Beyond the Classroom: Alumni Mentors Bring Learning to Life Through Severn’s ISP Program

Each May, students embark on Innovative Senior Projects (ISPs), immersing themselves in careers, creative passions, and real-world challenges that build on years of academic learning. In support of that initiative, a record-breaking 18 alumni returned to Severn this spring—not as students, but as mentors—opening their workplaces, sharing their expertise, and helping seniors envision life beyond graduation.

“The unprecedented alumni participation in this year’s ISP program demonstrates the strength of the Severn network and the willingness of our graduates to invest in the next generation,” said Alumni Director Carolyn Campion.

Throughout the month, seniors explored an extraordinary range of professions. They observed courtroom proceedings with Judge Richard Bennett ’65, learned the business of event planning with Melissa (Muendel) Hartley ’90, gained insight into personal finance from Mike Calabrese ’94, and developed culinary projects under the guidance of Allison (Clark) Collins ’95.

Others shadowed physicians, veterinarians, educators, marketers, entrepreneurs, commercial real estate professionals, and public policy leaders. From sustainability in fashion and nonprofit advocacy to elementary classrooms and product marketing on a Las Vegas tradeshow floor, students experienced firsthand the skills, collaboration, and adaptability that define today’s workplaces.

For many alumni, saying yes to mentoring was an easy decision.

“I remember being 17 and not fully understanding what was possible,” said Carol (Prickett) Snyder ’98, who hosted a senior interested in residential real estate. “I wanted to give a young woman a real, unfiltered look at what running a business actually looks like—the strategy, the hustle, the team, and the joy of it.”

Chris Edgar ’10 echoed that sentiment, recalling how mentors helped shape his own career. “When I was in high school and college, I had no idea what career path I wanted to pursue,” he said. “Becoming an ISP mentor is an opportunity to help students gain perspective and approach their own professional journeys with greater confidence.”

For Leanne Hug ’09, mentoring offered an opportunity to reconnect with the community that helped launch her career. “Giving back to the Severn community, one that gave me so much as a student, is a true honor,” she said.

For students, these mentorships offered far more than a glimpse into a profession. While observing surgeries, meeting with patient advocates and policymakers in Annapolis, sitting in on business strategy meetings, or learning the daily realities of veterinary medicine, seniors developed a deeper understanding of the questions to ask, the relationships that matter, and the many paths available within a single profession.

Julia Pitcher ’98 saw that growth firsthand. After watching her mentee present his ISP final on government relations and advocacy, she said she was “absolutely blown away” by his professionalism and depth of understanding. Pitcher has already offered to help connect him with future internship opportunities, illustrating how ISP mentorships often grow into lasting professional relationships.

The experience also gave many alumni an opportunity to reflect on their own careers.

“Fresh eyes are a gift,” Snyder reflected. “Watching a sharp, curious young woman move through my world reminded me how much I’ve actually built.”

Veterinarian Dr. Sean Etter ’02 agreed. “Witnessing a student’s curiosity and enthusiasm gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own career journey and why I chose this profession.”

The ISP program continues to showcase one of Severn’s greatest strengths: a community that extends far beyond graduation. As alumni return to mentor, advise, and inspire, they help today’s seniors gain the confidence, perspective, and practical wisdom to chart their own course—while strengthening the lifelong bonds that define the Severn community.

This story originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of The Bridge, Severn's alumni magazine. Click here to see the full issue.