By Brandon Seng
ConnectMichigan Alliance

Albion, MI-  Jessie Longhurst became actively involved at Albion College long before her enrollment in 2002.  Only a senior in high school, Jessie learned of a mentoring program that paired Albion college students with elementary students in the community.  Jessie contacted sociology professor Len Berkey at Albion College, who ran a division of the mentoring program.

“I was approached by Jessie in 2001 about participating in my 400 level mentoring course.  To admit a high schooler to a program of this level was crazy, but after talking with her several times, I began to realize that she was an exceptional young lady, and granted her access to the program.”
           
Len Berkey describes Jessie as not being somebody that you would meet everyday, a shining young star who constantly gave selflessly to her community.  Jessie continued to be involved with the Albion mentoring program, and was given a substantial scholarship to enroll at Albion in the fall of 2002.
           
While visiting Australia, a tragic car accident took the life of Albion’s young pillar.  The entire community came together to mourn Jessie’s loss at a memorial service following her death.  Among those speaking to the standing room only gathering was one of the young women Jessie had mentored, proving yet again, the intense impact she delivered on Albion.

“A love for diversity, people and Albion were Jessie’s Gifts,” said Harry Bonner, executive director of Minority Program Services in Albion, and co-instructor of a Psychology class participating in Jessie’s Gift.  “Jessie would be excited for students to see the real Albion, and its diverse population.”

It is fitting that the loss of Albion’s civic minded Jessie Longhurst would prompt the renaming of the developing mentoring program in its school system.  “Jessie’s Gift” now serves Albion, connecting the campus and community, reaching toward a vision that a passionate young woman held close to her heart.