CHDCM Honors and Alumni Mentoring Program (CHAMP) Connects Students and Alumni at Kick-Off Event

On January 30,  The College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) brought students and alumni together at Jubilee Hall to officially welcome its newest CHDCM Honors and Alumni Mentoring Program (CHAMP) members.

The CHAMP kick-off event provided an opportunity for students to meet their mentors, begin building connections and participate in speed mentoring rounds. During these rounds, students moved from table to table, engaging with mentors and asking questions.

Director of Student Success Jeronimo Valcarcel, M.S. , who has been with the college since June 2024, has taken on the task of leading the CHAMP program. Valcarcel shared, "Personally, mentorship has played a significant role in my own growth and development, and I can only imagine the opportunities and guidance this program will provide for our students.” He paired students and alumni based on their personal preferences and professional backgrounds.

During opening remarks, CHDCM founding Dean Bryan Crable, Ph.D. said in his welcome speech that it was “exciting” to see the creation and implementation of programming within the college to help and connect students who are in and have been in Seton Hall classrooms.

The program began in 2010 and has connected hundreds of students and alumni. Paul Ward, class of 1986, CHAMP alumni founder, said, "The CHDCM has really cracked the code on how to harness the experiences and expertise of successful alumni to help current students bring their best foot forward to embark on their career paths.”

“When Paul [Ward] described this program to me, I knew the only thing that we needed to do was support it, expand it and then grow it across the college over time,” Crable. His message was clear: CHAMP is not just a mentorship program but a growing network of support and success.

"The residual advantages of having CHAMP at Seton Hall increase through every mentorship pairing and underscore how the university truly is a collaborative environment,” added Ward.

A highlight of the event was the speed mentoring round. Jaylen Peart, a current senior majoring in visual and sound media with a concentration in film production, shared, “The speed mentoring session allowed me to understand the different perspectives from each mentor, and it was a great way to prepare me for the questions I would likely ask my mentor.”

The response from both students and mentors has been overwhelming.

Gabi Santiago, a current student, said, “I had the opportunity to connect with ambitious peers and outstanding mentors, all of whom I feel incredibly fortunate to work with. Being part of such an inspiring program is truly an honor, and I’m excited for all the opportunities ahead!"

Michael Perreca ’83 said, “I was inspired and encouraged after meeting current SHU students. I love how our fields of interest have grown and changed over the decades. I will learn so much from my mentee and other SHU students. It's an honor to be among them.”

P.J. Kinsella ’08 added, "I've been involved with CHAMP for six years now and I always look forward to beginning a new chapter with the program and working with the great students at my alma mater. It's been a tremendous experience being able to give back to the institution that gave me the foundation to start my career."

As a first-time participant with CHAMP, Lorraine Joyce, M.A. ’20, was struck by the energy and excitement of the students she met during the event. "I was really impressed not just with my mentee but with all the students I met that night. They were engaged, eager to learn, and excited about their futures. It was great to see so much potential in the room."

During Valcarcel’s closing remarks, he shared, "Watching these interactions unfold, I was reminded of the profound impact mentorship can have."

The College is already looking ahead to the future of the CHAMP program and exploring opportunities for growth. Valcarcel shared, "We are excited to introduce something new ahead — an expansion of CHAMP to include our Educational Studies students!"

Categories: Alumni