A new mentorship initiative at KU Chabad is helping Jewish students at the University of Kansas prepare for their careers while building relationships with Jewish professionals and community leaders throughout the Kansas City area.
The JMentorship Program was created to connect KU juniors and seniors with accomplished mentors whose careers and experience align with the students’ interests. Through regular one-on-one conversations, students receive professional guidance, practical advice and a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges that may await them after graduation.
The program is built around three central goals: mentorship, networking and community. Students are paired with professionals who can offer insight into their chosen fields, review resumes and LinkedIn profiles, discuss internships and job searches, introduce them to professional contacts and serve as positive examples of Jewish communal involvement. At the same time, the relationships are intended to help students see themselves as part of the broader Kansas City Jewish community.
The initiative took off this year with a group of pairings in medicine, business and design.
KU junior Harper Witbrod, who is studying biochemistry on the pre-med track, was paired with endocrinologist Dr. David Robbins. Their weekly meetings have given Harper a closer look at the realities of a medical career, along with opportunities to discuss ethics, current events and life beyond medicine.
“JMentorship has been so great for me,” Witbrod said. “I have gained so much knowledge of what it’s actually like to live as a doctor, both the highs and lows.”
He added that their openness and wide-ranging conversations have allowed the relationship to grow beyond professional guidance. “I now consider Dr. Robbins not only a mentor, but also a great friend,” he said.
Noah Kavan, a junior studying behavioral neuroscience and human biology, was paired with Dr. Cory Gutovitz, a board-certified internal medicine physician. During their conversations, they quickly found common ground in discussions about KU, Lawrence, medicine and possible career paths.
Kavan said the experience has already helped him gain a clearer understanding of the medical profession. He looks forward to continuing to learn from his experience as he moves forward in his studies.
In the business field, KU senior Miller Brown, who is studying international business and marketing, was paired with Sam Rothschild, chief strategy and international officer partner at Slim Chickens. Their meetings have focused on leadership, international strategy, career development and decision-making.
“I have had a great experience learning from Sam,” Brown said. “I look forward to meeting with him further and diving into career development even further.”
Sam Wiesner, a junior studying pre-design and preparing to enter KU’s industrial design program, was matched with Jacob Walters, president of Kesters Merchandising Display International. Their conversations have explored design, business leadership, workplace adaptability and the importance of making the most of professional opportunities.
“My experience with the JMentorship program has been nothing but helpful for me and my future,” Wiesner said. He noted that Walters has offered both career guidance and personal advice, as well as connections within his company and industry. “Being a part of the program is one of the best and most beneficial decisions that I have made this year.”
Each pairing is designed around the interests and goals of both the student and mentor. Students apply to participate, and matches are made after reviewing their areas of study, career interests and personal objectives. Mentors and mentees are expected to remain in regular contact and meet at least once each month, either in person, by phone or virtually. They are also encouraged to meet through office visits, lunches, community events, Shabbat dinners and other shared experiences.
The program reflects a belief that mentorship can shape far more than a career. A student may gain advice about an internship or resume, but they may also develop confidence, form a lasting friendship and gain a stronger sense of connection to Jewish communal life.
“Our goal is to help Jewish students find the professional guidance and mentorship they need as they prepare for life after college,”said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, director of KU Chabad. “Just as importantly, we want them to graduate feeling connected to and anchored in the Kansas City Jewish community with relationships they can continue to grow for many years to come.”
The JMentorship Program is part of KU Chabad’s Kehillah initiative, supported by Jewish Federation of Kansas City. The initiative seeks to connect Jewish students at KU with their Jewish heritage and the Jewish community. By introducing students to Jewish professionals and community leaders while they are still in college, the program aims to build relationships that continue long after graduation and inspire the next generation to become active members and leaders of the Jewish community.
