Doubling the impact of the Sorin Founder’s Mentorship Program

April 27, 2026

University Contributors

Two people, one with a red shirt and jeans and one with a white t-shirt and jeans, sitting on a bench outside, talking. Trees, leaves, a building, and a bike sit in the background.

The Sorin Society Founder’s Mentorship Program recently wrapped up its second year, fostering connections between 16 mentors and 16 mentees, doubling the impact of its inaugural year. Sorin members had the opportunity to make a direct impact on students in addition to their financial commitment, guiding scholarship recipients as they take the crucial next step in their education and careers.

For one mentee, a senior studying finance, the value of the program lay in his mentor, John Forgash’s, personalized approach.

“The most impactful part of the program was my mentor’s genuine interest in my studies and career goals,” the student shared. “Rather than recounting his own experiences, he adjusted our conversations to my expressed interests. After I mentioned wanting to eventually pivot from investment banking into a role where I could work on a small team and scale a company, he organized a call with a family member who had taken a similar path.”

This connection provided a practical look at the operational side of business, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world execution. Even when a question fell outside his immediate expertise, John utilized his personal network to ensure his mentee had the answers he needed.

The benefits of the program are two-sided. For John, the experience offered a chance to reconnect with the “scary-fun” energy of a new career.

Of his mentee, John said, “It has truly been exciting to work with him because he brings a youthful energy and excitement about the next stage of his life.” He reflected, “It reminds me of a similar passion I had when first starting my career and serves as a reminder to keep that energy even 25 years after graduating from Notre Dame.”

The Sorin Society seeks to advance the University’s mission by contributing to the formation of students’ hearts and minds. The Founder’s Mentorship Program is open to all Sorin Society Founder’s Level members. Please reach out to sorinsoc@nd.edu to inquire further.

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