Out-of-the-Box Activities Enhance the IGNITE Experience
When you picture a mentor/mentee meeting, you likely envision two people meeting in a coffee shop, or maybe laughing over a shared lunch. Axe throwing? Not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But for advisor Bill Dolan, going out of his way to do out-of-the-box activities enhances the overall Ignite experience.
“The beauty of connecting in these ways is that it focuses on forming a relationship, as opposed to just passing along cognitive concepts,” he said. “Certain activities can further cement a bond, and create a meaningful memory.”
This is not Bill’s first rodeo, having gotten involved in Ignite during its inaugural 2021-2022 year. The axe throwing outing was a common denominator between both years, but otherwise, each year presented a unique opportunity to connect with a new student.
“The concept of mentoring, itself, is similar,” said Bill. “But every human being is different. You have the opportunity to navigate life with them, and learn from their unique experiences.”
Bill was first approached by Laurie Koehler to get involved in Ignite, and he was immediately interested. “I knew everything she touches is gold,” he said. Also, one of Bill’s children is a George Fox graduate, so Ignite was a way for him to pour back into the university. Beyond even that, Bill finds mentoring to be a deeply meaningful experience.
“I am the product of mentors. I am who I am because of people who have invested in me. Being involved in Ignite allows you to take all the wisdom you’ve accumulated and pass it onto the next generation,” he said.
Axe throwing might be hard to top, but Bill and his advisee have a mountain climbing trip on the calendar later this spring. Either way, the true value will come from the continued relationship building.
“It brings joy to my heart to have this privilege to mentor a young adult,” said Bill. “I think few things in life look more like Christ.”
Bill Dolan is President and Creative Director of Spirit Media, a creative marketing agency specializing in video production, live + virtual + hybrid event production, and message strategy for profit and non-profit organizations. Bill has produced live events for 500 to 250,000 people, directed national and international broadcasts for millions, and has acted as director and creative consultant for hundreds of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to global ministries. In 1999, Bill had a near death experience that challenged his world view and approach to communication and marketing. Years of research led him to write the book, “The 7 Disciplines of Relationship Marketing.” Today, he is a recognized authority, keynote speaker, and workshop trainer of the “7DRM Strategy.”