viewpoints - spring 2012
DESCRIPTION
The growth of UBC’s business school over the past 13 years is the result of confi dent andvisionary thinking on the part of all those invested in the school. In this issue, as we mark the endof one chapter, and the beginning of another, we look back on the milestones in innovation andinternationalization in a retrospective on leadership and learning at the Sauder School of Business.TRANSCRIPT
A magazine for alumni and friends of the Sauder School of Business at UBCSPRING / SUMMER 2012 • VOLUME 32 • NO 2
1VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
1999–2012The growth of UBC’s business school over the past 13 years is the result of confi dent and
visionary thinking on the part of all those invested in the school. In this issue, as we mark the end
of one chapter, and the beginning of another, we look back on the milestones in innovation and
internationalization in a retrospective on leadership and learning at the Sauder School of Business.
The Sauder StoryPaul Hollands (BCom 1979)
Rodrigo Caetano (MBA 2007)
ALUMNI STORIES
46
69
Sauder Index
Newsworthy
Actuals
Insider Information
Class Notes
Points of View
IN EVERY ISSUE
2
8
10
12
60
68
UBC Commerce/Sauder School of Business Alumni
twitter.com/ubcsauderschool
linkedin.com/company/sauder-school-of-business-at-ubc
Building on business22
Forty under 40Meet Georald Ingborg, Jennifer Duff and Janice Cheam. Three rising stars on this year’s Business in Vancouver “Forty under 40” list—and each of them rewriting the rules.
Sauder unveils $70-million facilitySauder’s new 55,000 square foot building at UBC will help it become a leading global destination for business education.
15
52
Bicycle accident, or the end of civilization?Wayne Deans, investment manager, motor racing enthusiast, and Sauder benefactor talks about his gift of the Wayne Deans Investment Analysis Centre.
Earning InterestTop fi ve restaurants, a tomato to manage your time, and all the business books you will ever need.
56
58
A look back on 13 years of research, faculty, learning and community.
Imagine: Our variation on an iconic illustration represents the distinctive leadership style of, and doors opened by, Dean Dan Muzyka over the past 13 years. Illustration by Leanne Romak.
NEWS
Revamped MBA offers hands-on learning, global immersion and business discipline.
49
2 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
OUR MISSION FOR VIEWPOINTSViewpoints Magazine is designed to nurture dialogue
and relationships with our alumni and friends by
ensuring that you continue to enjoy the practical
benefi ts of the school’s leading-edge business thinking.
Viewpoints presents news, research and commentary
that demonstrate the ability of our faculty and our
graduates to defi ne the future of business and to open
doors for those who are connected to the Sauder
School of Business. Your thoughts about this mission
are always welcome.
EDITORIALDale Griffi n EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Cristina Calboreanu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jennifer Wah MANAGING EDITOR
DESIGNBrandon Brind CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Deana De Ciccio, Olga Kondratowicz,
Leanne Romak GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
PRODUCTIONSpencer MacGillivray PRODUCTION MANAGER
Viewpoints Magazine is produced by Forwords
Communication Inc. and published by the Sauder
School of Business, University of British Columbia
2053 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Tel: 604-822-8555, Fax: 604-822-0592. Viewpoints
is published regularly for alumni and friends of the
Sauder School of Business.
We welcome the submission of ideas and articles
for possible publication in Viewpoints Magazine.
Email: [email protected]
For an online version of Viewpoints, visit
www.sauder.ubc.ca.
CHANGE OF ADDRESSSend change of address to Alumni Relations Offi ce,
fax: 604-822-0592 or email to [email protected]
©Copyright 2012, Sauder School of Business.
Editorial material contained in Viewpoints Magazine
may be freely reproduced provided credit is given.
ISSN 089-2388. Canada Post. Printed in Canada.
EDITORIAL BOARDDale Griffi n (Chair), Sheila Biggers, Bruce Wiesner
CONTRIBUTORSCristina Calboreanu, Lorraine Chan, Allan Jenkins,
Spencer MacGillivray, Rob McMahon, Andrew Riley,
Erica Smishek, Jennifer Wah, Leanna Yip,
Kate Zimmerman
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This issue of Viewpoints was printed in Canada using
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The Sauder IndexBY JENNIFER WAH
Of the top fi ve Canadian business schools named to the 2012
Financial Times Top 100 ranking, number named for a benefactor: All
Approximate number of graduates from Sauder since 1999: More than 10,000
Countries worldwide where Sauder alumni live or work: 74
Number of countries visited by Dan Muzyka
during his 13 years as dean: 36
Average years tenure for a business school dean: 5
Commute time for Dan Muzyka from his home on Saltspring
Island to the Sauder offi ces at UBC: About 3 hours
To Ottawa, where he will commute to his new role as president and
CEO of the Conference Board of Canada: 4 hours, 27 minutes
Destinations now part of the revamped Sauder MBA program:
Bangalore, Copenhagen, Shanghai
Average age of MBA students in British Columbia: 29
Percentage of Sauder MBA graduates employed within
three months of completing their degree: 80
Number of Bloomberg real-time terminals providing global capital market data
to Finance students in the new Wayne Deans Investment Analysis Centre: 9
Share price of Facebook on May 18, 2012, on the day of the
launch of the third-largest IPO in US history: $38
Share price of Facebook on May 30, 2012, the day this
issue of Viewpoints was printed: $28.19
3VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Dan Muzyka has served as dean of the Sauder School of Business since 1999. He leaves the position at the end of June to become president and CEO of the Conference Board of Canada.
VIEWPOINTS FROM THE DEAN
Over the past 13 years, this column in Viewpoints Magazine has been one of many places I have connected with alumni. Viewpoints is a place where we tell our story. It’s a story that started long before I arrived, and the chapters still to come will be even more riveting. >>
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4 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
WE HAVE HAD MILESTONES, TO BE SURE.
Starting on page 22, a 14-page retrospective
looks back at what we have accomplished
since 1999.
One person saw a unique opportunity—
my friend and mentor Bill Sauder. Speaking
of what would become the largest gift ever
to a Canadian university to name a business
school, Bill said: “I want to do this for the
kids,” and his words inspired us all. Bill and
Marjorie-Anne’s gift to the school signaled a
change, and there is no question that gifts
of time, treasure and talent over the past
decade have made the greatest difference to
our success.
Another shoulder I have leaned on is Bob
Lee. Lee’s visionary conviction in establishing
the UBC Properties Trust helps ensure this
University’s future. His gift to establish the
Robert H. Lee Graduate School in 2006 was
another pivotal moment in this era. Six years
later, the school’s MBA program is consistently
ranked among the top 100 in the world by
publications such as The Economist, and
Financial Times.
Myriad donors, including more than 20
who have given $1 million+ each, came
forward to support the School during our
building campaign. Among them were
present and future generations of students
who elected to support the rebuilding of
their learning environment through a self-
imposed fee to service a mortgage of more
than $20 million. >>
“ If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton
This has been our journey. It’s been the journey ofa community yearning for a world-class seedingground for business, and a faculty seeking to engagethrough its teaching and ideas. We are—all of us—believers in the confi dent evolution of one of Canada’s most successful and important business schools, and one competitive on a world stage.
VIEWPOINTS FROM THE DEAN
5VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Builder“Dan did an incredible job bringing the real world of business to campus and
showcasing the strength of our school to the global market. He led the successful effort to highlight the Sauder
brand on the world stage.”
Christina Anthony, BCom 1997, Vice President, Director, Portfolio Manager,
and Investment Advisor, Odlum Brown
DynamicLawrence Sauder, Chairman & CEO,
Sauder Industries
Energy“Look out, here comes the Energizer Bunny!”
Hari Varshney, Varshney Capital Corp
“Dean Dan was one of the reasons my time at UBC was as fantastic as it was. He was an excellent support for the MBA Society,
completely devoted to the student body and our experience, both in and out of the classroom.
He pushed us to be better students and citizens, celebrated our diverse backgrounds and
experiences, and made us proud to be a part of the Sauder School of Business family.”
Ashley Kerr, MBA 2009, Marketing Manager, DST Subserveo; former President of the MBA Society
ResourcefulSheldon Trainor, BCom 1988, Director of Ibris Holdings, and
Managing Director of PacBridge Capital Partners
EntrepreneurialPaul Hollands (BCom 1979),
Chair, Faculty Advisory Board
6 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
“I really appreciate the freedom that the Dean has given the CUS to be entrepreneurial and run over
10 conferences, host amazing Frosh orientation weekends, and push forward
the building project by involving students. Thank you for building the School into
something more amazing than I could have imagined!”
Dylan Callow, BCom 2012 (Accounting), VP Academic, UBC Commerce
Undergraduate Society
Inspiration“Dan Muzyka is a force to be reckoned with. In a world of uncertainty and indecision, he is a brave
leader that considers all input, but then moves forward. Progress cannot be made by satisfying all, so he gathers as much input as appropriate
... then does what he believes is right and for the good of the many. He is self-sacrifi cing and
self-effacing for the good of the cause.” Randy Powell, President, Armstrong Group
Engaging“There is no doubt whatsoever: Dean Dan is
the absolute best example of engaging personalities. People from all walks of life
are drawn to him for a multitude of reasons. There will only be one Dean Dan!”
