September 2006

Dear Graduate of Penn Engineering,

This marks the sixth year that Penn Engineering has participated in MentorNet, an innovative, national initiative that pairs undergraduates, graduates and post-docs in engineering and science with mentors in industry through a year-long email relationship. Each year, student participation has increased, reaching nearly 100 students last year. Alumni who volunteer to be mentors enjoy the satisfaction of helping students navigate the world in the sciences.

I look forward to our continued participation in the MentorNet program and I encourage you, our alumni, to consider this wonderful opportunity to impact the lives of our students. Mentoring is a proven strategy for increasing retention rates in science and engineering. Sharing your experiences and helping students understand how engineers thrive in business, industry or government provides invaluable support for students pursuing an engineering or science education. Plus, it is now possible to indicate a preference to be matched with a student from Penn.

To enroll, go to www.mentornet.net. Another option you may wish to explore is to offer your experience through the topic-based electronic discussion groups called E-Forum. These groups, which provide multiple perspectives as well as peer mentoring, are available to you whether or not you choose to sign up for a one-on-one e-mentoring relationship.

I hope that you will consider offering your experience through an e-mentoring relationship to help encourage a future engineer!

Sincerely,

Eduardo D. Glandt
Dean