
Mentor Session – Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Brought to you by Mojang Studios and Microsoft


Parking at Shively Club
850 Steven Beering Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Park at either of these lots:
- Here is a pin directly to the H/RV Lot: H/RV Lot Pin
- Here is a pin directly to the H lot: H Lot Pin
Golf cart shuttle to Shively entrance available for all participants! It will be running back and forth – be on the lookout.
AFTER THE MENTOR EVENT: You may leave your car parked in the H lot at the conclusion of the event. A shuttle service will be available for mentors on the day of the event. The shuttle will depart from Shively at 3:30 PM to take mentors to the CoRec, and will return from the CoRec to Shively at 6:00 PM.
Please note that there may be a line, and mentors may be transported in groups. A Data Mine staff member will be present at each location holding a shuttle sign to assist and help coordinate boarding.

Parking at the Co-Rec
355 N Martin Jischke Dr, West Lafayette, IN

Please park in C-Permit parking as those areas are relaxed beginning at 3 PM. Metered parking is also available should you choose that option.
Poster Layout at the Co-Rec
Here is a link that shows the poster layout at the Co-Rec: Click here to view
Make the Most of Your Visit
Purdue Day of Giving
- April 30 is Purdue Day of Giving. Click here for more information!
- Consider making a donation to The Data Mine.
Why support The Data Mine? The Data Mine is soft funded through the collaboration of our amazing corporate partners, the generosity of our donors, and grant support. When you support The Data Mine, you’re making a direct impact by:
⚡ Funding access to data science education for students from all majors
⚡Supporting Teaching Assistants who mentor and guide their peers
⚡Enabling hands-on, real-world projects with industry partners
⚡Expanding opportunities to new campuses and communities across Indiana
Every gift helps students build the skills and confidence they need for a data-driven future. Thank you for being part of this important work. Click here to donate.
Agenda for Corporate Partner Mentors, Prospective Partners, and Purdue Leaders Program
Location: Shively Club, 850 Steven Beering Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47906
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Coffee and Networking |
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM | Welcome Remarks, Dr. Jenna Rickus, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, Professor of Agriculture and Biological Engineering |
9:05 AM – 9:10 AM | Reflection – College of Science, Dr. Edward Bartlett, College of Science Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs |
9:10 AM – 9:15 AM | The Data Mine Updates, Dr. Mark Daniel Ward, Executive Director of The Data Mine |
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Panel: Data Mine Alum, Moderated by Virginia Vought, Executive Director of Central Indiana Engagement, Purdue Office of Engagement |
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Networking Break |
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Keynote: Navigating Gen Z’s Expectations in the Modern Workplace, Jennifer Merrell, Keynote Speaker, Higher Ed Consultant, and Professional Dot Connector Synopsis: Gen Z employees are often perceived as challenging. At the same time, they bring valuable perspectives and skills to the workforce. Emphasizing the elements of workplace culture, we will look at the gaps in expectations between employers and our newest generation in the workforce and dig into actionable insights for employers. By understanding and addressing these gaps, employers can create a positive work environment that benefits both Gen Z and the overall success of their organizations. |
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM | Networking Lunch |
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM | Panel: Mentor Best Practices |
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Student Awards |
Students Rejoin Symposium
4:00 – 6:00 PM | Poster Session Location: France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center (Co-Rec), 355 N Martin Jischke Dr, West Lafayette, IN |
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Dinner with The Data Mine (Team dinner at various dining halls with students, seminar student dinner) Staged start times: See schedule below. |

Seminar students will meet at FORD DINING HALL at 6:30pm, we have the upstairs reserved for you.
**Agenda subject to change
Accommodations
Hotels
Hilton Garden Inn 356 E State St, West Lafayette, IN 47906 | Click here for more info |
The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University 201 Grant St, West Lafayette, IN | Click here for more info |
Transportation
Airport Shuttle – Lafayette Limo | Click here for more information |
Taxi Service – Magic Cab Ride | 765-742-8400 |
Uber | Click here for more information |