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, President, Absolute Spa Group; Current President,
Vancouver Board of Trade
ProgressiveJohn Montalbano, President,
Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management Ltd.
IndefatigableTracey McVicar, BCom 1990,
Private Equity Partner, CAI Capital Management Co.
VIEWPOINTS FROM THE DEAN
7VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Without the support of all of these commitments,
we would not have moved ahead in our latest
evolution. Your past and ongoing support is key
to the future of your business school.
Highly respected Canadian and international
business leaders constitute the School’s Faculty
Advisory Board, and they have supported and
guided us toward many of the great things
we’ve achieved. Under the leadership of Bob
Stewart (you’ll fi nd his words on page 47), the
Faculty Advisory Board initiated our decade-
long period of growth. After Bob, Paul Hollands
(see also page 47) oversaw the development
and global awareness-raising of our now-iconic
Sauder brand and “Opening Worlds” tagline, and
continues today as chair of that group.
The School’s 100 core faculty members—
half of whom are new since I arrived—have
pushed the boundaries of learning, both in the
classroom and elsewhere, so that our students
are eminently hireable in the real world of
business, and have infl uenced management
thinking through their path-breaking research.
We grew a new generation of teachers and
researchers, and a visionary new space; buildings
in which we can all learn from each other.
I have stood on the shoulders of giants, seen
further, and I am grateful for the opportunity to
serve. The Sauder School of Business is poised,
like a classic car with a rebuilt engine, ready for
its next driver. ■
Daniel F. Muzyka, DeanRBC FINANCIAL GROUP PROFESSOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
“ Highly respected business leaders constitute the School’s Faculty Advisory Board, and they have supported and guided us toward many of the great things we’ve achieved.” – Daniel F. Muzyka
EnergySandra Stuart,
Chief Operating Offi cer, HSBC
8 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
NEWSWORTHY SAUDER IN THE NEWS
People more likely to lie when texting, new research showsA new study on texting as a means of communication, co-authored by Associate Professor Ronald
Cenfetelli and Professor Karl Aquino, made headlines in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, The Times of
India, London’s Daily Mail, MSNBC, The Huffi ngton Post, The Globe and Mail, CBC, and numerous other national
and international media outlets. The research suggests that people tend to be more dishonest when
texting, compared to when using other modes of communication.
Written with Assistant Professor David Jingjun Xu of Wichita State University, a former PhD
student from Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate
School, the paper published in the Journal of Business
Ethics shows that study participants were more
likely to lie in a text message than in face-to-face
conversations or in online video or audio chat
platforms. They also demonstrate that people
deceived by “leaner” media, such as text mes-
sages, are more angered than those misled by
“richer” media, such as video chat. ■
Re-imagined UBC MBA grabs headlinesIn an article headlined “Globe exclusive: UBC’s
revamped MBA,” The Globe and Mail highlights
Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School as a
good example of a business school rethinking
how best to equip students with the skills
needed for the global marketplace.
The story cites Dean Daniel Muzyka, who
emphasizes the importance of graduates being
able to work on a public policy level and under-
stand the complexity of organizations that need
to undergo transformational change.
Discussing the international thrust of the
program’s renewal, Associate Dean Murali Chan-
drashekaran says, “When business is global, the
business school needs to be global, as well.” ■
Professor argues government needs a framework for privatizationIn an op-ed published in the National Post, Professor Anthony Boardman
concludes that the privatization of organizations operating in Canadian
competitive markets over the past few decades has ultimately improved
social welfare.
While privatization has slowed, Professor Boardman suggests that the
sale of the Commercial Reactor Sales and Service Division of Atomic Energy
of Canada Ltd. may indicate a renewed interest in further privatization by
the Prime Minister Stephen Harper-led government.
Citing that no Canadian government has formulated a framework to
guide Canada’s privatization regime, the professor argues the time has come to formalize a set
of principles to assess the potential of further privatization. ■
Sauder research gets traction with Vancouver cab companiesA study led by Associate Professor Garland Chow from April to October 2011 was the focus of two
stories in The Vancouver Sun. In his research, Professor Chow looked at the
impact of having more cabs in Vancouver’s downtown core.
British Columbia’s stiffer drinking and driving laws introduced in
September 2010 put new demand on the Vancouver taxi industry.
In response, the Vancouver Taxi Association did a six-month pilot, issuing
65 peak temporary operating permits and Professor Chow’s research found
that customer demand easily absorbed the increased number of cars.
On the basis of his research, government is reassessing the number cabs
that will be on the city’s streets. ■
E-bargaining can lead to risky financial decisions, new study says
New marketing
research by Associate
Professors Rui (Juliet)
Zhu and Xinlei (Jack)
Chen, which shows
that interacting on
websites (such as
e-Bay) can result
in risky fi nancial
decisions, was
highlighted in Bloomberg Businessweek.
The research paper, to be published in an
upcoming issue of the Journal of Marketing Research,
demonstrates that people in online communities
are motivated by their belief that their virtual
friends are on their side. ■
9VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
New facilities get in-depth feature
To learn more about Sauder in the news, visit www.sauder.ubc.ca
The Globe and Mail case studies showcase Sauder alumni In two separate case studies written for
The Globe and Mail’s Your Business Section, Jeff
Kroeker, a lecturer in Sauder’s Accounting
Division, highlighted the challenges and
successes of Sauder alumni in today’s business
environment.
The fi rst article features Sauder alumnus Jeff
Fung, who drew on his business and legal back-
ground to create the online company MyLaw-
Bid, which creates an online portal for lawyers
to connect with clients.
The second article describes how Panda
Games Manufacturing, the brainchild of Sauder
alumnus Michael Lee, fi lled a void in the board
game production industry to become an inter-
national success. ■
Environmentally speaking, business can help Vancouver shineProfessor Moura Quayle argued in an op-ed written for The Vancouver Sun
that despite Canada opting out of the Kyoto protocol, Vancouver can
still be an international leader in promoting sustainability with the help
of business.
Although Canada has moved away from its commitments under the
Kyoto Protocol, Vancouver has pledged to become the world’s greenest
city by 2020. C3, a partnership between the City of Vancouver and its
six post-secondary institutions (among them UBC), is already working
towards achieving the Greenest Action Plan targets.
Professor Quayle is urging Vancouver business leaders to join them. ■
Sauder’s $70-million facility expansion and
renewal gained major media coverage in
The Vancouver Sun, which ran a two-page business
section cover story under the headline, “Sauder
looks to future with major media-savvy
makeover—University of B.C.’s business school
puts a new focus on student collaboration.”
The article describes how Sauder is working
to integrate state-of-the-art technology with its
educational offerings. The wide-ranging story
features interviews with people from across the
school and includes quotes from Dean Daniel
Muzyka, Associate Dean Katriona MacDonald,
Professor Moura Quayle, Associate Professor
Murray Carlson, Associate Professor Rafael Rogo,
Learning Technologies Manager Rob Peregoodoff,
and fourth year fi nance student Ralph Yang. ■
10 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
ACTUALS SEEN AND HEARD IN THE SAUDER WORLD
Alumni WeekendOn May 26, the Sauder School of Business opened its doors to alumni and
friends as part of the UBC Alumni Weekend.
With more than 60 events, tours, and attractions planned across
campus, the day was an opportunity for alumni and community members
to reconnect with old friends and experience some of the latest initiatives
and innovations at the school and the university.
The Sauder School featured several events, including:
“Leadership and Transformation: The Bitter Truth” – Dean Daniel
F. Muzyka shared lessons and stories of his unique experiences ushering
in a new era of business education at UBC during his term as dean
of the Sauder School of Business for the past 13 years. Under Dean
Muzyka’s watch, the School has been transformed into a dynamic and
comprehensive force for learning, idea generation, action and community
engagement.
“Little Entrepreneurs: Kids. Business. Ideas.” – Sauder’s d.studio
offered children the chance to experience its creative energy, coming up
with their own business ideas and creating their own “business plan”
based on what they love the most.
The School also hosted an Open House and guided building tours with
Sauder students, celebrating the revitalization of our learning environment
and the excellence of our people, ideas and activities. ■
Sustainability focus of largest MBA student-run conferenceOn April 20, the 10th Annual Net Impact Conference and
Sustainability Expo, the largest event presented by MBA students
at the Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School, attracted more than
170 students and industry leaders focused on sustainable business.
The event titled “Sustainability: Beyond the Rhetoric” drew on
leaders from Vancouver’s internationally recognized green industries
for panels on Clean Tech and Energy; Impact and Ethical Investing;
Leadership in Corporate Responsibility; Natural Resources; and
Measurement and Benchmarking.
