The Circle of Mentorship – Multicultural Alumni Network

Bruce Feathers ’75, one of the original co-chairs of MCAN, coined the phrase “Circle of Mentorship” to describe all the ways that multicultural alumni could help each other and the College. The points on the circle begin with admissions, an area in which alumni can be critically helpful in encouraging promising students to attend Carleton. Moving around the circle, alumni can serve as mentors to students at Carleton (student life), encourage people of color to consider working at Carleton (faculty and staff recruitment), act as career mentors to students and fellow alumni (careers), raise funds to support the College and participate in reunions. The circle is closed when the student who chose Carleton because of the interest and encouragement of an alum becomes a volunteer also.

MCAN works to identify students who might be interested in attending Carleton, and connects with these prospective students in personal and meaningful ways, giving a human face to the college admissions process.

As volunteer Alumni Admissions Representatives through the Carleton Admissions Office, MCAN representatives meet with prospective students all over the country. They visit college fairs and attend receptions for prospective students. Simply by being a friendly face for Carleton, in cities far away from Northfield, Minnesota, MCAN volunteers share a Carleton experience that prospective students can begin to imagine.

MCAN provides alumni with an opportunity to give back to Carleton through targeted efforts to support underserved students. The MCAN Fellows Program gives students who might not otherwise be able to accept unpaid or low paying summer internships the funding to support themselves over the summer.

Through a competitive application process, students apply for funding that allows them to engage in research, serve underprivileged populations, work in non-profit organizations, and gain important skills and experiences.

Learn more about the MCAN Fellows Program

Each year during Carleton’s Reunion, MCAN hosts a reception open to all Reunion classes. Whether celebrating your 5th Reunion or 55th Reunion, this event provides an opportunity for alums of color to connect and network.

Carleton’s Regional Carls Program in cities across the country provides alumni with opportunities to come together socially and professionally. These groups might enjoy a theater performance or concert together, meet for happy hour, or go to a baseball game. They also form a network of volunteers who together work to support admissions, current students, and fundraising efforts for the College.

MCAN volunteers serve as mentors to Carleton students and recent graduates through the Career Center. Internships, career exploration days, and informational interviews are all ways for Carleton alumni to share their professional experiences with students and recent graduates.

In addition, Carleton alumni connect with each other, providing support through career transitions, connections to job openings and housing in new cities, and a built-in social network.

Learn more about Career Center Initiatives

Current students have the support of the Office of Intercultural Life (OIL), as well as student-led groups. Alumni add another source of connection and support to students.

The MCAN Board, including student members, meet on campus when possible to reconnect and plan programming for the coming year.

Other MCAN initiatives have included the Alumni in Residence Program and the MCAN Gathering, a celebration that includes student presentations and forums as well as a student-alumni block party with plenty of good food and music.