shock he experienced as a student, Pant saw the opportunity for education and empathy. He recognized this need and transitioned into cultural awareness education, founding programs to help professionals navigate cross-cultural differences.

Today, Pant manages professional education and teaches cultural awareness at MIT. He won the coveted MIT Excellence Award in 2024 for embracing diversity and inclusion in his longstanding work at MIT.

“The flexibility of the U.S. education system allowed me to shift my focus from engineering to media and communication,” he says. “That’s something I always encourage students to embrace—keeping an open mind about their future paths.”

Giving back to the University community

Pant’s connection to Rochester remains strong. In the fall of 2024, he returned to campus to lead a cultural awareness workshop for faculty and staff, sharing his insights on navigating cross-cultural environments.

Reflecting on his journey, Pant emphasizes the importance of adaptability and openness—values he attributes to his time at the URochester.

“My experiences at Rochester taught me that career paths aren’t always linear,” he says. “Sometimes, the things you explore outside the classroom can shape your future in unexpected ways.”

For Bhaskar Pant, the journey from Zambia to Rochester and beyond is a testament to the transformative power of education, community, and cultural understanding. His story continues to inspire a new generation of Rochester students to think globally and act with empathy.

Chris Foley ’94E (DMA) and Tyler Ramos ’22E (DMA) share their experience as Eastman alumni, mentorship partners, and music collaborators

Chris Foley ’94E (DMA)

In the world of music education and performance, two alumni from the , and not only excel as musicians, performers, and educators but also as mentorship partners.

Foley, a Canadian residing just outside of Toronto, is an eight-time mentor with , and Ramos, from Honolulu, Hawai’i, has benefited from the program twice as a mentee. In October 2022, the two were matched through The Meliora Collective. The two then began their mentor-mentee relationship, one that included something unexpected: Foley performing the Canadian premiere of one of Ramos’s original arrangements.

“Our mentorship program provides enriching opportunities for all participants to learn, expand their networks, and gain new perspectives,” says Michelle Cavalcanti, senior associate director of Career and Professional Affinity Programs at the University. “Remarkable connections, like the one between Chris and Tyler, often form in the program. We invite everyone to discover more and sign up as either a mentor or mentee—each of us has something to offer and much to gain by participating.”

The backstory

Following the official conclusion of the three-month mentorship program, Foley and Ramos remained in contact. It was during one of their conversations that Ramos shared a new composition: an arrangement of . This piece, a fusion of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s 1878 Hawaiian folk song and the classical style of Franz Liszt, deeply impressed Foley—he knew he had to play the piece. A few months later, Foley brought this composition to life during a performance at an Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association recital.

“Playing my mentee’s work at a concert was never in the mentorship handbook, but it was a lot of fun, and the audience loved it,” says Foley. He adds that both he and Ramos hope to collaborate again in the future.

The Eastman difference

Participating in this mentorship program has allowed Foley to give back to the community that has given him so much. He stresses the value of Eastman’s expansive global alumni network, saying, “After completing my doctorate, some of my initial opportunities came through fellow Eastman graduates—they literally helped me get my career started.”

Foley emphasizes that true mentorship goes beyond developing task lists, reviewing professional documents, and providing job-hunting tips. “Understanding a person’s aspirations, cultural background, and educational experience is essential,” he says. “From that foundation, we can engage in genuine, meaningful conversations that can facilitate personal and professional growth.”

Tyler Ramos ’22E (DMA)

In addition to being a mentor, Foley has also benefited from being a mentee. —professor emerita of piano accompanying and chamber music at Eastman and one of Foley’s early teachers—was a particularly influential one. Decades after meeting her, Barr still offers guidance to Foley, which, he notes, is important for those mid-career like him.

“Jean is the greatest mentor I’ve ever had,” he says. “She gave me advice that I pass on to mentees today: make long-term connections and find people you absolutely trust. They will help you throughout your career and guide you when you go through challenging professional experiences.”

For Ramos, his first time as a mentee with the program connected him with Eastman alumnus , a bassoonist and faculty member at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. Vacchi, helped Ramos realize that his professional path could encompass more than “just” being one type of musician. “The program, through both Steve and Chris, has broadened my perspective,” he says. “I’ve learned that my career doesn’t have to be narrowly defined—that it can be as diverse and encompassing as the range of instruments I play.”

Like Foley, Ramos appreciates being part of Eastman’s strong alumni community and has found value in being both a mentee and informally mentoring others. For instance, he has provided advice to undergraduate students, encouraging them to build strong friendships and find supportive allies in the competitive music world. “Giving back and supporting others doesn’t ever diminish one’s own success,” he adds. “It brings out the best in everyone.”