“In the wake of the 2008 fi nancial crisis, many expressed concern
that MBA programs were producing business professionals whose
chief interest was profi t,” said Annie Lambla, President of UBC’s Net
Impact Graduate Chapter. “At Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School,
we see business successes refl ected in a triple bottom line—it has to
be good for people, the planet and for profi ts.” ■
UBC Sauder Real Estate students win the 9th Annual Pacific Northwest Real Estate ChallengeSauder students Maryam Bagheri, Nik Cheng, Daniel Dibadj, Rey Halim,
Emily Kaplun, Izaam Kassam, Allison Lasocha, Nathan Ma, Roy Pat,
Amanda Payne, Bryan Wong and Zoe Yang brought home the trophy at the
9th Annual Pacifi c Northwest Real Estate Challenge, which took place in
Seattle on March 27–28, 2012.
Special thanks for the efforts and support from the mentors (Chris Kay
at Townline Group of Companies, Michael Mortensen at Grosvenor, Peter
Russell at City of Vancouver, and Hugo Vasquez at Mondevo Projects Inc.),
and academic advisors (Janet Corne and Michael Katz at Katz Architecture,
Mark Monroe and Prof. Tsur Somerville at the Sauder of School of Business).
The team’s presentation, report and photos are available on the website
of the UBC Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate: cuer.sauder.ubc.ca. ■
11VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School brings together student leaders at World Model United NationsOn March 11, more than 2,100 local and international student
delegates gathered at the Vancouver Convention Centre for the World
Model United Nations 2012 Conference (WMUN). This was the fi rst
time that the largest travelling college-level Model UN conference was
being held in Canada.
As a major sponsor of WMUN, Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate
School worked to engage delegates, from all around the world, in
conversation about major social issues. As one of the keynote speakers
during the opening ceremony, Professor Murali Chandrashekaran,
Associate Dean, Professional Graduate Programs and Director, Robert H.
Lee Graduate School, emphasized the important role youth play in leading
sustainable solutions for global poverty, overpopulation and hunger.
Using social technologies, the School crowdsourced input from
WMUN delegates to determine the direction of Chandrashekaran’s
speech, using several social media platforms to spread the word to
delegates in advance of the opening ceremony and to solicit answers to
three central questions:
• What tools should business education provide to globally-
minded young leaders?
• What do you want graduate business schools to know about
your goals and aspirations?
• What global challenge would you like to see on every business
school’s curriculum? ■
UBC MBA students travel to China to meet with top employersTwenty MBA students from Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School
recently returned from Trek China, a global immersion that took
them to Hong Kong and Shanghai for fi rsthand experience in China’s
thriving marketplace. During an intense fi ve days, the group met with
local representatives for twelve global companies, including Louis
Vuitton, Google and KPMG.
“The goal is to expose students to new markets and provide
them with an understanding of how business is being done in these
markets,” said Sauder assistant dean Denise Baker.
It is the third Trek China organized by the Hari B. Varshney Business
Career Centre. ■
Sauder student entrepreneurs win international competition for paperless ticketing app On March 1, a team of Sauder and UBC student entrepreneurs snagged
fi rst prize at the University Mobile Challenge, organized by Berkeley
Engineering. The competition was held at the GSMA World Mobile
Congress in Barcelona, the premier event for the mobile communications
industry. They won for their mobile app called “goodnights” that may give
Ticketmaster a run for its money.
Available free from iTunes, the goodnights app provides a convenient
paperless event ticketing solution. Users can buy tickets on their phone
using the app, which stores a digital copy of the ticket that allows them to
gain entry to the event. The app also helps fans, artists and promoters by
addressing the resale of tickets in the same mobile platform, allowing the
simple and safe transfer of tickets between people.
The student team of Sauder student Michael Moll, Sauder/Computer
Science student Jeff Blake and Justin Locke, a UBC student in the Faculty
of Arts, competed against 13 international student teams from countries
including India, France, US, and UK. ■
Sauder undergrads conclude a successful spring semester of competitionsThroughout the spring semester, Sauder undergraduates participated in
several competitions, locally and internationally. Kaizen Biomedical, founded
by a team of BCom and UBC Engineering students in the undergraduate
course New Venture Design, placed fi rst at the Pacifi c Venture Capital
Competition held in Vancouver on March 24. Kaizen’s MobiChill earned the
team a $1000 prize. The competition, hosted by the UBC Finance Club, is the
only undergraduate venture capital competition in Canada.
Two Sauder students were victorious at the fi fth annual CA Case
Competition, hosted by the CA School of Business in Vancouver. It drew
students from post-secondary institutions across Western Canada. A Sauder
team placed third at the Marshall International Case Competition, hosted by
the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. The
teams were tasked with providing strategic advice, on movie distribution, to
big Hollywood media and entertainment companies, such as Warner Bros.,
Sony Pictures and Universal Studios. Finally, a Sauder team placed fourth
at the Champions Trophy Case Competition at the University of Auckland
Business School. ■
12 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
SAUDER FACULTY INSIDER INFORMATION
Faculty excel in major teaching and research awards
Sauder professors are being applauded as
being among the best in the 2011–12
University of British Columbia and Sauder
School of Business teaching and research
awards.
Associate Professor Marc-David Seidel,
of the Organizational Behaviour and
Human Resources Division, was awarded
the 2012 UBC Killam Teaching Prize for his
contributions to undergraduate teaching. He
has been instrumental in the development
of the Commerce Scholars Program, a
research-based initiative that provides top
undergraduates with mentorship from
distinguished faculty members.
The winner of the 2012 CGA Graduate
Master Teacher Award was Assistant
Professor Tim Silk of the Marketing
Division. His contributions to curricular
development include substantial input into
the design and structure of the new UBC
MBA program, to be offered by the Robert
H. Lee Graduate School.
The 2012 Talking Stick Award for
pedagogical innovation went to Associate
Professor Murray Carlson of the Finance
Division. The award recognizes his
innovations in teaching, particularly
the development of the Wayne Deans
Investment Analysis Centre where students
learn real-time investment analysis by using
high-tech fi nancial tools.
The 2012 Research Excellence Award
(senior category) was awarded to Professor
Darren Dahl of the Marketing Division. He
is especially recognized for his work on
creativity and on the social and emotional
aspects of consumer behaviour.
Associate Professor Tim Huh, of the
Operations and Logistics Division, was the
winner of the 2012 Research Excellence
Award (junior category). Professor Huh is
distinguished for his work on inventory
control problems, capacity planning and
dynamic pricing. ■
Marc David Seidel
Dean Daniel Muzyka becomes next president and CEO of the Conference Board of Canada
Sauder’s Dean Daniel Muzyka
has been named the new
President and CEO of the
Conference Board of Canada
(CBoC), Canada’s best-known
business research organization.
Muzyka will be joining the
Ottawa-based group full-time
in August.
“The global crisis has
created a global dialogue,”
Dean Muzyka was quoted
saying in a Globe and Mail story
about the appointment.
“We’re going to have to look
at new formulas for supporting key aspects of our economy. It’s one of
the things that brought me to the Conference Board—to get into some
of these dialogues.”
Muzyka has been the Dean of the Sauder School of Business since
1999, and under his leadership the school has undergone tremendous
transformation, including the recent $70-million revitalization of
the Sauder complex, renewed programs and faculty, and increased
engagement with the community. Not only has Sauder’s learning
environment been transformed, but international initiatives and
partnerships have also expanded dramatically to make Sauder a truly
global business school ranking among the top 20 in the world
for research. ■
Tim Silk
Murray Carlson
Darren Dahl
Tim Huh
Daniel Muzyka
2012 Pollay Prize goes to Professor Madhu Viswanathan
Awarded annually by the Sauder School of Business, the Richard W.
Pollay Prize is named for Sauder Professor Emeritus Richard Pollay
in honour of his contributions as a scholar in areas of marketing and
advertising in the public interest.
This year’s prize was awarded to Professor of Business
Administration Madhu Viswanathan of the University of Illinois,
for his research program on low-level, low-income consumers in
the US and subsistence consumers, entrepreneurs and marketplaces
in India. His research seeks to fi nd ways to enable subsistence
marketplaces to move toward becoming ecologically, economically
and socially sustainable marketplaces. ■
13VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
OBHR professors present major seminar during UBC Celebrate Research WeekIn March, Sauder professors Sally Maitlis,
Sandra Robinson and Danielle van Jaarsveld
presented the research symposium, “A
Walk on the Darkside of Work,” as part
of Celebrate Research Week, a major
UBC initiative aimed at connecting the
community with UBC research. The seminar,
held at UBC Robson Square, explored what
happens when something goes wrong at the
offi ce—such as layoffs, bullying or injuries.
Professor Sandra Robinson focused
on ostracism and the issue of employees
being excluded or feeling invisible in the
workplace. Associate Professor Danielle
van Jaarsveld presented her investigations
into the infl uence of customers on
employees—a relatively new area of
research. Finally, Associate Professor Sally
Maitlis examined trauma and growth at
work. Her research deals with performers
who have suffered career-shattering injuries, but who in many cases
have made sense of their situation in ways that lead to post-traumatic
growth. ■
Eight Sauder recipients get TLEF grantsWhen the Teaching and Learning
Enhancement Fund (TLEF) announced
their grants for 2012 in late Febru-
ary, Sauder received approval for eight
projects. The school will receive a
total of over $266,000 in awards. The
TLEF grants were created in 1991 to
enrich student learning by supporting
innovative and effective educational
enhancements.
