NEWS OF NOTE

New protégés bridge academic and professional worlds with alumni mentors.

Carlos Velazco (left) chats with his mentor at the program's orientation breakfast October 14. Velazco is the College's representative to FIU's Student Government Association and is a member of the Business Student Council.

Adriana Perez (front right) receives counsel from her newly-assigned mentor, Demian Bellumio (BBA '00), vice president of corporate finance and development for Terremark Worldwide, Inc.

Opening ceremonies for the second season of the College's Mentoring Program united 13 pair of mentors and protégés, more than double the project's inaugural group, at an orientation breakfast October 14. Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam welcomed the participants, and strategies were outlined by Alumni Circle Chairwoman Josie Carreno (MBA '99).

Demian Bellumio (BBA '00), vice president of corporate finance and development for Terremark Worldwide, Inc., said discussions with his protégé, Adriana Perez, range from academic issues and employment choices to professional experiences and business ventures.

"My mentor has brought to life many concepts I have learned in school, has given me valuable advice about how to achieve my goals and aspirations, and has shared real-life business experiences that have taught me a lot," Perez said.

Bellumio shared Perez's enthusiasm for the program and said he, too, benefits from the relationship.

"It represents an opportunity to get to know a select group of students who have demonstrated an interest in learning and growing beyond pure academia and who we will likely see enjoying great careers and holding leadership positions within this community in the coming years," Bellumio said.

Contact organizer Cristina Jaramillo, coordinator of Alumni and Partner Relations, for more information.