Supported by troubling data, provocative headlines this past year have challenged the value of higher education at all levels. One popular news magazine tried to explain "why doing a PhD is often a waste of time." Even a prestigious scientific journal asked, "What's a PhD worth?" I would say, much more than its given credit. Nevertheless, the fact that this question is being asked should force us as researchers, scientists, students, and teachers to better articulate our vision for higher education. So, in this brief talk, I would like to ask for your help in answering two important questions: What are we doing? And why? Together, I believe we can make a case for the liberating value of mentorship and science in a liberal education. Specifically, I will talk about the transformative and rewarding impact of mentorship, and discuss how mentoring scientists can help to promote diversity in higher education.