The 2012 grant recipients are:
• Lecturer Yau Man Cheung,
Management Information
Systems Division, for his proposal
“Enterprise Architecture Initiative:
Engaging Students in Enterprise
Architecture Knowledge”;
• Instructor Paul Cubbon, Marketing
Division, for his proposal
“Decoding Social Media: Theory
and Practice”;
• Associate Professor Nancy
Langton, Organizational
Behaviour and Human Resources
Division, for her proposal “Rapid
Knowledge Transfer in Business
Education: Teach us Something in
7 Minutes”;
• Learning Technologies Manager Robert Peregoodoff for his two
proposals, “Integrating iPeer with UBC’s New Course Management
System,” and “Applying Emerging Web Practices in Teaching and
Learning for Improved Student Experience and Interaction”;
• Professor Martin Puterman, Research Director at the UBC Centre
for Health Care Management, for his proposal “Web-based
Implementation of Health Care Management & Service Operations
Teaching Games”;
• Assistant Professor Mariano Tappata, Strategy and Business
Economics Division, for his proposal “Economics Hands-on. A
simulation approach to learning microeconomics”; and
• Educational Assessment Specialist Vaila Spillotopoulos for her
proposal “Assessment of Learning in Business Education.” ■
Sally Maitlis
Sandra Robinson
Yau Man Cheung
Paul Cubbon
Nancy Langton
Professor awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee MedalOn April 11, Professor Frieda Granot was
awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond
Jubilee Medal in a ceremony at the HMCS
Discovery in Stanley Park. Professor Granot
received the medal as a member of the Order
of Canada. It was presented to her by the
Honourable Steven Point, Lieutenant Gover-
nor of British Columbia.
This commemorative medal was created
to mark this year’s celebrations of the 60th
anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. During 2012,
60,000 Canadians will receive the award in recognition of their national
and international achievements.
Earlier this year, Professor Granot was one of the winners of the 2011
Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, which recognizes the
country’s highest achieving women in the private, public and not-for-
profi t sectors. ■
Frieda Granot
14 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
Professor receives 25th consecutive annual research appointment
Professor Peter Nemetz has just received his
25th consecutive annual research appoint-
ment to the Department of Health Sciences
Research at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
Minnesota. Over this extended period, Prof.
Nemetz has conducted research and pub-
lished on such subjects as Amyotrophic Lat-
eral Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease and other
neurological diseases, the autopsy, cancer,
coronary artery disease, fatty liver disease
and smoking. These studies have focused on epidemiological issues as
well as decision theory, economics and public policy. Research coauthors
are associated with Mayo Clinic, Purdue University’s School of Nursing,
Louisiana State University’s Health Sciences Center, Baylor University’s
Medical Center, and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center. ■
New academic ranking puts professor second in CanadaThe HiBAR ranking, or Hirsch-Index Benchmarking of Academic Re-
search, has placed Sauder professor Izak Benbasat, of the Management
Information Systems Division, second in Canada for business research.
The Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA) created HiBAR
as a tool for universities to objectively rank their departments’
research performances. It uses a database of every Canadian
university faculty member and then creates an H-index score for
each based on the number of publications and the number of times
articles were cited in peer-reviewed publications. ■
Professor elected president of Society for Consumer PsychologyThe Society for Consumer Psychology (SCP)
announced the election of Sauder Marketing
Professor Darren Dahl as its president-elect as
of February 17, 2012.
Professor Dahl will serve a three-year
term in the society’s executive leadership:
one year as an elections committee chair,
one year as standing president, and one
year as publications chair.
The SCP is an academic society as well
as the organizing body for researchers studying consumer behaviour.
The Society also sponsors the Journal of Consumer Psychology, the primary
specialized outlet for research in consumer psychology. ■
Darren Dahl
Peter Nemetz
SAUDER FACULTY INSIDER INFORMATION
All Leslie Wong Fellows and friends of the PMF program—you
are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate 25 years of
the UBC Portfolio Management Foundation. Students, alumni,
faculty, founders, industry partners and client communities have
all contributed to the PMF’s breakout success. We look forward
to sharing stories and memories to commemorate our silver
anniversary together.
Thursday, June 28, 2012Vancouver Convention Centre, West1055 Canada Place V6C 0C3 Reception at 6 p.m.: West Level 3 Summit FoyerDinner at 7 p.m.: West Level 3 Summit LevelDress code: Business/Cocktail AttirePrice: $185
Please contact Amanda Warren at [email protected]
or 604-822-9405.
Sauder professor leader in social innovationAssociate Professor and Executive Director of the ISIS Research Centre
James Tansey is a key author behind a major BC Social Innovation Council
Action Plan released on April 27. The report makes 11 recommendations
for how government, businesses, non-profi ts and communities can use
social innovation to solve the province’s most pressing social issues.
“The recommendations in this report have the potential to stimulate social
innovation across BC in a way that has long-term impact on some of our
greatest social challenges,” said Tansey. “It’s been an honour to participate
and to bring our expertise to the table.” ■
SSRN ranks Sauder in the top 20 worldwide for business researchOn May 1, the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) rated the Sauder
School of Business as 17th in the world for business and management
research among schools outside of the United States. Out of the top 1,000
non-US business schools, Sauder moved up six places from 23rd. Created
to measure scholarly impact, schools are ranked based on article downloads
and citations. The Social Science Research Network was established in 1994
by Michael Jensen, a fi nancial economist at Harvard Business School. ■
15VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Being named to Business in Vancouver’s top “Forty Under 40” list is a
distinct honour. But for high achievers, like the three rising stars with
Sauder connections whom BIV selected in 2011, it’s taking a second
look at things that brings them true job satisfaction.
BY KATE ZIMMERMAN PHOTOS BY PERRY ZAVITZ
THE GOAL OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAWYER
Georald Ingborg, for example, is not to rush in
where angels fear to tread, but to analyze a business
challenge, give it plenty of professional perspective,
fi gure out the client’s most advantageous option, and
then forge ahead.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Duff’s ability to parachute
into new positions in health care administration, assess
the areas in need of improvement, and come up with
solutions has landed her in the position of Director of
Mental Health for BC’s Providence Health Care.
And even when she was still at business school,
Janice Cheam spotted a potential niche in the arena
of sustainability. Surely, she reasoned, if people could
see their energy expenditures in real time in terms
of dollars and cents, they’d adjust their behavior for
the better. The wireless device she and her Sauder
entrepreneurship teammates came up with has
morphed into a business that promotes sustainability
around the world.
These successful graduates are making a practice
of reviewing, and then rewriting, the rules. >>
16 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
“SECURITIES LAW AND MERGERS AND
acquisitions can be extremely stressful,”
Ingborg explains. “They’re all market-driven.
Inevitably, urgent issues arise.”
Ingborg encourages himself to take a step
back, slow down and think things through.
Knowing the law inside and out means he
can structure transactions to the best advan-
tage of the client he’s serving.
“I really don’t like saying ‘no’ to clients,”
he says.
Ingborg also makes himself available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. With clients based
in time zones around the world, including
Australia, France and China, he and his
family accommodate 3 a.m. phone calls
and intense business discussions on Sunday
nights.
That’s probably why Ingborg, whose
focus is public and private fi nancing and
mergers and acquisitions, made partner at
the tender age of 33.
“I got to be partner by working my tail
off—showing the fi rm I had the capability
and the potential.”
Included in his recent achievements
is handling the IPO for mining company
Pretium Resources to raise $270 million—
one of the largest recent IPOs in Canada—
and Pretium’s concurrent acquisition of
mineral properties for $450 million. In
2011, Ingborg was named one of the Lexpert
Rising Stars Leading Lawyers Under 40.
And yet he comes across as an
approachable and humorous fellow. Maybe
it’s his small-town roots—Ingborg grew
up in Vancouver Island’s tiny Qualicum
Beach, the son of an accountant. He thought
accounting might be his career, too, until he
transferred from Malaspina College to UBC
to fi nish his BCom and took a course in law.
Given his analytical bent, law was the better
fi t, says Ingborg.
He did his law degree at the University
of Victoria. After graduation, he articled
with Russell & DuMoulin, which in 2000
merged with Fasken Martineau. Although he
often works with large international clients,
Ingborg says “I also really enjoy dealing with
local, smaller clients.”
In 2002, after two years of working
extremely long hours as a young lawyer,
Ingborg took a secondment in his fi rm’s
offi ce in London, England, heading there
with his wife and infant daughter. It was
a fantastic experience from every point of
view—the family relished the chance to
explore London and take weekend jaunts
around the continent, and Ingborg found
the work extremely stimulating.
“I was still practicing Canadian law,
but on large international transactions,” he
explains. “The energy is unbelievable—it’s so
fast-paced. London truly is one of the world’s
fi nancial centres.”
Throughout law school, Ingborg worked
as an assistant manager at a golf store. He still
gravitates toward the links in the spare time
left to a married father of four active kids,
ranging in age from four to 11. He enjoys
the odd Saturday night watching sports with
friends, and boxes for exercise.