Cavalcanti underscores the mutual benefits of mentorship. “Our mentees get to connect with alumni whose career paths aren’t strictly linear, helping them envision career opportunities they may never have considered,” she says. “Our mentors benefit, too—refining their leadership and communication skills, forging new connections, and helping people reach their career goals.”

Meet science buff, storyteller, and seasoned mentor Robin Williamson ’98, ’19W (MS)

Tell us about your time as a student (favorite classes, clubs, memories, etc.)

The things I remember the most about my time at Rochester are spending time with friends, choir, taking whatever classes I wanted, and science labs. I am still close with some of my University friends…in fact one friend is visiting me this weekend with her family.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

Rochester was a place where I was encouraged to explore whatever I was interested in and that has significantly impacted my life. When I became interested in working in a lab, my advisor identified a funded summer research opportunity for me so I could learn with other students and get paid. When I fell in love with learning American Sign Language (ASL), we designed an independent study minor to capture the ASL classes I was taking. When I realized how much I enjoyed teaching, I was able to work as a teaching assistant for various courses. These and other experiences prepared me for the different careers I have had. More importantly, they instilled in me a sense that I could explore various interests in deep and meaningful ways.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I was inspired to get involved with the Real Reader Program and because I did not think I had had a deep understanding of all the opportunities available to me when I was starting out. I think my career path has been a bit unusual and I like telling my story to students and early professionals so they can hear about an example of a career path that they potentially have not heard before.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

My favorite part of staying connected to the University is that I learn so much from the interactions I have. I have mentored students with many different backgrounds, interests, and goals. By working with them, I have learned about different parts of the world, areas of research I had never considered before, and activities they love that I have never tried. It feels amazing when I have been able to contribute a little bit to supporting someone as they work towards achieving their goals.

What are you looking forward to next?

I am currently a 7th grade science teacher. I love working with the students, and hopefully I am providing them with learning experiences that spark an interest in science, teach them how to think analytically, and provide them with an understanding of some fundamental scientific principles. I am not ready to move on to something new yet, but I have been mulling over how I can best contribute to how science is portrayed in pop culture. I think that, for better or worse, many people acquire their understanding of scientific concepts from what they see in pop culture. And sometimes, because of how scientific information is communicated, that understanding can subsequently be incorrect or incomplete. I would like to be part of producing content that is entertaining and scientifically accurate. I love zombie movies, and it is possible to discuss the science of a zombie outbreak without completely abandoning basic scientific principles!

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

There are various opportunities to get involved, and they differ in how much time and energy you need to commit to them. Ask questions about what is expected and be realistic about how much you can really commit to. Short or infrequent high-quality interactions will likely be more meaningful than unfocused interactions that you are not fully invested in.

In the 10+ years I have been involved with University activities and programs, some experiences were not the best fit but I have had many more rewarding experiences. Don’t get discouraged from staying involved!

Meet trailblazing Meliora Collective mentor Julie Shapiro ’83

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

The Ģ����ý had an impact on my life even before I was student there. The reason I applied to the University in the first place was because I had received the Bausch and Lomb science award from my high school, which put me in the running for a scholarship there. When I had my admissions interview, my interviewer asked why I wanted to major in biology. I said it was because I want to be a doctor, but in fact, it was not at all clear to me that was really the case. My interviewer pushed me to talk about what I really loved, which, as it turns out, was computer programming. Now remember, it’s 1978, so aside from a very few who had Commodore PETs, personal computers were not a thing, but there was a computer club at my high school which is where I fell in love with programming. By the time I left the interview, we had crossed off biology, and changed my major to electrical engineering (fun fact – at the time the University did not offer undergraduate degrees in computer science). This interview impacted the direction of my life before I even stepped on campus.

The opportunities that followed once I became a student at the University were no less significant. I worked in the lab of Professor Stancampiano, helping to build and test Josephson Junctions. I think that work was instrumental in my receipt of a General Motors scholarship, which gave me the opportunity to spend my summers interning at the Rochester Products division of GM. In my senior year, I joined Professor Voelcker and his team on the development of Constructive Solid Geometry, which became the foundation of many CAD/CAM systems. That research had relationships with both General Motors and McDonnell Douglas (McAuto), and upon graduation, I was able to continue this work at McAuto in sunny southern California. That was the beginning of what would be a thirty plus year career developing software, ultimately running large software development organizations, primarily in the finance/banking industry. I recently retired from UBS (a Swiss bank), where I was a Chief Digital and Information Officer, running a global organization of over 5000 technologists responsible for developing the systems supporting the bank’s Group Functions, which includes areas such as Finance and Treasury, Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, Data Management, Shared Operations, Legal and HR.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

