Dr. LaVerne Gyant Alumni Mentoring Program

The Dr. LaVerne Gyant Alumni Mentoring Program connects College of Education students with Black/African American College of Education alumni. For alumni, this is a powerful way to give back to the community and support students. For students, the opportunity to network with and receive guidance from a graduate is invaluable.

We're currently looking for students and alumni to participate in this important program. Please consider signing up today.

If you have any questions, please contact us at drgmentoring@niu.edu.

Become a Dr. G. Scholar

Being part of a mentoring program and community has many benefits and can be a powerful experience of laughter, sharing stories and learning together.

By signing up for our mentoring program, you’ll become a Dr. G. scholar, and we’ll pair you with a Black/African American NIU alum in a format of your choice, either one-on-one mentoring or small discussion groups facilitated by an alumni mentor.

As a Dr. G. scholar, you’ll be invited to:

• Goal-setting and visioning sessions
• Game nights and cultural celebrations
• Fireside chats on wellness and empowerment
• Panels on career advancement and social issues
• Workshops on building résumés, networking and tech tools

Through this program, you’ll connect with Black/African American alumni, graduate student mentors and peers who are here to walk alongside you as you navigate your academic journey.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, a listening ear, career advice or a space to be unapologetically yourself, this program is for you.

If you would like to be part of our fall 2026 scholar cohort please contact us at drgmentoring@niu.edu.

Become a Mentor

Did you have a mentor who made a difference in your life? Now, you can give back by mentoring a current College of Education student. Through your guidance, your mentee will learn and grow. Both you and your mentee will enjoy the benefits of the experience. Mentoring opportunities are available in two formats: one-on-one mentoring as well as facilitating a small student group. With both these formats you'll have the opportunity to:

• Use your experience to encourage your mentee's personal and professional development.
• Build your interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Learn about the new and different perspectives of future professionals.
• Gain a sense of fulfillment as you make a positive impact on someone's life or career.

If you would like to be part of our fall 2026 mentor cohort please contact us at drgmentoring@niu.edu.

About LaVerne Gyant

LaVerne Gyant is a beloved professor emeritus in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education. She is also the former director of the NIU Center for Black Studies. Known as "Dr. G.," she has mentored many students over the years. She recognizes the importance of this work, saying, "It's my mission to continue the work of women of African descent, activists and educators, my grandmother and mother. It's my responsibility to make sure that the next generation is prepared to continue and build upon the legacy left to them."

Make a Gift

Help this program continue to grow by making a monetary donation in support of future Dr. G scholars, fellows and mentors.

Testimonials

After meeting Dr. G and getting introduced to my now mentor, my whole viewpoint of the world, college and life has changed forever. Growing up, I never had another person who I could openly talk to about anything in my life besides my mom, but after meeting my mentor, Victoria, it has created a bond that I will have for a lifetime.

Andriana Williams, special education major

I have truly enjoyed my time with Andriana, my Dr. Gyant Alumni Mentoring Program mentee. We have used this time to build our mentor/mentee relationship, discuss her educational goals (including class selection), strategize on some organizational techniques and future employment opportunities in the education field.

Victoria Perry, assistant principal, Oscar DePriest School, Chicago