Does he ever imagine a professional
adversary on the receiving end as he lands a
bruising upper cut?
“I never have,” he claims, laughing. “It’s
more about technique and speed and getting
the heart rate up.” ■
Georald Ingborg is ready to go the distanceGeorald Ingborg’s ability to get in the zone sets him apart from the competition.
The 39-year-old partner in the Securities and M & A Department of Vancouver
international business law fi rm Fasken Martineau says he tends to be coolly
collected when the heat is on.
FORTY UNDER 40
http://www.fasken.com/lawyers/detail.aspx?professional=3a96ce13-9d2d-4c44-8555-d03b61015565
Georald IngborgPartner, Fasker MartineauSauder BCom 1994
17VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
“I really don’t like saying ‘no’ to clients... I got to be
partner by working my tail off—showing the fi rm
I had the capability and the potential.”
18 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
“So if you turned on and off an appliance like a washing
machine, television, dishwasher, you’d see how your energy consumption currently was
going from $0.46 to $0.42 to $0.35.”
19VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
CHEAM STARTED HER UBC CAREER IN ARTS BUT
switched to Commerce for second year. It was
in the New Venture Design class that she and her
fi ve teammates came up with the idea for a
real-time energy display—the product her
company would eventually sell—and developed
a business plan that they submitted to an
industry competition.
Shortly afterward, Cheam was interviewed
for a job. When she described what she had
done at school, the interviewer discouraged her
from the position for which she’d applied and
urged her to pursue her own dream.
“The encouragement was just what I
needed.”
By 2009, Energy Aware had been described
as “the most promising start-up company
of the year” by the B.C. Technology Industry
Association.
“Our products aim to create better
awareness of the way that we use energy, so
we can reduce energy waste and save money
and contribute to more sustainably positive
behaviours,” says Cheam.
Energy Aware’s PowerTab is a wireless
display that receives real-time information
about electricity consumption. The concept is
that people can walk around their homes and
see how their energy expenditure changes
depending on which appliances and utilities
are in use.
“So if you turned on and off an appliance
like a washing machine, television, dishwasher,
you’d see how your energy consumption
currently was going from $0.46 to $0.42 to
$0.35. And the idea is that by having the positive
reinforcement of awareness and education, you
would be more conscious of the fact that using
energy costs money.”
The PowerTab works by communicating
directly with a Smart Meter. Smart Meters are
electricity meters that allow communication
between the meter and utilities or devices in
a home, so they don’t need to be monitored
in person.
Because Smart Meters aren’t yet the norm
here, Energy Aware has only sold a handful of
PowerTabs in Canada. It has, however, sold them
to electric utilities in Australia, Scandinavia and
the US. That’s not only good for business but has
allowed Cheam the chance to travel—a favourite
pastime—and indulge her foodie cravings,
another hobby.
Even so, business is Job One.
“Whether or not people are motivated by
the environment or they’re motivated by dollars
and cents, the point is that they can be educated
to change a behaviour that can contribute to a
solution,” says Cheam. “And those same people
who are educated in their house, take that
knowledge to their offi ce. And they take that
knowledge to the way they vote. So if you can
create awareness about energy, you’re creating
awareness about so much more than just
electricity consumption.” ■
Janice Cheam has a recipe and a passion for energy awarenessAs the daughter of teachers, Janice Cheam has learning in her blood.
From the start, says the 28-year-old president and CEO of Vancouver-
based Energy Aware Technology, “I was really into school. I worked
hard to make goals for myself and achieve them.”
FORTY UNDER 40
http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/janice-
cheam/2/672/b76
Janice CheamPresident and CEO, Energy Aware Technology, Sauder BCom 2006
20 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
IN A WAY, THOUGH, FATE SEEMS TO HAVE PLAYED
a hand in her trajectory. Raised in White Rock,
Duff attended the University of Lethbridge on
a basketball scholarship, majoring in Phys Ed.
When an injury sent her to the sidelines, she
started volunteering with a friend at the local
hospital, and was quickly smitten by the idea of
nursing.
She transferred to UBC’s School of Nursing.
For Duff, one of the fi eld’s attractions was that
she could choose to work in a hands-on capacity
with ill or injured patients, or lead health and
wellness programs aimed at prevention.
“There are so many avenues that you can
go down.”
After graduation, she spent two years
helping people recover from surgery at
Penticton Regional Hospital and then three in
labour and delivery at B.C. Women’s Hospital.
Then Duff got her Master of Health Administra-
tion at UBC, a program offered by the UBC
School of Population and Public Health and
supported by the Sauder School of Business.
Because half her classes were taught by instruc-
tors in the Faculty of Medicine and half by
Sauder faculty members, the course offered Duff
the perfect combination of education about the
healthcare industry and business acumen.
Her training had provided Duff with a
clinical component, a healthcare component,
and a network of people in the local healthcare
community. In 2006 Duff embarked on a
four-month administrative residency at
Providence Health Care, which operates nine
healthcare facilities in Vancouver, including
St. Paul’s Hospital.
“For me, it was exposure to this new world,”
says Duff, who wound up her residency as an
internal consultant for Change Initiatives. “I was
mentored and fostered by the organization.”
Within the year, Duff was encouraged to
take a temporary position as Operations Leader
of the Surgical Inpatient Units at St. Paul’s. She
was so good at the job—which required her to
manage 120 nurses and allied staff and work
with an interdisciplinary team—that she kept it.
Less than 12 months later, she was asked to fi ll
in while Providence searched for an Operations
Leader for the hospital’s Maternity Services. Over
three years there, Duff managed the maternity
and neo-natal intensive care units and developed
a “lean redesign and transformation.”
“We implemented 160 initiatives to improve
the care that we provide to patients.”
In 2011, Duff won an Emerging Leader
Scholarship and spent a week in Sweden
studying that country’s healthcare system on
a tour with the Canadian College of Health
Leaders—“the most phenomenal experience
ever.” When she returned to Vancouver, full
of newfound confi dence, she “rocked the
interview” for the job of Director of Mental
Health for Providence.
It’s a big task. Duff has the overall
program accountability and oversight for
all of Providence’s mental health services.
Her aegis includes one of Canada’s toughest
neighbourhoods, the Downtown Eastside, whose
mental health patients often have concurrent
health issues, like addiction.
Duff winds down from her challenging job
by playing golf, as co-captain of the University
Business Women’s golf group. When her energy
fl ags, it’s quickly buoyed by the passion and
dedication of her accomplished at-work team.
“The beauty of the healthcare profession
is that there’s a tangible result. You made a
difference in that patient’s day, and in that
person’s hospitalization,” she says. “Or you
made a difference on a more macro level, and
all of the patients coming to your hospital
are going to receive better care because you
implemented this system.” ■
Jennifer Duff keeps her ball on the greenJennifer Duff’s got the right stuff. You don’t get to be Director of
Mental Health for Providence Health Care at the age of 33 without
the smarts and work ethic to back you up.
FORTY UNDER 40
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jen-duff-rn-bsn-mha-che/38/54a/75b
Jennifer Duff Director, Mental Health, Providence Health Care, UBC MHA 2007
21VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
“The beauty of the healthcare profession is that there’s a tangible result. You made a difference in that patient’s day, and in that person’s
hospitalization.”
22 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
The Sauder StoryWHILE THE HISTORY OF THE UBC FACULTY OF COMMERCE
and Business Administration dates back 56 years,
the launch and development of the Sauder School of
Business is more recent. The School’s recognition
around the world has added value to our alumni
everywhere.
“ Diversity. Knowledge. Entrepreneurship. Connectivity. Community. These are the elements that give a business school such as Sauder great vision.”– Daniel F. Muzyka
23VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
1999-2012
IN THIS SECTION:
Research & faculty .......24
Learning..........................28
Community .....................40
From 1999 to 2012, the School’s evolution under
the leadership of Dean Dan Muzyka has been confi dent and
visionary. However, he is the fi rst to insist that the story
began with, and is being written by, all members of our
community. On the following pages, you will fi nd some of the
key highlights of the most recent chapter of the School’s
story. We hope you will help us write the next one.
24 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
Research & faculty
Leadingrecipient For the last decade,
Sauder has been the leading recipient of grants from Canada’s major federal funding agencies.
2002
RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY
25th The University of Texas (Dallas) rankings put Sauder in 25th place for research output.
2006
82% Percentage of faculty members’ applications for support to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) that were successful (the national success rate for SSHRC grants ranges from 30 to 40 per cent).
Sauder’s Finance Division was cited
in the Journal of Finance as having
the most impact of any Canadian
school on the body of knowledge
available for practitioners.
Leaderin Canada The global Social Science
Research Network (SSRN) rated Sauder as the leader in Canada, and among the best in the world for business and management research.
2007
RESEARCH CENTRES
In the last decade, we established seven specialized research centres to create and share knowledge.
2006—2010
25VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Top
20Sauder ranked in the Financial Times’ top 20 for its research impact.
2012
New research grant funds:
$1.2+ Million$224,000
1st The Management Information Systems division of Sauder ranked fi rst in the world in terms of the number of publications in the top four information-systems research journals.
