On October 10th, Connections, a mentoring program for entering freshmen, held its first activity of the year, a “Meet-Your-Mentor” dinner with a Cajun menu.  Student mentees met their faculty/staff mentors and formed new friendships with fellow students. One highlight of the evening was having each mentor introduce his/her mentees and present them with a copy of The Last Lecture, a national bestseller. Author Randy Pausch, a computer science professor, presented his inspiring “last lecture” in 2007 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died in July 2008.

Events are planned throughout the year for the Connections community as the mentors and mentees continue their interactions.

Main Goals of this program are as follows:

•  Promote high academic expectations leading to college     completion.

•  Provide opportunities for students to understand financial     resources.

•  Acculturate students to the university experience.

•  Create or expand social and academic support systems.