More than 300 alumni and students convene to share career interests
-By Jill Carmack
USC Law alumni and current 1L students filled the cardinal and gold ballroom of Town and Gown to attend USC Law’s notable networking opportunity, the annual Mentor Lunch. This year, the event saw a more than 25 percent increase in attendance; with 210 alumni and 188 students, this was the most highly attended mentor luncheon to date. The growing participation numbers are a direct reflection of the valued experiences that past students and alumni have taken away from this unique occasion. 
A recent alumna, Andrea Fontana ’10, was inspired by her experience with the program as a 1L, and was enthusiastic to give back to the community that brought her to where she is today.
“People like me are obligated to come back to an event like this. That is what the Trojan network is all about,” said Fontana.
Dean Robert K. Rasmussen opened the event by pointing out how no other law school is capable of holding a networking event that could measure up to the magnitude of this luncheon.
“No one can compete with us on the strength and depth of commitment our alumni have to this law school,” said Rasmussen.
Trojan alumni from over nine different decades united with students to open doors that would not normally be available to students. Giving back to the school and its current students is a defining element of any USC experience, and the luncheon truly demonstrated the length that the USC community extends.
This annual luncheon matches students with several alumni working in the field of the students’ interest. The students were seated at tables of no more than 10 people, in order to provide a more personal experience for both students and mentors to connect.
Anna Bijelic ’13 expressed that she hoped to utilize this opportunity to begin a career-advising relationship with some of the alumni who work in corporate law and litigation. Bejelic believes that as a 1L, this luncheon will help her to establish contacts who can help guide her through the rest of her time at USC Law, and hopefully to develop into a professional like these alumni.
“Alumni look fondly upon their time at USC, and they want to maintain the values of their degrees by reaching out,” said Bijelic.
Rhonda Saunders ’82 finds this to be an opportunity for her as a mentor and as an employer as well. Many of the students she has met at this luncheon have ended up working as clerks for the District Attorney’s office where Saunders practices criminal law. “The discussions at the luncheon are often a shortcut to the office.”
Jesse Fruman ’05 graduate of the JD/MBA program, found his first job though USC alumni connections. Fruman believes that the only way to grow as a professional working in a renewable energy project development company is to network.
“I don’t find deals sitting at my desk," Fruman said. "I get more work done out of the office when I meet people and make connections."
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