2010
Champions research in sustainability by focusing on social enterprises, low-carbon economies, sustainable business models, corporate social responsibility and First Nations economic development.
2008
Obtained from SSHRC
Obtained from NSERC
2011
Supports the unique needs of family enterprises, and serves to strengthen the capacity of business family advisors and professionals.
Offers facilitated peer-to-peer learning and support amongst its member CEOs, leveraging the resources of the Sauder and UBC communities.
Fosters leadership and knowledge creation to keep Sauder at the leading edge of fi nancial research.
Unites multiple faculties to enhance healthcare delivery services by conducting healthcare management research and translating it into practice.
2008—2010
An academic hub for research in the area of fi nancial reporting, the KPMG Research Bureau bridges theoretical and empirical economic analyses of external and internal fi nancial reporting, auditing and taxation.
Supports theoretical and applied research into the role of governments in the Canadian economy and into the relationship between government and business in Canada. Centre research investigates the way governments should operate to best serve their constituents and the causes and effects of actual government activities.
Business
Families
Centre
ISIS
Research
Centre
Phillips,
Hager & North
Centre for
Financial ResearchCentre for
Health Care
Management
KPMG Research
Bureau In Financial
Reporting
Phelps Centre
for the Study of
Government and
Business
Centre
for CEO
Leadership
26 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
Professor Chloe Tergiman joined Sauder’s internationally recognized Strategy and
Business Economics Division in 2010. She received her PhD and MA in Economics
from New York University, and her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Professor Tergiman is a backcountry enthusiast, and is shown here atop Stein Mountain, near Lillooet.
27VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
FACULTY RENEWALIn the last decade, Sauder put tremendous effort
into renewing and expanding our core faculty—
with substantial results. Sauder is home to top-
tier scholars holding doctoral degrees from the
world’s most prestigious universities, including
Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Wharton, the London
School of Economics, and Oxford.
Our faculty enjoys worldwide recognition
for its excellence in research, teaching and
outreach, consistently ranking in the top
20 worldwide for research. Its members are
classroom innovators bringing fresh perspectives
and the latest in management thinking to
students and the community.
In the past ten years, 74 new faculty members have joined Sauder.
The number of full-time faculty members increased from 84 in
2002 to 108 in 2011.
2002 2011
Tergiman’s research focuses on entrepreneurship and management, and her courses include New Enterprise Devel-opment, Macroeconomics, and Technology Entrepreneurship.
“ As a faculty member, my goals are to produce the best research, continuously pushing the frontier of knowledge, and to offer challenging and exciting classes for students. The Sauder School of Business provides a truly amazing environment for its junior faculty members: the research environment is exceptional, and Sauder throws its full support behind its faculty. My experience with students has also been truly rewarding: both the undergraduate students and those from the full-time and international MBA programs have shown an exceptional drive and the ability to master material quickly and thoroughly. It is a privilege to be a part of a School that attracts world-class faculty and top students from all over the world, and I look forward to many more years at Sauder.”
– Professor Chloe Tergiman
28 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
LearningBUILDING REVITALIZATIONIn 2006, the School embarked on an extraor-
dinary campaign to revitalize its learning
environment. The building redevelopment and
expansion was completed on March 1, 2012.
The School’s new facilities invigorate the
leading-edge learning, research and engage-
ment opportunities the School is committed
to providing to students, faculty, alumni and
the community. The recent $70-million renewal and expansion of Sauder’s facilities on UBC campus added 55,000 square feet to the existing 216,000 square foot complex.
29VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Renewal highlights include: The Robert H. Lee Graduate School, a substantial new space dedicated to graduate programs, which provides classrooms, along with meeting and breakout rooms equipped with videoconferencing technology, a private patio and environments for socializing and individual study.
The Bruce R. Birmingham Commerce Undergraduate Centre, which features study spaces, meeting rooms and student breakout rooms.
The Jim Pattison Leadership Centre, which features two new lecture theatres, conference rooms and lounge spaces.
The Middlefi eld Group Lecture Theatre, a 260 seat state-of-the-art lecture theatre with associated conference rooms.
The Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre, which provides extensive resources to position students for success after graduation.
The K.T. Tjia & Anna Chia Atrium, which connects the old building with the new spaces, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
The Big 4 Conference Centre, housed in a glass-encased penthouse, supported by Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The Canaccord Learning Commons, which features a digital media studio, computer workstations, collaborative work spaces and reference and technical support services.
The Wayne Deans Investment Analysis Centre, which provides students and faculty with real-time access to global capital markets data.
CA Hall, a large-scale central foyer surrounding the atrium, which provides extensive room for student and public gatherings.
d.studio, which provides the creative environment and technology necessary for collaborative and creative investigations of business and policy design challenges.
Offi cially opened in 2009, the MBA House is one of the fi rst residences of its kind to be dedicated to MBA students in Canada. The 40,000 square foot facility offers its student residents a collegial and diverse social, intellectual and cultural environment.
30 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
Sauder alumnus and Faculty Advisory Board member Fred Withers, BCom 1977, served
as chair of the Opening Worlds Campaign for the revitalization of the School’s learning
environment. Once affectionately referred to as “Angus High” (due to its resemblance to a
1960s secondary school, and a nod to the Henry Angus Building, the heart of the School,
built in 1962), Sauder now boasts state-of-the-art facilities for 21st century learners.
PE
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AV
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31VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
“ Each of us has a story of why our gift was made, and each of those stories is special and personal. But rooted in each of those personal stories is a belief in the importance of education; a belief in the vision, the dream, you have for the School; a belief that it is okay to strive to be the best—not just the best in the city or the province or the country, but the best in the world; a belief that a great faculty, great programs and great students need the best tools and learning environment to be the best; and a belief that we all have an obligation to our larger community.”– Fred G. Withers, BCom 1977, Chair, Opening Worlds Campaign / Member, Sauder School of Business Faculty Advisory Board / Chief Development Offi cer, Ernst & Young
The new building of the Sauder School of Business was selected as a winner of a 2010 Canadian Green Building Award offered through Sustainable Architecture & Building magazine (SAB), one of eight projects recognized for their high levels of sustainable design, architectural excellence and technical innovation. “A revised colourful and vibrant glazed façade signals the rebirth life of the building,” noted the SAB jury, calling the project “a stand-out for its renovation of a mundane 1960s University of British Columbia building that takes the assets of the old building and improves them.”
32 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
INNOVATIVE CURRICULUMAt Sauder we develop curricula to
keep pace with the evolving needs
of business and the success of our
programs continues to grow. We
have developed one of the top
undergraduate programs in Canada;
and our MBA program, offered by
the Robert H. Lee Graduate School,
is ranked among the top 100 in
the world.
Leading Bachelor of Commerce
Students from across Canada and
around the globe choose Sauder’s
four-year Bachelor of Commerce
program to earn a world-class
university degree, and develop the
skills and confi dence needed to
become business leaders.
• New specializations include
Sustainability, Entrepreneurship,
and Business and Computer
Science.
• Introduced in 2011, the
Commerce Scholars Program
provides academically gifted
undergraduates with mentorship
from distinguished faculty
members.
Award-winning MBA, re-imagined
A global business school’s report
comparing the employability of
MBA graduates around the
world placed Sauder’s Robert H.
Lee Graduate School in the top 20
in North America, recognizing UBC
MBA grads as a preferred source of
top talent for employers.
In fall 2012, we will launch
a revised MBA program, which
moves away from narrow special-
izations towards the broader skill
sets demanded in the global job
market. For example, a new global
immersion module will send stu-
dents to China, India or Denmark,
and business clinics will offer stu-
dents applied, experiential learning
in tandem with community and
business partners.
Internationally renowned PhD program
Sauder offers PhD programs in
all major business disciplines,
from accounting to urban land
economics.
• A multitude of innovation
centres support research
activities and offer opportunities
for applied projects.
• Our PhD graduates earn
attractive faculty positions in top
academic institutions around the
world.
• PhD program ranked 18th
worldwide by the Financial Times.
Since graduating, Cameron Lang, BCom 2006, founded Red Label Communications, a creative agency that provides value-driven marketing solutions to clients large and small, with three other Sauder School graduates. He remains well-connected to the School, occasionally speaking to marketing classes and his company regularly provides co-op placements for Sauder students. He says the School is a great place to fi nd new talent.
“ The course was a phenomenal experience, like no other class I have ever taken. It’s very valuable and defi nitely does empower and help people to start companies like this. It teaches you to learn and think about things on your own rather than from a textbook. They brought in someone new each week, and we peppered them with questions. A patent lawyer talked about intellectual property, an industrial design instructor talked about solving problems in a humanistic way. That opened my eyes. There are extraordinary benefi ts to having access to people with real world experience.”– Cameron Lang, BCom 2006 (Marketing), Founding Partner, Red Label Communications
33VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Cameron Lang attributes much of his success to the entrepreneurial skills gleaned in
COMM 486: New Venture Design, a unique class that brings engineering and business
students together to create new business ventures.
