MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's College of Business Administration presented the 2024 Mentor and Mentee of the Year awards during the Corporate Partner Reception. The Executive Mentor of the Year award was presented to Darin Manquist, director of real estate corporate banking for BMO Capital Markets. He was nominated by his mentee, Max Roberts, junior in finance, Olathe."
Mr. Mainquist has really worked with me to reach a potential career path that would never have been possible," Roberts said. "He's shared with me his desire to give back to K-State as much as possible, and he's certainly shown that with his trust in me and with the time he's dedicated to supporting my peers and me. He has absolutely excelled in his role as a mentor. The opportunity to fly to New York and get to know him was an incredible experience. He is someone that I will look to as a mentor far beyond the Executive Mentor Program and is a great role model."
Morgan Porter, a senior studying marketing, Gardner, was named the Mentee of the Year. She was nominated by her mentor, Ryan Seematter, IT auditor expert and lead at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
"Servant leadership is defined as the process of putting others' needs before yours. I've had the privilege of seeing servant leadership through the eyes of my Executive Mentee, Morgan Porter," Seematter said. "Morgan immediately displayed empathy and emotional intelligence during our first conversation, and I could tell she truly cared about others. Morgan's overall success to this day has contributed to the growth not only within herself but also through her sorority house and supporting leadership team members. Morgan is a one-of-a-kind student, someone that brings out the best in others, and has helped me grow as a mentor."
Initiated in 2011, the Executive Mentor Program facilitates structured, professional mentoring relationships among students and alumni/friends associated with the college. The program pairs mentors and mentees for a six-month duration, during which they are encouraged to engage in monthly meetings.
Mentors support their mentees in setting and achieving goals, honing professional skills, exploring career opportunities and building professional networks.Those interested in becoming an executive mentor can learn more about the program and email [email protected].