Launch is a yearlong program designed to help incoming students succeed as they transition into college. Launch mentors are a key part of Launch for incoming students. They are responsible for leading a group of first-year students to success throughout their first semester at Franklin College.

The mentors are introduced to students during Welcome Week and continue to support them throughout Launch Labs during the semester. They serve students by helping them transition into college, directing students to needed resources and allowing students to voice questions or concerns.

Director of First-Year Engagement Jacob Cole, M.S. Ed, stated, “Seeing them grow as individuals and collectively as a team is so rewarding because it shows how committed they are to their success and to their student’s success.”

The Launch Mentors assisting with the class of 2027 includes:

Sarah Carpenter, a resident of Whiteland.

Maddie Cary, a resident of Chesterton.

Kwahlie Coffman, a resident of Lexington, Ky.

Michiah Draper, a resident of Plainfield.

Amy Garrido Portillo, a resident of Greenwood.

Adam Guth, a resident of Santa Claus.

Trent Hartlage, a resident of Louisville, Ky.

Kiara McGuyre, a resident of Mooresville.

Cara Mullen, a resident of Carthage.

Kendall Potts, a resident of Haubstadt.

Shea Reynolds, a resident of Crothersville.

Claire Sampson, a resident of Indianapolis.

Gabi Sherry, a resident of Franklin.

Clay Shull, a resident of Muncie.

David Sieg, a resident of Ramsey.

Monica Velazquez-Cortes, a resident of Franklin.

Taryn Welch, a resident of Indianapolis.

Nic Whitecotton, a resident of Greenwood.

Launch mentors are expected to be effective communicators with a positive attitude. They go through extensive training to successfully conduct one on one meetings with students, co-instruct Launch lab and help facilitate Welcome Week.

Applications to become a Launch Mentor for 2024 will open during the spring semester and interviews will take place around spring break. Interviews are a two-part process that includes group and individual interviews.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

POSTED Oct 26, 2023