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To equip students with the knowledge,
skills and competitive edge necessary
to succeed in today’s changing business
landscape, professors need to go beyond
lectures and exams. COMM 101, d. studio,
and Creativity are just some of the
innovative courses developed in recent
years to ensure that students’ skills are
honed to meet real-world needs.
TEACHING INNOVATION: COMM 101/D-STUDIO/CREATIVITY
COMM 101Unlike traditional introductory business classes, COMM 101 avoids exams, textbooks and formal lectures. Instead, the classroom buzzes with activity as students discuss case studies, tweet or click responses, and blog in response to challenges presented by professors and guest speakers.
d.studioLaunched in 2010, this hands-on, studio-based class teaches innovative problem-solving techniques for business. Students work in teams, blending design approaches with critical and creative thinking, to solve service-based problems for real clients.
CreativityA creative approach to business is integral to our re-imagined MBA program. Every student takes Creativity, a boundary-pushing exploration of the creative spark that drives business and personal innovation.
BROAD-BASED ADMISSIONS In 2003, Sauder introduced broad-based
admissions at UBC in an effort to learn
more about our students both as learners
and as leaders. Since then, we have seen
a three-fold increase in the number of
students taking part in the greater Sauder
community. Employers also value the
extraordinary leadership and social skills
our well-rounded graduates bring to
their organizations.
EXECUTIVE EDUCATIONIn 2012, Sauder ranked 61st among
the world’s top providers of executive
education in the Financial Times Executive
Education 2012 ranking, for its open
enrolment programs. In its best ranking,
Sauder ranked 22 in the world in the
Repeat Business & Growth category,
which combines the School’s growth in
revenue and percentage of participants
who return for further training.
35VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
“ Creativity in business is one of the fundamental factors for success. It involves being able to innovate, fi nd new ways to do things you already do and having a fresh attitude in everything you do.”– Darren Dahl, Profesor and Chair, Marketing Division
NEW PROGRAMS
Early Career MastersThe fi rst of its kind in Canada, this program provides recent non-business degree graduates with a foundational business education. Graduates from the program have successfully started their own companies and obtained senior management positions.
Executive MBA in Health CareThis 16-month, part-time program offers healthcare executives the broad leadership and management foundations of an MBA applied to healthcare management. Established in 2008, the program meets organizational and industry-wide demands for innovative problem-solving in healthcare.
36 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
Yassaman Nouri knew she didn’t want to spend the next 40 years of her life “de-bugging”
computers. So the well-travelled, self-professed “math geek” and speaker of four languages
abandoned computer science studies in favour of fi nance at the Sauder School.
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Originally from Iran, Nouri hopes to pursue a career dedicated to reducing poverty through areas of social fi nance, community development and international development. During her years at Sauder, Nouri was actively involved in clubs and not-for-profi t activities, and provided career assistance and training to more than 300 of her fellow students over three years with the Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre.
“ Sharing your stories as a peer gives you extra authenticity. I have had to really build my own network, talk to professors, visit the places I’ve worked before and check in with my previous employers. I value the opportunity to spread that information to other people. It’s inspiring working with students to help them determine who they are, their strengths, what kind of jobs and industries they want to work in, teaching them about informational interviews, regular interviews, resumes, cover letters, applications. I think every faculty should have a business career centre. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being involved with it in some way.”– Yassaman Nouri, BCom 2010 (Finance), Supervisor, Career Peer Advising Program,
Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre
MM-ECM COMMUNITY BUSINESS PROJECT 2011 In 2010, The Children’s Foundation, a social profi t organization providing a unique
combination of counseling, prevention and intervention services focused on building
stronger families and capable children, turned to the Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre
for help on their project to increase awareness of the Foundation and its services, and reach
wider and younger audiences.
The Centre suggested the Community Business Project, a volunteer-based initiative
designed to give Master of Management—Early Career Masters (MM-ECM) students an
opportunity to apply their business skills to community-enriching projects. A team of
three ECM students—Mario Cruz, Oana Toma, and Maria Shipulina—worked to create
a report for The Children’s Foundation Board of Governors with recommendations and
solid evidence of the benefi ts and pitfalls of social media communication for a social profi t
organization. They assessed the risks and benefi ts of incorporating social media into existing
communications plans, proposed a social media strategy that maintains client confi dentiality
while maximizing fundraising mechanisms, and provided recommendations to the Board,
including the creation of a social media policy and a recommendation that the Foundation
rebrand its services and adopt a new name to differentiate itself from the many other
similarly named organizations.
“One of the things I appreciated greatly about the students was their ability to get us to that
bigger picture,” noted Elizabeth Demner, President of the Board of Governors. “They helped us
realize that the issue we had was much larger than “do we use Twitter or Facebook?’”
“They challenged our thinking,” added Executive Director Jim McLaughlin. “They did a
great job of telling us what was, they did a great job of telling us what is possible, and they
gave us great feedback on the kinds of cautions we need to have as we move forward.”
HARI B. VARSHNEY BUSINESS CAREER CENTRE The Hari B. Varshney Business Career
Centre is crucial to our students’ success
in their careers. Over the past decade,
the Centre has ramped up the delivery
and quality of its services. It facilitates
year-round career coaching, connections
between students and employers, and
co-op placements. Its Trek program,
introduced in 2000, takes students to
leading business destinations in North
America and Asia to learn about global
corporate cultures and industries. As a
result of the Centre’s efforts, the number
of students employed within three
months of graduation has risen every
year since 2003.
38 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
100countr ies
Over the last ten years, the Sauder student body has become increasingly
internationalized, with people from over 100 countries arriving to enrich the multicultural learning experience.
INTERNATIONALIZATION
21%increased international enrolmentBCom international enrolment increased
from three per cent in the late 1990s to 21 per cent in 2010.
50l a n g u a g e s
On average, nearly 85 per cent of MBA students hail from outside Canada,
speaking over 50 languages.
65partnered institutions
Located at Canada’s gateway to the Asia Pacifi c, Sauder has a distinctly
international perspective on business, demonstrated by our teaching and
research activities around the globe, the multinational diversity of our staff
and student body, and our international partnerships. Sauder now has partnerships with over 50 institutions in 30 countries.
IMBA
1stdegree program
Established in 2001, the UBC International MBA in Shanghai was the fi rst degree program to be offered by a Canadian
business school in China.
This unique program features world-class UBC faculty, an award-winning curriculum
recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education, and two weeks of
study in Vancouver.
ACCREDITATION
1%of global business schools
Sauder is one of only 66 institutions accredited by both AACSB
(The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EQUIS (European
Quality Improvement System), placing us among the top one per cent of global
business schools.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
SERAstudent-led initiative
Sauder’s Student Experience Research Advisory (SERA) is a student-led initiative which is creating research to help guide
student experience at the School. Unique among business schools in Canada, it is the only undergraduate student-led research body with a commitment to
enhancing student experience.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Sauder School of Business students are encouraged to participate in an exchange to internationalize their
BCom degree experiences.
At the BCom level, Sauderhas partnerships with
50 of the best business schools in
27 countries around the world.
BCom students can also choose from over
150of UBC’s partner schools in over
40 countries.
At the MBA level, Sauder has
37 partner schools in
22
countries.
39VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
“Shanghai is such a contrast of old and new world, and every day, you experience that juxtaposition.
It’s an incredibly invigorating environment to be in. You are literally seeing the world change before your eyes, on a day-to-day basis. It was one of the best experiences of my life. My experience in China was totally invaluable. Of all the places I’ve lived in
the world, it was the place that I did not want to leave.”
– Anna Murray, IMBA 2007, Senior Advisor, Corporate Affairs, Talisman Energy
Anna continues to volunteer with the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Schools Without Borders, United Nations Women Canada, and the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture. Anna was recognized by The Women’s Executive Network with a 2010 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 award in the Future Leaders category.
Anna Murray completed part of her International MBA in 2006 while working for HSBC
in Shanghai on its Globalization Program. She has served as Manager, Sustainability and
Stakeholder Engagement with Xstrata Nickel for its Projects and Exploration team.
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40 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
CommunityFUNDRAISINGIn 2006, the school embarked on an extraordinary campaign to revitalize its learning
environment. The building redevelopment and expansion was completed on March 1, 2012.
In total, $52 million was raised with generous support from the community as well as
Sauder School undergraduate and graduate students, who pledged fi nancial support in
the way of special building fees.
William L. Sauder and Marjorie-Anne SauderIn 2003, Bill and Marjorie-Anne Sauder endowed the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration with the largest single private donation ever made to a Canadian business school at the time. Their gift of $20 million, combined with a Provincial commitment of $1 million per year in increased funding, supported the creation of additional student spaces, new courses and management programs for Canadian and international students, and the expansion of the School’s faculty and research capabilities. In recognition of this transformative gift, the Faculty was named the Sauder School of Business.
Robert H. LeeIn 2005, UBC announced a major gift of $15 million in support of graduate education at the Sauder School. The commitment was led by an initial gift of $5 million from real estate leader and former UBC board member and chancellor, Dr. Robert H. Lee. In recognition of his long-term dedication to the university, UBC endowed $5 million to match his gift. Dr. Lee and UBC also secured an additional $5 million in support of graduate programs at Sauder. The Robert H. Lee Graduate School was established in November 2006.
