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GEM Press Release - placement in the Baldwin County Union-Recorder
http://www.unionrecorder.com/Community/local_story_002215400.html
Georgia College & State University
Office of Academic Engagement
Campus Box 101
Milledgeville, Georgia 31061
Contact: John Bowen
Phone: 478-445-1227
E-mail: john.bowen@gcsu.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Business Executives and GCSU students together are discovering a rare GEM
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga.- The Georgia Education Mentorship Program (GEM) is pairing students from Georgia College & State University with top Georgia Chamber of Commerce executive members to get an insight into “the real world” - the life of a successful business leader.
“GCSU is incredibly fortunate to have such a partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce,” said John Bowen, program director and coordinator of the Office of Academic Engagement. “The GEM Program provides unique opportunities for our students to learn first hand about leadership and success in the professional world from the very executives who are movers and shakers around the state.”
Students are paired up for a semester-long mentorship with leading executive mentors who will allow them to job shadow and attend meetings and exclusive events. Students also participate in opening and closing receptions, along with monthly team-building luncheons. Mentors teach students business skills such as time management, ethics, respect and teamwork.
Recently, Mr. Neil Shorthouse, President of Communities and Schools of Georgia, invited the GEM mentors and students to the Georgia Education Ball held at the World Congress Center.
“There is hardly anything of greater value than an investment in a young person’s future,” said mentor Neil Shorthouse.
“The Georgia Education Ball has been the highlight for me so far,” said GCSU junior participant, Randi Noble. “It was a night of dressing up, good food, and great friends.”
Two students have also met presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush Jr. with their mentors and several have visited the state capitol.
Students rave about their mentors, how the program has helped them matured and given them insights, as well as how fortunate they have been to participate in such a unique experience.
“I learned that I have a whole new level of self-confidence that was buried deep inside of me,” said Stacey Team, a GCSU participant. “If I can go into a setting as intimidating as Atlanta Gas Light, and be able to speak and banter back and forth with top executives and trust myself enough to enjoy the experience, than I can do anything.”
Funded by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, the GEM program is celebrating its 12th semester of success. Approximately 220 GCSU students have participated with over 50 state executive mentors in business, law, education, healthcare and industry. These leaders include the President and CEO of Reynolds Plantation, the Executive Vice President of Operations for the Atlanta Falcons and the CEO of YKK Corporation of America.
“It is a gem for this school; it is precious and very unique and something to protect and make sure that we are able to offer for years to come,” said John Bowen. “Students speak about their experiences with such enjoyment and enthusiasm that I almost feel as if I was right there with them.”
If you would like to participate in this eye-opening “real world” experience, than please contact John Bowen at john.bowen@gcsu.edu. Applications are still being accepted for Spring 2008 participation and are available in GCSU’s Beeson Hall.
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