Alumni Relations Coffee Chat: Alumni Mentoring Programmes that Scale

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Online Meeting

Oct 29, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM GMT

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No Credit Offered

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How can alumni mentoring programmes create meaningful connections while remaining sustainable as demand grows? This session explores two innovative approaches to alumni mentoring that strengthen belonging, support student success, and maximise alumni engagement.

In this session, you will learn how:
• The University of St Andrews redesigned its Coffee Connect mentoring programme to improve sustainability and increase participation from 475 to 805 participants in one year through changes to recruitment, delivery, branding, and the participant experience.
• University College Dublin developed and scaled Bridging Generations: African Mentoring Programme, a culturally responsive initiative rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu ("I am because you are"), connecting African and African-descended students with alumni to build confidence, belonging, and professional networks.

Key takeaways:
• Creating scalable and sustainable mentoring programmes
• Recruiting, matching, and supporting mentors effectively
• Building successful partnerships across departments
• Strengthening student belonging and career readiness
• Measuring impact and adapting programmes for growth

Ideal for professionals in alumni relations, careers, student success, advancement, and volunteer engagement seeking practical, transferable approaches to mentoring programme design and delivery.

Catherine McMahon, Alumni Relations Senior Manager, University College Dublin
Dr. Diretnan Dikwal-Bot, Lecturer/Assistant Professor, University College Dublin
Edward Findlay, Alumni Relations Officer, University of St Andrews
Gavin Rennie, Alumni Relations Manager, University of St Andrews