Each year dedicated alumni volunteers make an incredible impact on campus—welcoming new students, raising money for financial aid, offering meaningful internship opportunities, and more.
In 2017, with the help of volunteers, Puget Sound launched a pilot mentoring program to support students' career development via on-campus programs, employer visits, and one-on-one student meetings. We also awarded $340,000 in Alumni Fund Scholarships to 29 students, thanks to generous donations from alumni.
Connecting with Students
"I was thrilled to be part of a pilot mentoring program that I knew could have so much impact and create another way for alumni to give back to the university. I have been fortunate in my life and career to have a handful of incredible mentors along the way. My conversations with my mentee, Harry Ha '18, have spanned academia and personal background, to values and cultures both here and abroad. I especially enjoyed our discussion around the different measures of success in the United States versus China, Harry's home.
I have been humbled by the perspective and already incredible impact Harry is having on the world. This experience has reminded me of the amazing support I have received through the years, and has reinforced my belief that any conversation or action, even seemingly small, can have a profound effect on a person's life, in ways that may not be readily seen. I hope that some element of his personal, professional, or civic life will be improved by our interactions, and perhaps even compel him to be a mentor in his own career."
Kato Wade '04, vice president and director, client experience, Ascent Private Capital Management of U.S. Bank
