Student-Athletes Celebrate National Mentor Month

As part of National Mentor Month, more than 80 members of Inner Circle and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) gathered in Memorial Stadium to write notes of appreciation and gratitude to those on campus and in their lives who have nurtured, inspired and empowered them and their student-athlete experience.

While this event opened student-athletes’ eyes to the power of difference makers and mentors in their own lives, the event provided some student-athletes the opportunity to meaningfully express gratitude via the handwritten word to individuals who have impacted their lives for the first time. 

“I haven’t participated in an event like this before in my life,” said Eric Coufal, junior wrestler from Howells, Neb. “I have written thank you letters to many people, but was never part of a group event that encouraged thanking your superiors.”

In addition to the thank you notes, student-athletes included a custom-made bracelet, which read “Nurtured, Inspired, Empowered.”

“Being able to sit down and write letters to people who have positively impacted my life and inspired and empowered me was extremely gratifying,” said Melanie Crawford, senior bowler from Plano, Tex. “Sometimes we forget to stop and thank the people who impact our lives; some of those people may never know how strong their impact really is.”

Alvin Banks, Nebraska’s Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development, was one of more than 150 individuals who received thanks and, in turn, realized the impact he’s had on Nebraska student-athletes.

“I had no idea what to expect upon opening the note,” said Banks. “When you do this job, you help student-athletes to the best of your ability, but never know what type of impact you are having on them. At the end of the day, all you can do is hope you’ve made a positive impact on the student-athletes you work with. When I received the cards in the mail, I knew the type of difference I am making.” 

While the handwritten word is considered a lost art, student-athletes were extremely thankful for the opportunity to take part in an event like this.

“I really love seeing the practice of writing handwritten notes being embraced by more student-athletes and sponsored and supported by the athletic department,” said Jacqueline Juffer, SAAC Vice President  and senior swimmer from Wagner, S. D. “I am so thankful the staff here wants us to not only be great students and athletes, but also great people who appreciate those who have helped us get where we are and become who we are.”

With the positive feedback from both student-athletes and staff alike, the one-time event made its own impact and will be an annual event held each January for student-athlete emerging leaders.

“This new event provided yet another opportunity for student-athlete engagement and camaraderie, while emphasizing the importance of taking time to express appreciation to others,” said Keith Zimmer, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Life Skills. “I am excited to see the continued growth of this important Life Skills event!”