If I recall correctly, in 1983 when I graduated, I was one of three women graduating with a bachelor of electrical engineering in a class of just under 60. I have navigated working in both a male-dominated profession, as well as male-dominated industries for my entire career. Recognizing the unique challenges this brings, I was very involved in spearheading efforts that created community and opportunities to help level the playing field for women in technology. I am recently retired, and while I look back with pride at the systems that my teams and I built, it is really my legacy of mentoring and being a role model for other women in technology that I am most proud of. And that is why it was such a natural transition for me to join the at the University. I have been on both sides of the mentoring table, sometimes as mentee, sometimes as mentor, and I have reaped great benefits from both! As a mentor, you get the personal satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting your mentees. Beyond that, being a mentor provides the opportunity to meet new people and hear new perspectives and new ideas.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

Many people ask me what I do with my time now that I am retired. The truth is there is no shortage of things to fill my time with, and like any other point in my life, I get to choose what I want to prioritize. As I settle into retirement, I have found myself drawn to increasing my involvement in alumni volunteer programs, starting with mentoring. It’s been a great opportunity to meet new people and join an incredible community. As much as I hope that my participation benefits the Rochester community, it’s not a selfless act! This volunteer work is incredibly rewarding and I appreciate the benefits it brings to me as well.

What are you looking forward to next?

I am told to be successful in retirement, you have to keep an open mind about what comes next, and I am definitely in exploratory mode. I continue to be passionate about DEI, and am doing a lot of writing on the topic. I am also starting to explore potential opportunities for a role as an advisor or board member, ideally for a small-to-midsize software company in growth mode. I also now have the bandwidth for more engagement with other University volunteer opportunities, and hope to make that a bigger part of my life. But the most surprising and impactful ‘next’ for me has definitely been becoming a grandmother! It’s an experience like no other, and I am incredibly grateful for it.

Meet career advisor and seasoned Meliora Collective mentor Bonnie Liu ’13S (MBA)

Tell us about your time as a student.

Life as an MBA student was busy but rewarding. I enjoyed the knowledge I gained from all my courses and getting to know my classmates. I was the vice president of Simon Asian Club (SAC), and I will never forget our trip to Japan in 2012, especially my memory of watching the fireworks together to ring in the first day of 2013. My other favorite memory was being the 2nd year student coach to 1st year students, that experience really helped build my confidence and was part of the reason that I was offered a job at the (CMC) at Simon and decided to switch my career path to international education.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

I came to Rochester hoping to jumpstart my career in finance but life at Simon gave me more than I expected. I made many great friends, got to explore different places, and even changed my career. I always remember the day when I went to the CMC to report my job offer, and then left the office with a new offer from Simon, asking if I would be interested in joining the CMC team to help with students’ career development. I made the choice to switch my career and I would not have begun my career in international education if I did not have the opportunities I did at Simon. This year I am celebrating 10 years since graduating from Simon and 10 years in education. I could not have imagined any of this happening 12 years ago when I was first applying for Simon.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I benefitted greatly from all that Simon had to offer and the encouragement they give to students to try out different things. As an alum, I feel responsible, and I am happy to bring my knowledge and expertise to contribute to the wider University community. I am the member of Simon China Advisory Committee and in our meetings I get the opportunity to learn what’s new at the University and exchange ideas with my peers. I also joined at its very inception and have had 1-2 mentees in each session since. The mentorship program is a great platform where I can connect with current students, learn what’s going on with them, and share my experiences and insights with them. Career coaching is my job, and I am happy to give back this way and help students with their career development.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

The most rewarding part is seeing the continued development of the University. By joining committee meetings and talking to students, I can continue bringing value to my alma mater.

What are you looking forward to next?

I look forward to our next committee meeting to learn what’s new at the University, as well as the upcoming fall session of the mentorship program to meet my future mentees.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

Follow the news from the University and attend an alumni event if you can, we have a really powerful alumni network. Also, sign up to be a mentor!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I can’t believe my time as a student in Rochester was already 12 years ago, and my class is celebrating our 10th reunion this year. I hope to visit Rochester in the near future!

Meet avid Meliora Collective mentor and collaborative volunteer launching a global nonprofit Martin Levine ’68

Share a bit about yourself, your time at UR and your journey since you graduated.

