Since its founding in 2023, the SPH-B Undergraduate Mentorship program continues to grow as a cornerstone professional development initiative, connecting undergraduate students with accomplished alumni and public health leaders.
According to Danny Valdez, associate professor in the Department of Applied Health Science and faculty liaison, this past academic year marked the program’s largest student collective to date with more than 100 SPH-B graduates signing up as mentors. Director of Alumni Relations Missy Backs has played a vital role in connecting mentors from a wide variety of professional backgrounds to their student mentees.
“Our alumni were enthusiastic about the opportunity to connect with current SPH-B students, and their strong response reflects their ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of public health professionals,” shares Valdez.
The program was spearheaded by David Hormuth, a cardiothoracic transplant surgeon and a proud IU graduate who is currently the Chairman of the IU Board of Trustees. Valdez shares that throughout this past spring semester, undergraduate students engaged directly with their mentors, exploring topics such as career readiness, networking, graduate and professional school pathways, leadership development, and the critical role mentorship plays in long-term professional growth.
SPH-B undergraduate Bryce Ozelie, currently majoring in Sport Marketing and Management, says he learned about the program through his career coach Emily Wetzel. Ozelie was paired with Trent Pennington, manager of Minor League Scouting for Orlando Magic, in late spring of this year. Pennington graduated from SPH-B with a Master of Science (MS) in Kinesiology- Athletic Administration/Sport Management in 2018.
“Working with Mr. Pennington has benefited me in many ways already,” says Ozelie. “Having an outlet that you can rely on for life and work-related questions is truly a blessing…having the guidance of Mr. Pennington has helped me further my career goals by helping me build confidence and an understanding of how to attack and accomplish those goals.”
Pennington found out about the program at the beginning of the year thanks to an outreach email looking for participants. Pennington was impressed with Ozelie’s drive and ambition, being one of several SPH-B students who participated in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) College Program to help rev up this year’s Indy 500. Ozelie and Pennington currently touch base once a month to go over current workload, look for professional opportunities, and narrow down career interests.
“Most people in the sport world are trying to pinpoint where they want to go because there are so many avenues and branches you can veer off into,” says Pennington. “I remind him that it is okay to not know what you want to do; I was just like him [ as an undergraduate].”
Pennington is encouraging Ozelie to try out new experiences, so he can begin to narrow down what he likes and dislikes. As fellow Hoosiers, Pennington has been able to help connect his mentee to local programs and internship opportunities. For instance, Pennington recently put Ozelie in touch with his colleague working for the Indianapolis Colts.
"It is the most crucial time to have a mentor because after undergraduate you have the lingering question—do I want to continue my education, or do I want to jump straight into work?” says Pennington. “To have a different perspective of someone who is working professionally outside of your immediate circle and bring in a new voice is always helpful.”
Ozelie looks forward to his talks with Pennington, and that he “gives me the knowledge I need to hear to steer me onto the right path.”
Valdez adds that the growing student interest in mentorship, career exploration, and professional networking opportunities reflects the strength of the SPH-B community and its shared commitment to investing in students both academically and professionally.
“With record participation this year and continued enthusiasm from students and alumni alike, program leaders are eager to continue expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening connections across the SPH-B network in the coming academic year,” says Valdez. “We especially would like to thank Chairman Hormuth for his selfless service to our school’s undergraduate majors.”
For more trailblazing stories about our students, faculty, and staff, visit go.iu.edu/48bx.