Cultivating connections: Celebrating 34 years of the CFANS Mentor Program

January marks National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the power of professional guidance and the transformative impact of shared knowledge. At the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), this spirit of connection isn't just a monthly theme—it is a decades-long tradition. Now in its 34th year, the CFANS Mentor Program continues to bridge the gap between classroom and industry, matching approximately 200 students and postdocs annually with seasoned alumni and professionals.

Hosted by the CFANS Alumni Society, the program is built on the foundation of intentional matching. Whether a student is studying forestry, nutrition or animal science, they are paired with a mentor who provides more than just a resume critique; they provide a roadmap for the future. Over the course of the academic year, from November to May, these pairs connect monthly to set goals, network, and engage in job-shadowing opportunities that bring textbook theories to life.

From exploration to professional identity

For Rayea Roberts, a second-year undergraduate double majoring in applied economics and family social science, the program has been a cornerstone of her college experience. Joining as a freshman, Roberts used her first year to explore the vast agricultural landscape and her second to dive deeper into the intersection of business and sustainability.

"At first, I felt too young and inexperienced," Roberts admits, "but connecting with professionals helped me feel more comfortable asking questions and seeing myself as a young professional rather than just a student."

Roberts has experienced the program’s intentionality firsthand. Her first mentor, Dave TenEyck of Bachman’s, helped her find her footing in the horticulture business. This year, her mentor at Land O’Lakes, Chris Danner, is helping her navigate the complexities of supply chain and environmental work.

"Through job shadowing and tours, I gained insight into the operations side ... seeing how production, marketing, and logistics all work together helped me understand the scale and complexity of the industry," said Roberts. Even as a sophomore, she has realized that she doesn't need to have every answer yet. "My mentors have helped me understand that uncertainty is normal and that careers evolve through experience. While I may not feel fully prepared for the ‘real world,’ I feel more mindful knowing that growth takes time, effort, and exploration."

Bridging research and global impact 

The CFANS Mentor Program serves the entire academic spectrum, including postdoctoral researchers who are already experts in their fields. Didem Sozeri Atik, a postdoc, found that her mentorship with a global R&D leader at Mars Wrigley offered a perspective that "is difficult to gain within academia alone."

Despite her high-level expertise, Sozeri Atik saw the value in connecting with a mentor who walked the same halls of CFANS 25 years prior. "Our shared food engineering background and our connection to CFANS, at different points in time, provided a common technical foundation that helped us quickly establish a strong professional connection," she explains.

For Sozeri Atik, the program acted as a strategic investment in her professional growth rather than just another item on a busy schedule. By visiting the Global Innovation Center, she was able to see how her scientific principles are applied to solve large-scale, real-world challenges. "Visiting Mars Wrigley’s Global Innovation Center and observing the scale of operations is a unique opportunity that helped me visualize real-world impact by showing how research moves from the lab into large-scale products and decisions," said Sozeri Atik. She encourages other advanced researchers to join, noting that these conversations "complement technical training and help you navigate transitions more intentionally."

A legacy of lifelong success

As the program celebrates more than three decades of success, its impact is best measured by the confidence it instills in its participants. The program reminds students that they are part of a vast, supportive network that extends far beyond the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus. For Roberts, the mentorship has proven that CFANS prepares students for more than just a degree.

"CFANS takes pride in not only preparing students academically, but preparing them for life," she notes. "By building connections, sharing opportunities, and creating welcoming communities, CFANS provides a strong foundational network students can carry into their professions. This support has made a meaningful difference in my confidence, sense of belonging, and readiness to explore my future."

Whether you are a freshman wondering where your major will take you or a postdoc looking to transition into industry, the CFANS Mentor Program offers a supportive community of alumni eager to give back. As one mentor reflected: "We reached goals together and I feel fulfilled from this experience knowing a program that helped me (as a previous mentee) is also influential for others and that I can help contribute to this positive change."

Join the tradition 

Are you ready to grow your professional network or give back to the next generation of CFANS leaders? Whether you are a student looking for guidance or a professional ready to share your wisdom, the CFANS Mentor Program welcomes you.

Applications open in the summer. To learn more about the program, explore related industries, or sign up for future updates, visit the CFANS Mentor Program website.