Celebration of the 5th Year of the Alumni-Student Mentoring Program

On September 14, 2015, the University of Dubai (UD) Alumni Association celebrated, at Dubai Chamber,†the Five Years Anniversary of its Alumni-Student Mentoring Program (ASMP). Dr Eesa Al Bastaki, UD President, congratulated the Alumni Association describing the UD mentors as heart-giving individuals†who believe in community education. He said, ìMentoring involves the exchange of ideas between†those who experienced success in education and those who are about to discover that experience.î Al Bastaki reiterated his support for the Alumni Association in its quest to provide the best opportunities to†its members. Amina Al Mazak, Director of the Alumni and Students Services Department, thanked all mentors for†their commitment and said that UD was the first university in UAE to initiate and implement (ASMP). She added, ìIntroducing the ASMP to the alumni and students and getting them proactively involved in†it was not an easy task. Without the outstanding support and the dedication of some alumni†ambassadors to this initiative, we would not be here today.î Since its inception in May 2009, a lot of efforts were invested by the Alumni Relations Team and a†committed selection of alumni to make this program work by creating opportunities for alumni to†provide meaningful support to UD students. The event was an opportunity to honor mentors who have participated in the program for the last 5†years. During the event, which was also attended by faculty members, participants had the chance to†reconnect with their former partners and showcase their mentoring accomplishments. Following a presentation by Ms. El Marzak about the 5 years of accomplishments, Dr. Eesa Al Bastakipresented every mentor a book called ìThe Heart of Mentoringî by David Stoddard. The book states theìTen Proven Principles for Developing People to Their Fullest Potential.î