In many ways the academic experience and friends I made at Rochester formed the foundation for a career journey I could never have anticipated. It’s led me from teaching political science at Miami University, to government service, social impact investing and international consulting. And coming full circle, along with six other Rochester alumni, this spring I’ve launched a global nonprofit – .

How did you reconnect with the University and what inspired you to get involved?

I reconnected with Rochester last year at the Fenno Conference in Washington – an inspiring event celebrating the legacy of one of our University’s most acclaimed political scientists. The day I spent there brought back a flood of memories from my time as a political science major. I met current Rochester faculty and dozens of fellow alumni, including two who graduated with my class. I was hooked! I knew I wanted to get back into the Rochester orbit.

How have you been engaged as a volunteer?

People in the Office of Alumni Relations encouraged me to join . That led to my serving as a mentor for two alumni and a graduating senior and it’s been enormously rewarding. I’ve become friends with an alum who lives in Japan; a ’21 graduate in Washington, DC; and an international student. Our pairings have become mentoring partnerships, as I’ve learned so much from them. Last month I served as an “Industry Connector” at the inaugural Rochester Connects networking event in Washington – introducing students and other alumni to opportunities in the nonprofit sector.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in the UR community?

Just jump in! There are so many points of entry – join the online Meliora Collective or attend an alumni-and-friends event. You can also reach out to the wonderful people in the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement and they’ll offer you a whole menu of ways to get involved.

Tell us a little more about the nonprofit you’re launching with other alumni.

Acting Globally engages people around the world to have an impact on global challenges, ranging from climate change to access to healthcare and education. We provide opportunities for individuals to volunteer their talents – remotely or on-site – with grassroots groups in developing countries. We currently have pilot partnerships underway working with two groups in Africa – one of which was founded by a Class of 2021 Rochester graduate. In addition to the Rochester alumni who are engaged in this initiative, we’re exploring other ways to expand our partnership with the University. To learn more or get involved, make sure to . We’re all proud to be part of the committed, caring Ģ����ý community.

Meet patent attorney and experienced Meliora Collective mentor Jeremy Kriegel ’92

Tell us about your time as a student (favorite classes, clubs, memories, etc.)

Among many great Rochester memories, my favorite classes include my first and last Mechanical Engineering courses, both with Professor John Labropoulos, which were a great way to bookend my time at the University. I shared my goal of becoming a patent attorney with Professor Labropoulous once early in my freshman year, and he never forgot, asking me at the end of my senior year “Are you still planning to be a patent attorney?”.

A few other favorite memories include: Dandelion Day ‘89 (despite it pouring rain most of the day); standing front-row-center on the Palestra floor for the Bangles concert; seeing MTV’s Remote Control Live and Gilbert Gottfried in Strong Auditorium; Rochester Men’s Hoops winning the NCAA D-III National Title my sophomore year; long study sessions in Carlson Library; the balsa wood bridge building challenge where my team’s bridge had the highest strength-to-weight ratio and the egg drop competition where my contraption laid an egg in the Wilson Commons Pit—which the Rochester Review was kind enough to memorialize; the late, great, Dean Paul Burgett—he put the “We” in “WeAreUR!”; the annual Boar’s Head Dinner; and Senior Week ‘92.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

Rochester instilled in me a can-do attitude. While some of my Rochester friendships continue to this day and others may have faded, I think back on the friendships made near the banks of the Genesee River often.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer? Feel free to touch on the mentorship experience.

After hosting a Rochester student and alumni networking event at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP, I was invited by Michelle Cavalcanti, senior associate director of alumni relations, career and professional affinity programs, to join . My first mentee was a mechanical engineering major with an interest in patent law. I’ve had several mentees since, both in mechanical engineering and other majors, undergraduate and graduate students, and most recently an alumna from New York City considering going to law school. I’ve stayed in touch with most of those I’ve mentored after the programs, hopped on video calls for some spur-of-the-moment advice, and offered suggestions for resumes, job searches, and navigating the law school admissions process.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

My wife Michelle and I have a daughter (Kayla) and son (Asher) both currently enrolled at Syracuse University, and another son (Daniel) still in high school, so it is comforting to have frequent connections to western New York and academic life, and I’ve really enjoyed being a sounding board to current and past Ģ����ý students.

What are you looking forward to next?

Meliora Weekend 2023, and seeing the Cubs win another World Series.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

Join , sign up for a couple of groups that interest you, and send & accept invitations to connect. Also consider volunteering as a mentor for The Meliora Collective.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I also recommend signing up for announcements from , a great Ģ����ý-based publication dedicated to topical research news from leading universities across the country and around the world.