Health and Human Development Mentoring Program: September 2006 Newsletter

Spotlight on: Kelly Shreve ’95 NUTR, ’03g EDU and Wendy Bezilla

Although Kelly Shreve’s Penn State degree is in nutrition, she has mentored a biobehavioral health (BBH) student, Wendy Bezilla, since 2005. Kelly, who has a master’s degree in health education, wanted to share her experiences as a health education consultant for Capital Blue Cross with a student who was interested in a similar career path. Wendy heard about the mentoring program at a meeting of the Biobehavioral Health Society (a student organization for BBH majors) and thought the program would be a good way for her to learn about career options. Wendy’s career interests were just the right fit for Kelly’s area of expertise.

In the past eighteen months since they began their mentoring relationship, Kelly has provided Wendy with advice about building her resume and about possible career opportunities in the field. “Kelly really knows a lot about what kind of jobs are out there for BBH majors,” says Wendy. “Kelly offers me great advice on how I can use certain skills, interests, and specialties of mine to my advantage when I finally get into the job market.”

Kelly has thoroughly enjoyed her experience in the mentoring program. “I wish that I would have taken advantage of a similar program while in school,” she says. “I would definitely recommend the program to other interested alumni. It is a great way to share work experience and networking opportunities with Penn State students.”

Wendy encourages students to take advantage of their mentors’ resources. “Make it your task to keep in contact with them,” she advises. “Sometimes if Kelly can’t answer questions I have, she talks to other people in her network to find out the answers.”

Wendy will graduate in May 2007 and plans to work in public health or epidemiology before pursuing a master’s degree in public health. She plans to keep in touch with her mentor. “Kelly is not only my career mentor; she has become a friend and that was something I never expected,” she says.

Kelly hopes that Wendy will give back to future students by serving as a mentor after her graduation. “I have no doubt that she will have much to offer to a protégé in the future,” she says.

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2007 Mentoring Dinners

It’s never too early to mark your calendar for the 2007 Mentoring Dinners and Workshops! Please note that three departments (Biobehavioral Health, Nutritional Sciences, and Recreation, Park and Tourism Management) are hosting lunches rather than dinners.

Friday, February 2 (6:00 p.m.)

Saturday, February 3 (11:30 a.m.)

Saturday, February 3 (6:00 p.m.)

Saturday, March 31, 2007 (10:00 a.m.)

 

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Topics of the Month

For protégés to ask mentors:
Do you travel often? Do you attend trade show or professional conferences? What other types of meetings do you attend for professional development?

For mentors to ask protégés:
Are you prepared to return for fall semester? What are some of the challenges you will have with your class load?

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Featured Photos

Richard Allison and his protege Rachelle Gill speaking during dinner.
Richard Allison and his protege Rachelle Gill speaking during dinner.
Dr. John Dattilo greeting John Spencer and his protege Ryne Rutkowski.
Dr. John Dattilo greeting John Spencer and his protege Ryne Rutkowski.

CSD Mentor breakout session discussion
CSD Mentor breakout session discussion.

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Upcoming Events at Penn State:

September 16
HHD Alumni Tailgate 12:00-3:00 p.m. Picnic Pavilion, corner of University Drive and Park Avenue A light lunch will be served. This is a non-alcoholic event. All mentors, protégés, and their guests are invited to join us free of charge!

October 6-8
Parents & Families Weekend Visit www.alumni.psu.edu/events/pfday2006/default.htm for details.

October 18-19
CSD “Alumni in the Classroom Days” Sponsored by the Communication Sciences and Disorders APG For more information or to participate, please contact Suzanne Mellott, CSD APG Presidents, at sbmellott@yahoo.com.

November 11-12
Hospitality Executive of the Year and Alumni Awards Sponsored by the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society New York, NY For more information, please contact Harvey Kamp at huk3@psu.edu or (814) 865-6673.

December 15
Classes End

December 18-21
Final exams

Friday, December 22
Commencement

 

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Helpful Links:

Daily Collegian: http://www.collegian.psu.edu/

Penn State Newswires (subscribe): http://newswires.psu.edu/ 

College of Health and Human Development Homepage: www.hhdev.psu.edu

Penn State Live (daily news from Penn State): http://live.psu.edu/

Penn State Alumni Association Homepage: www.alumni.psu.edu

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Mentoring Newsletter Archive

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