The Uncommon Individual Foundation (UIF) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that studies, develops and applies the art and science of mentoring.
The Foundation helps individuals and organizations achieve their goals through 5 Mentoring Programs: Corporate, Education, Entrepreneur, Media, and Technology.
In 1986, Dr. Richard Caruso, CEO of Integra Life Sciences, organized and launched the Foundation. The son of immigrant, working-class parents, Dr. Caruso achieved success in business through the influence of mentors he encountered throughout his life. The correlation between his success and the mentoring he received led Dr. Caruso to create UIF as a way to "mentor it forward"?, helping individuals and organizations access experts, receive personal guidance, and utilize a comprehensive suite of mentoring tools and techniques to help ensure success.