Dear Alfred Families:

As we start a new academic year, we are proud to share the foundation that guides our student experience at Alfred University: our three pillars, which are Mentorship, Inclusivity, and Intersections. These pillars reflect our commitment to helping every student discover their purpose and thrive both personally and academically.

Quick exercise: Think about those people who have truly been there to answer questions regarding your career advancement, personal choices, tough decisions, physical fitness, and more. You know that these individuals have guided you in the right direction, whether you asked for help formally or informally, and you even think “what would they do in this situation” to guide your decision-making. We hope that some of those people are here at Alfred University now for your Alfred student, or perhaps that mentor has already walked across the stage and is now preparing to mentor your Alfred student through their connection to Alfred University.

Mentorship is emphasized throughout the year. Whether through faculty-led research, peer support, or alumni connections, Alfred encourages meaningful relationships that foster students’ growth, exploration, and success. We believe that learning is most effective when it’s personal, and our mentoring culture ensures that every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Last year, Alfred University fulfilled its commitment to its pillars and, together with remarkable members of our community, launched the first Mentoring Day. Over 350 students participated in our inaugural mentorship day, networking with more than 30 successful alumni. They engaged in meaningful conversations and formed connections that helped shape their academic and professional plans. Students and alumni enjoyed the experience.

To celebrate and strengthen this pillar, we’re thrilled to announce Alfred University’s second annual Mentorship Day, taking place during our 100th Homecoming and Family Weekend on Friday, October 3, 2025. This special event will bring together students, alumni, faculty, and staff for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. Attendees will gain real-world insights, build professional connections, and engage in panel discussions with mentors from diverse industries.

Families! What’s your task for Mentoring Day? Encourage your Alfred student to sign up on Handshake and then discuss the event with them. It was a hit last year!

This year, we have invited Enid Borden to be our keynote speaker. Enid is the President and CEO of the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger, a dynamic speaker, and an alumna of Alfred University. We are very excited to have her back on campus!

We look forward to sharing more stories and updates throughout the year that highlight how these pillars come to life across campus. Thank you for being part of the Alfred family!

Warm regards,

Gabe Iturbides
Assistant Vice President for Student Success

Diana Maguire
Professor of Management and Leadership