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For Danielle Trevino ’19, launching a career in marketing depends on making connections. Thanks to �԰�����’s 1869 Scholars Program, Trevino has access to an entire network of them.

Through the program, alumni who have found success in their career fields pass on their knowledge to current �԰����� students.

“The 1869 Scholars program gives you an advantage by giving you a relationship with alumni that goes past the brick walls of �԰�����,” Trevino says. “I don’t think that a lot of universities cultivate those bonds between students and alumni.”

Trevino, a studio art and communications double major, signed up for the 1869 Scholars program two years ago. Students in the program go through two tracks: a vocation track to define their own values, and then a skills track to plug into their desired career. During each track, students are matched with a mentor, with whom they can connect on any level, ranging from a phone conversation to a café table.

Trevino was paired with Alissa Howard '11, a �԰����� alumna who now works as a social content manager for Whataburger.

“I was surprised at how well we clicked immediately. It felt like we were old friends,” Trevino says. “I still meet with my mentor sometimes for dinner, and it’s not even a requirement at all.”

Jim Pieper ‘92, is a current mentor for the program, and he wishes he could have gone through the program as a student. “This is a great way for students and alumni to connect.” Pieper says. “It’s something that I felt was missing as a student, so it’s nice to see that connection develop.”