Blue Devil Bridges

What is Blue Devil Bridges?

Blue Devil Bridges is a one-on-one mentorship program that pairs undergraduate students with Duke alumni based on identity, academics, and professional interests. The program, designed by Duke Student Government in collaboration with Duke Alumni Engagement and Development (AED) and the Duke Career Center, aims to give students the opportunity to connect with alumni who can give insight into life after graduation, gain focus and clarity in their career path, and strengthen their connection with the Duke alumni community.

Mentor & Mentee Guides

24-25 Mentor Guide Download

24-25 Mentee Guide Download

Mentor & Mentee Testimonials

Mentor – Gregg Tenser, ‘89

“As a lifetime investor, I’d love to ‘go long’ on whatever algorithm was used to connect me to my Blue Devil Bridges mentee, Ava Ondik.
Ava is the college student that I wished I had been when I was here on campus in the 80’s, and thanks to BDB I get to experience the wonders of the latter years of college all over again, without the stress of midterms and finals!

It has been a unique pleasure and privilege to be her advisor as she completes the ‘on campus’ portion of her Forever Duke journey, and we peer around the corner towards her super-exciting next stage. Congrats and thanks to the Blue Devil Bridges creators for conjuring up yet another reason that I’m proud and thrilled to be ‘Forever Duke.'”

Mentee – Ava Ondik, ‘25

“I think it says a lot about a program – and Duke alumni on an even larger scale – when you can get matched with a person you’ve never met, and then have a conversation as if you’ve been on the same mental wavelength for years.

In other words, Blue Devil Bridges has facilitated one of the most meaningful mentorships in my time at Duke. The BDB algorithm matched me with Gregg Tenser, and throughout our calls, meetups, and check-ins, I’ve not only been able to find guidance for my professional life, but also have been reminded of just how deep Duke’s community goes and have been inspired by Gregg to be a strong part of that community even after graduation.

Because of Blue Devil Bridges, I’ve never been so excited to be a Duke student or so proud to call myself a lifelong Blue Devil. Go Duke!!!”

Data

In its first year (2023-2024), Blue Devil Bridges served 1145 alumni and 1232 students from various demographic, academic, and industry backgrounds.
Last year, 92% mentees agreed that they were satisfied with their mentor’s responsiveness.
95% mentors expressed being open to continuously support their mentees in the future as needed.

Special Thanks