CUNY SPS Celebrates #CUNYTuesday 2023 With Mentoring Event

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) hosted its annual fundraising event on November 28, 2023, in honor of #CUNYTuesday, the University-wide day of giving inspired by the global generosity movement #GivingTuesday.

This year, CUNY SPS celebrated #CUNYTuesday by hosting an informational and inspirational webinar entitled “Do I Need a Mentor to Advance in My Career?” The collaborative digital event combined the efforts of the Office of Alumni Relations, Office of Career Services, and City Tutors, a no-cost career organization focused on New Yorkers historically locked out of professional development services.

Featured panelists in the round table were: CUNY SPS alums Pamela Lee (BS-MS in Nursing Organizational Leadership '23) and John Luke Santos (BS in Health Services Administration '22), as well as two of City Tutors’ mentor-volunteers—Kerry Ann King and Mirna Eusebio Lithgow. Cheryl Reich, an HR talent manager who has also provided training assistance in the CUNY SPS ACE Scholarship program, served as moderator for the group discussion.

The topic for the evening centered on the importance of mentoring and developing a professional support system while also offering best practice tips to help students and alumni succeed in their careers.

Reich questioned panelists about their experiences with mentoring, and each panelist offered their expertise based on their in-the-field work.

Nursing alum and former ACE scholar Pamela Lee offered especially encouraging advice for people just establishing their careers. “As a nurse, there is always a line of mentoring, both informal and formal…” Lee noted. “There is this complete cycle—at some point in time when you're entering you will always be the novice and [you should] understand that that's okay. You will continually progress—and not only will you progress being the mentee—you will also progress forward to become a mentor.”

Once the rounds of questions concluded, students and alums joined breakout sessions with City Tutor mentors to discuss specific networking and career advice questions.

After the event, CUNY SPS student Ana Londono (BA Psychology), reflected on what she gained from the webinar. “I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to participate in tonight's event,” said Londono. “It was very insightful and informative for me, especially with all the advice and information that was shared in the[break-out] room discussion.”

CUNY SPS alum Josefina Soto (MS Business Management and Leadership) also shared her enthusiasm. “The event was very inspiring because I recently began a mentorship through City tutors as an alumni.”

Alumni Relations Manager Nidia Cordova offered her final takeaway thoughts on the evening’s program: “Our goal this year was to maximize our fundraising efforts in support of CUNY SPS students and commemorate Giving Tuesday by highlighting our amazing alumni speakers as well as our partners at City Tutors.” Cordova added, “I’m especially grateful to our CUNY SPS alumni speakers and their impact on our community. I hope attendees were inspired to give back to the CUNY SPS Foundation.”  

The deadline for #CUNYTuesday is extended through December 31, 2023. Please remember our hard-working students, and give as generously as you can.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

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