Peer counseling participants reunite at reunion celebration

Adding a new tradition to the UM Alumni Weekend festivities, the School of Business celebrated 18 years of peer counseling with a reunion for all former and current participants of the undergraduate program.

The peer counseling program that began with 11 peer counselors serving a targeted group under the leadership of Jeanne Batridge, director of advising and study abroad, now boasts 70 peer counselors supporting all 511 freshmen and new transfer students. Over the years, the peer counseling program has seen over 950 peer counselors serve more than 6,925 new freshmen.

“You are an essential part of our history, and we’re grateful to you,” said Linda Neider, vice dean of undergraduate programs who, unable to attend, spoke to guests via video.  The event was hosted by current peer counseling team leaders. Peer counselors are top business students selected for their strong academic record, leadership skills, campus-wide involvement and commitment to mentoring business students. Each peer counselor mentors a team of six to eight new students. The peer counselors themselves are able to hone their leadership and team building skills while mentoring others.

“What a wonderful legacy of friendship and mentoring. We hope to continue this reunion every year for years to come,” said Karen Donno, the senior advisor who oversees and manages the school’s peer counseling program.