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WASHINGTON, DC --- The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Department of Alumni Relations & Department of Residence Life have announced a partnership geared toward connecting the University's alumni base with its graduating seniors.

The goal of the M.E.C.C.A. initiative (Mentoring Exchange for Cultivating Career Advancement) is to cultivate positive interaction between current and future alumni and facilitate a culture of giving back within the University community through mentoring and advice on career advancement.

The first M.E.C.C.A. event will be held on Thursday, February 19th at 6:30 p.m. at the College Hall South building (2205 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059).

"We are excited to partner with Alumni Relations and Residence Life in this important initiative," Interim Director of Athletics Shelley Davis said of the collaborative effort. "Howard student-athletes - and Howard students in general - are heavily recruited by organizations because of their leadership, teamwork, and time management skills. Connecting our seniors with successful Howard alumni will give them an opportunity to build beneficial relationships and learn from professionals in their chosen industry.

"Further, this will help Athletics reach back to our former student-athletes by providing a platform for them to engage with current ones in a meaningful way."

The M.E.C.C.A. movement is an extension of the We Are Howard campaign, which was created in August 2014 as a means to energize Howard's annual giving efforts and bring about positive change in the University. We Are Howard is the brainchild of a small group of alumni, led by Class of 2013 graduate Anthony Miller.

"We Are Howard was our way to answer the question of 'How can we make our University better?'," said Miller. "The essence of the campaign is WE ARE HOW...we are how solutions get created, we are how the University is able to improve, and we are how the Howard experience gets enhanced. The campaign allows anyone with a stake in Howard to give financially, and the M.E.C.C.A. initiative allows people to give their time and energy as well."

Senior Director of Alumni Relations Charles Gibbs and Interim Dean of Residence Life Jonathan Ajose echoed the sentiments of Davis and Miller about the unique opportunity the M.E.C.C.A. and We Are Howard campaigns provide.

"The M.E.C.C.A. program is a unique opportunity for seasoned alumni to make a positive impact on Howard's future and the leaders of tomorrow," Gibbs said. "Partnering with We Are Howard, Athletics and Residence Life provides the opportunity to connect our talented students with our successful alumni in various industries."

Ajose added, "Residence Life is pleased to enter into this partnership and look forward to seeing its results moving forward. We strive to provide quality programming for our students so joining this movement was an easy decision for our department."

Graduates and seniors can sign up to be mentors and mentees by visiting the We Are Howard website (www.wearehoward.com).