Wildcat Wisdom Mentorship Program

Welcome to the Wildcat Wisdom Mentorship Program! This initiative is designed to connect current Northern Michigan University (NMU) nursing students with experienced alumni in the field. Our goal is to foster supportive relationships that empower students as they navigate their academic journey and prepare for a successful career in nursing.

What to Expect from the Program

This program is built on flexibility and mutual agreement, ensuring the mentorship experience is beneficial for both mentors and mentees. Here's a look at what you can anticipate:

  • Tailored Relationships: The core of Wildcat Wisdom is the personalized nature of each mentorship. Once paired, you and your mentor/mentee will have the autonomy to decide together what you want this relationship to look like. This means you'll collaboratively set goals, discuss expectations, and determine the specific areas where the mentor can offer guidance and support.
  • Flexible Meeting Schedule: We envision that mentor/mentee pairs will meet approximately once a month. This frequency allows for consistent engagement without being overly burdensome.
  • Convenient Meeting Formats: Understanding the busy schedules of both students and alumni, we encourage you to choose a meeting format that works best for both individuals. This could include:
    • In-person meetings for those who are geographically close and prefer face-to-face interaction.
    • Phone calls for easy and accessible conversations.
    • Virtual meetings via Zoom for flexibility and visual connection, especially for those at a distance.

This program offers a unique opportunity for current students to gain invaluable insights from those who have walked the path before them, while alumni have the chance to give back and shape the next generation of nursing professionals. We're excited to see the connections and growth that will emerge from the Wildcat Wisdom Mentorship Program! 

We hope many of you sign up to be a mentor, you can do so here.  

 

You're Invited to Share Your Wildcat Wisdom!

Become a Mentor with the NMU School of Nursing

As a volunteer mentor, you’ll be paired with a current NMU nursing student who is seeking guidance and connection with someone who has walked the path they are beginning. The mentoring relationship can be as unique as each pair. Whether you prefer a monthly lunch, a Zoom chat, a walk and talk, or simply connecting by phone or email—you and your mentee decide what works best.

Your experience matters. Your support can make a difference. And your Wildcat pride can help inspire the next generation of nurses.

Thank YOU for considering this opportunity to give back, support our students, and stay connected to the NMU School of Nursing community!

 

Wildcat Connections: YOUR Homecoming Invitation

A Homecoming Brunch with NMU Nursing

Join us for a special Homecoming celebration bringing together current nursing students, alumni, faculty, and staff for an inspiring morning of conversation, community, and connection.

Saturday, September 20, 2025
 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn of Marquette
Lake/Ridge/Timber Rooms

Event Highlights:

  •  Alumni Panel featuring stories and insights from nursing graduates
    • Kary Jacobson, MSN, RN, CCRN, EMT-B – Flight Nurse, Guardian Flight (BSN ’06)

    • Erik Korpi, FNP-BC – Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Center for Orthopedics (BSN ’94, MSN ’01)

    • Salomé Maria Loera, DNP, ACCNS-AG, PCCN, CCRN-CMC, SCRN – Clinical Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America; Clinical Nurse Specialist, Inova Health System

    • BethAnn Perkins, MSN-APHN, RN – Business Owner, Health Consulting Strategies Inc. (BSN ’20)
       
  • Kick off to our Wildcat Wisdom Mentoring Program
  • Networking Time to reconnect and inspire future nurses
  • NMU School of Nursing Alumni Apparel available for purchase

Whether you're a recent graduate or a long-standing Wildcat nurse, we invite you to be part of this meaningful gathering. Let’s celebrate our shared pride, reflect on the impact of nursing, and build bridges between generations of NMU nurses.

RSVP by September 10 for the homecoming event here

Contact Information

School of Nursing 906-227-2834