By Kaela Dickerman | May 2022
In the end of April, the Louisville Alumni and Student Organization for Alumni Relations (SOAR) Mentoring Program wrapped up another fantastic semester of mentoring.
Students participating in SOAR had the opportunity to be paired with and mentored by hand-selected Louisville alumni. This semester, 17 SOAR students participated in the mentoring program.
For student Peyton Hengen, the idea of learning more about her career interests motivated her to join the program.
“I am graduating next semester, and I figured this mentorship would be a great way to learn more about the world of law, law school, and some of the intricate things you don’t necessarily hear about in classes,” said Hengen.
Hengen was matched with Phillip Longmeyer ’97, partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Longmeyer serves on UofL’s Law Council and felt like serving as a mentor was an easy yes after hearing more about SOAR.
“I really enjoyed meeting Peyton, listening to her career interests, and sharing my experiences as a lawyer with her,” said Longmeyer. “Connecting her with others in the legal profession added their perspectives, and I feel like the program allowed Peyton to get a good window into our world.”
"As a student, this is an amazing way to meet professionals in a field that you could be interested in and learn more about what you’re passionate about."
With both living in Louisville, Hengen got some in-person opportunities, like visiting a federal criminal sentencing and meeting with former UofL professor Judge Justin Walker of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Hengen was also able to meet with other members of Longmeyer’s law firm who practice in various fields.
“I was able to attend a sentencing, which was something I always dreamed of doing,” said Hengen. “Getting to meet with the people Phil works with helped open my eyes to different career paths and opportunities.”
For both Hengen and Longmeyer, their experience in this program was impactful and worthwhile.
“As a student, this is an amazing way to meet professionals in a field that you could be interested in and learn more about what you’re passionate about,” said Hengen.
“For alumni, it’s a great way to strengthen your connection to UofL, to learn about the successes and challenges encountered by today’s students, and to help those students along their path of deciding what they want their future to hold,” said Longmeyer.
For another student, Mackenzie McCamish, this year marked her second year in the Louisville Alumni and SOAR Mentoring Program.
“I participated in the program last year and I learned so much about the field I was going into,” said McCamish. “It only made sense to participate again as a senior, when I was actively searching for jobs."
McCamish was partnered with graphic designer Carolina Caicedo ‘15, and together they met weekly on Zoom to prepare McCamish’s portfolio.
“Without Carolina, I would not have known such an informed person to find the nitty gritty details that ultimately made my portfolio as good as it is,” said McCamish. “There is so much you can learn from people already in your field, and I feel so prepared now as I plan for my future.”
Because of this mentorship, McCamish and Caicedo had the chance to meet in person, and McCamish will get to shadow Caicedo at work. This mentorship program between students and alumni not only strengthens the success of the students but also continues to connect alumni back to their alma mater.