Alumnus joins mentoring network as a way to give back to UB
Matthew Surowiec, BS Chemical Engineering, 1997; MBA 2006
Published June 2, 2014 This content is archived.
During my undergraduate studies, I would walk between South Campus classes across a well beaten path on the lawn between Acheson and Diefendorf halls. I found it amusing and interesting to walk in the footsteps of the UB predecessors who created this trail, proving that the distance between two points is a straight line.
Later, I learned that one’s college career does not always follow a well-worn path or a straight line. During one particularly difficult semester, I recall reading an encouraging poem carved into the wall of a study booth at the Lockwood Library. Whenever possible, I tried to return to that desk if available. That poem encouraged me to stay the course. It also helped me decide that when I was able to, I would give the same encouragement to fellow U.B. students.
After beginning my current career at GP Strategies Corporation in 1998, I began my UB mentoring activities through the Department of Technical Communications led by the late Dr. Pneena Sageev. I began to mentor students from both a technical and writing perspective. I took Dr. Sageev’s class as an undergraduate student. It was the first exposure that I had to the real world, as we were challenged to develop our own engineering business plan.
In 2012, I joined the UB Mentoring Network following the suggestion of a student at CareerFest. Whenever a student who has been struggling approaches me, I try my best to encourage them to finish their course of studies and earn their degree. It was the same advice offered to me during my time as a student. I am a firm believer that a degree creates opportunities.
My involvement in the UB mentoring program has also helped me to prepare for my current supervisory duties at GP Strategies Corporation. The University of Buffalo has helped me to grow as a person and a professional, and I enjoy helping students in their journey.
