May 5, 2025
After graduating from the School of Computing and Information (SCI), recent graduates walk away with things essential to success in their post-grad paths – skills, experience, and importantly, esteemed connections. SCI students have countless opportunities to connect with mentors that will guide them throughout their journeys, and Van Pierce (SCI ’20) found success in his career after meeting Summer Fowler (SCI ’99, ‘00G), a fellow alum who would soon become a valuable mentor and colleague. Pierce now works at TORC Robotics with Fowler, thanks to a courageous move at a networking event years prior.
In October 2019, Pierce attended the SCI Executive Brunch, where Fowler was the keynote speaker. Inspired by her expertise, Pierce struck up a conversation, which would open the door to a years-long mentorship between the two.
“During my initial interaction with Summer, I immediately knew she was someone worth staying in touch with,” said Pierce. “She is among the most intelligent, sincere, authentic, and wise people I know! She has vast wisdom and knowledge regarding information security, and she’s always enthusiastic and willing to share that knowledge.”
Beginning as an IT intern at Argo AI, Pierce has pursued his career in the IT realm at various companies. Confident in Pierce, Fowler guided him through the transition to joining TORC Robotics, where she is the Chief Information Security Officer, and Pierce officially joined in April 2024, now working as an IT Enterprise Applications Manager.
“When Van introduced himself to me at a networking event where I was speaking, I was immediately impressed with his presence,” said Fowler. “We are now at our third self-driving company together, and I can honestly say that I would want Van on my team at any company. Van has really grown – from intern to IT engineer to project manager to now being a technical lead and managing people. The credit belongs to him, because he is not only open to mentorship, but he seeks it and genuinely learns from everyone around him. What Van really needed was sponsorship, and I have been fortunate to be in positions where I could serve as a sponsor who vouches for Van’s work and promotes his capabilities.”
Reflecting on his time at SCI, Pierce is grateful he took that initial leap to speak to Fowler at the event. Pierce found speaking up challenging due to his speech disability. That day, he took a chance on himself, and it resulted in a years-long relationship full of guidance, wisdom, and success.
“Having Summer as a mentor has been an invaluable resource in my career journey,” said Pierce. “She’s seen me grow from an intern to a young working professional. I attribute not only my professional success but also my newfound confidence to Summer. Despite my speech impediment, Summer advocates for me to be in spaces I typically wouldn’t have access to due to my disability. I’m thankful to call Summer a mentor and a friend.”
Pierce and Fowler’s experience reflects the importance of mentorship at SCI and beyond. Mentors, including alumni, can provide fellow students and alumni with advice, support, and opportunities to learn and grow inside and outside of their professional lives.
“Mentorship is an excellent way to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional life,” said Fowler. “Pitt and SCI provide students with tremendous opportunities to learn everything from fundamentals to advanced concepts, and there is much more to learn in a career setting that a mentor can help a new employee to navigate. A great mentor/mentee relationship is very much two-way. I learn as much from Van as he learns from me. The key is to have a relationship with trust so that there is honesty and respect to tackle big problems and celebrate big wins.”
As the Spring 2025 term concludes and thousands of students prepare to graduate, Pierce encourages fellow students to take that next step and connect with people, even if it may feel intimidating to do so.
“Having a mentor provides an opportunity to bond with someone who can use their knowledge and expertise to guide you in the right direction,” said Pierce. “Receiving guidance from alumni allows you to get a diverse and unique perspective from someone who was once in your shoes. Graduates, keep in touch with the professors, faculty, and staff at SCI – they will always be there and be rooting for you!”
Visit the Ask Pitt Alumni webpage to connect with a mentor today!