Presidential Address


Rob Wall, our MBA Class President, gave a wonderful presidential address at the Graduation Dinner. With his permission, I replicate a part of his speech that truly says it all what we felt about the MBA program.

This evening, and over the next few days, I am certain that many of us will take the time to reflect on the last 12-months. I believe we will come to the conclusion that this has been both a very challenging and a very enjoyable year… “it was (indeed) the best of times, it was the worst of times” . To be able to avail ourselves of the opportunities presented by Queen’s and still remain sane, we needed support. It is axiomatic that without families, partners, and friends we would not have been able to achieve to the level we have. We are all very thankful to those who have supported us.

From our perspective as students, the MBA programme has run seamlessly, as a result of the tireless efforts of our administration staff. I speak for us all when I say thank you, once again, to Shannon, Ben, Kerri, Lisa, Kim, Ruth and Brian, and the staff of the BCC. The Queen’s MBA is made possible by your hard work.

To our professors, you have made business education both enlightening and enjoyable. It is a testament to your talents as educators that we have studied and learnt such a volume of academic literature in such a short time. But beyond academics, you have encouraged us all to think, to challenge assumptions, and to present what we believe in. It is encouraging in a world of corporate slang, of endless media discussion regarding management techniques, and of varying quality of MBA programmes that we can confidently say that we have studied at a leading business school and be certain of the quality of our education. You have all instilled in us the need to continue to learn, and to use our new skills to be better than we already are. With the knowledge you have imparted, we are ready to take on our next set of challenges. Thank you for your efforts as teachers and as mentors.

As a class, we have much to be proud of. I mention just a few of our achievements:
*The MBA Games team and their stellar performances in Edmonton;
*Our winning team at the Rotman CSR case competition;
*Our two teams at the FEI Case competition;
*Our strong team at the ever competitive Molson case competition,
*And, our 4th placed team at the Boston Technology Strategy case competition;
*Also, most recently we have had S and S nominated for the First Capital Challenge. So we wish them the best of luck for the finals this week.

While we have much to be proud of, our MBA year comprises more than just our individual and collective academic achievements. We have built strong friendships, many of which will carry with us into the future. I believe a key factor in the success of our group has been its inclusiveness, and that is a testament to us all. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of a class that has always striven to achieve excellence, but which has never lost sight of the importance of supporting those around us, and working together as a team.

Similarly, we recognize the value that comes with being a part of the broader Queen’s MBA alumni network. As part of our commitment to collectiveness, I am pleased to make a brief announcement on behalf of our class. .....

Thank you once again to all those that have made this year possible for us and, finally, congratulations to the Class of 2007.