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Why I Mentor

Oklahomans in every corner of the state are volunteering time each week to make a difference in a child's life. The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has asked some of these mentors to share their experiences.

Stanley Hupfeld currently serves as chairman of the INTEGRIS Health Family of Foundations. He was president and CEO of INTEGRIS Health from 1987 to December 2009. Prior to joining INTEGRIS, Hupfeld was CEO of All Saints Health Care, Inc. in Ft. Worth, Texas, and president of Saint Joseph Hospital in El Paso, Texas.

Why is mentoring important to you?
Mentoring is important to me because the children are often starved for adult attention. They are so happy when their mentor arrives that it clearly shows it is important to them, which subsequently makes it important to me. Mentors can assist students in developing good study habits that can continue through their educational experience. It is a great way to give back to our community.

How or why did you become involved?
Originally I became involved because of our organization's involvement which ultimately resulted in our operation of a charter school. On a personal level, I became involved when it was clear that mentors could make a real difference in the lives of these children.

How have you personally benefited from mentoring?
I've come to be more appreciative of the advantages my own children and grandchildren have enjoyed. These children start off their academic life with no advantages, and it's been a learning experience for me when the mentor can aid them in their academic involvement. To anyone interested in mentoring, this could be the best hour you spend each week.

Give an example of an activity you have shared with your mentee.
My mentee enjoys games as a reward for academic performance. I have taught all my mentees to play chess, which is a great game for developing intellectual curiosity and the ability to plan ahead.