Over $160 million raised
between 1999 and 2012List of $1 million + donors to the Sauder School of Business:
Barry Allan
BC Innovation Council
The Big 4 Accounting Firms (Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young, PwC)
Bruce R. Birmingham
BMO Financial Group
Canaccord Financial in honour of Peter M. Brown
CIBC
Commerce Undergraduate Society
Coast Capital Savings
Wayne Deans
Lalji Family
Robert H. Lee
Barrie Martin
Middlefi eld Group and friends
Ministry of Advanced Education
Jim PattisonPhillips Hager & North
Portfolio Management Foundation
Michael Phelps
Richard Poon
RBC Financial Group
William and Marjorie-Anne Sauder
Sales and Marketing Executives International
Students of the Sauder School of Business and Robert H. Lee Graduate School
Tjia and Chia Family
Hari B. Varshney and Family
41VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
“ I am very proud to be able to give something signifi cant back to UBC, the institution that provided me with the knowledge to help me establish my business career, and to British Columbia, which I have called home all my life.”– William L. Sauder (1926-2007), O.C., O.B.C., BCom 1948, LL.D.
“ As alumni of the business school, we were fortunate to benefi t from a high-calibre education that enabled us to go forth and become successful in business and contribute to our community. I feel privileged to be able to give back to the school that has given me and my family so much over the years.”– Dr. Robert H. Lee, O.C., O.B.C., BCom 1956.
42 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
GLOBAL ALUMNI NETWORK
An exclusive network of accomplished
business professionals, the Sauder
Global Alumni Network is comprised
of more than 33,000 people in
74 countries around the globe.
24,278North
America
26South
America
353Europe
20Africa
BUILDING NETWORKS AND SEIZING OPPORTUNITIESLast September more than 500 UBC Faculty of Commerce and
Business Administration and Sauder School graduates from all years
and programs came together to celebrate the offi cial launch of
the Sauder Business Club of Vancouver (SBCV). Run by alumni for
alumni, Sauder Business Clubs have been established in Toronto,
London, Calgary and China, serving the business, social and
professional development interests of our alumni communities.
SBCV is the fi fth and largest business club in the Sauder Global
Alumni Network, reaching out to the more than 16,000 alumni
in Metro Vancouver.
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
entrepreneurship@UBCWith leadership from Sauder, UBC has launched entrepreneurship@
UBC (e@UBC), a campuswide initiative to foster a culture of
entrepreneurship, provide enhanced learning opportunities, and
ultimately accelerate new venture creation and growth through
access to capital, space, start-up services and mentors. e@UBC is
built upon a foundation of strong support from alumni and the
business community.
43VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
31MiddleEast
1,397Asia
65Australasia
“ I get the most satisfaction from contributing to others and their success. As an entrepreneur, angel investor and Sauder alumnus, entrepreneurship@UBC is an exciting opportunity for me to help to accelerate the formation of companies founded by students and young alumni. I believe we can make UBC a great place to start companies. We can have a profound impact on new ventures and job creation in the province; and we can motivate the next generation to pay it forward.”– Greg Peet, BCom 1976, Chairman of Advisory Board, entrepreneurship@UBC
6,799lost alumni
44 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
OUTREACH CENTRES & PROGRAMS
Business Families CentreSince 2001, the Business Families Centre has
attracted thousands of families and their advisors
to education programs and resources. Most
recently, BFC’s Family Legacy Series dinner drew
750 members of the business community in
2011. The Family Enterprise Advisor Program,
offered in Vancouver and Toronto, is now the
education prerequisite for the world’s only
accreditation in this fi eld.
Centre for CEO LeadershipThe Sauder Centre for CEO Leadership was
formally launched in December 2010 and
exceeded expectations by attracting over 25
participating member CEOs in its fi rst year. The
Centre brings the best in thought leadership to
the most senior business people in Canada.
Ch’nook The Ch’nook Initiative was founded by Sauder
in 2002 as a way to increase Aboriginal
engagement in business education studies.
Ch’nook supports Aboriginal learners in
building the knowledge and skills required
to create and maintain sustainable enterprises
and economic development in First Nation
communities.
The AfricaInitiativeTaught by students and alumni from UBC
and Strathmore University in Nairobi, the
Sauder Africa Initiative has encouraged youth
entrepreneurship and promoted small business
ventures in Kenya since 2006.
ARC Initiative The project includes seed funding to facilitate business development, student internships
with businesses in Phalaborwa, South Africa, and business skills and leadership workshop
with local entrepreneurs.
“ We need to challenge the stereotypes and perceptions about what Africa is and who we are as African people. I came to Sauder not to be a straight-A student but to grow myself and my character and advance my leadership ability and skills. Leadership is one of the things we need in our continent. I’m hoping I can use my experience and come back to contribute to the growth of my country.”– Thato Makgolane, BCom 2011 (Accounting), Founder of ARC Initiative
Faculty Advisory Board Sauder signifi cantly increased the involvement
of top Canadian and international business
leaders and alumni on its Faculty Advisory
Board, remaking it into an active and engaged
supporting organization. This group of
approximately 35 high-level executives advises
the dean, administration and faculty members
on strategies and programs; serves as a critical
sounding board in the development of new
ideas and initiatives; and helps build the
School’s relationships and networks locally,
nationally and around the world.
“ The relationship between Sauder and the business community has been transformed over the past decade. Dan’s leadership has tapped the energy and commitment of the top business leaders in BC, Canada and beyond to facilitate the reinvention of the School.”– Paul Hollands, BCom 1979, Chair, Faculty Advisory Board / President & CEO,
A&W Food Services of Canada Inc.
45VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Thato Makgolane came to the Sauder School under the prestigious International Leaders of
Tomorrow program. He started the ARC Initiative to create a two-way learning exchange
between young entrepreneurs in Phalaborwa, his hometown in South Africa, and Sauder
students, faculty, alumni and Vancouver business leaders.
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Bob Stewart, BCom 1955, McGill, was Chair of
Sauder’s Faculty Advisory Board from 1994 to
2007, and is now Director Emeritus. Viewpoints
talked to Stewart about the challenges facing the
School when Dean Dan Muzyka assumed his post.P
ER
RY
ZA
VIT
Z
Chair of Sauder’s Faculty Advisory Board
since 2007, Paul Hollands, BCom 1979, has
led the School’s rebranding and worked with
Dean Dan on many other developments.
47VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
On Dean Dan as Architect-in-Chief
“Dan Muzyka built us a rocket. He got the prototype on the platform,
and has positioned it to reach a new orbit. His legacy is that he showed
the School how good it could be, and he did this through leadership by
example. The milestones we’ve achieved over the past 13 years as a school
have been because of his will and hard work. Dan inspired so many
people he worked with to reach for great things. Early on, he said to me:
‘I will put everything I have into making it happen,’ and that’s just
what he did.”
On the most tangible changes over the past 13 years
“There are both intangible and tangible signs of the rebirth of the
School, and all are built on the past successes of the School. Some of the
more visible indications include a state-of-the-art new learning space;
a dramatic shift in awareness of the School, from being known as an
excellent regional school, to an internationally branded business school;
and the ongoing calibre of research and education, both in historic areas
of strength such as fi nance, but now adding corporate social responsibility
and leadership. The fi nal area I would spotlight from over the past
decade has to do with our increased and committed outreach with our
communities, especially alumni.
“Some things will never change, however. Academic rigour, high-
quality teaching, and the collegial quality of the experience. And we will
always put fi rst our desire for alumni to feel a sense of pride that their own
self-esteem is burnished by their association with the School.”
On the Sauder School of Business becoming a “headline act”
“I now run into alumni who say: ‘I went to the Sauder School of Business,’
when they actually attended the UBC BCom or MBA programs. It may
seem like a nuance, but comments like that show our brand now has more
value than ever. We’ve arrived.”
On why any of this should matter to alumni
“The stronger and more powerful the Sauder School and its brand
become, the better for alumni, plain and simple. If your colleague, son or
daughter is considering business education, then Sauder has to be a place
you will recommend. If the School’s network of relationships grows, with
alumni, academics and businesses, then alumni connections grow, by
association. And if Sauder has added credibility and value in research and
thought leadership, then alumni value increases, too.” ■
PAUL HOLLANDS
“A business school reborn”
LOOKING BACK: DEAN DAN MUZYKA AND THE CREATION OF THE SAUDER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
On the BC post-secondary tuition freeze of the 1990s
“At the time Dan started, the provincial government had a tuition freeze
in place on the BCom and the MBA programs, making the latter one of
the lowest priced MBAs in Canada. Paradoxically, would-be applicants
looked at the low price and wondered at the disparity. Was there
something wrong with the program? The tuition freeze had to be lifted—
otherwise the economic means to achieve all the goals Dan wanted to
achieve simply wouldn’t be there.”
On tapping into the School’s potential
“We knew, when we looked at other business schools, the naming of the
School was the way to go. It opened the door to more active fundraising,
which in turn helped us to build on the academic excellence that existed.
We are forever grateful for the generosity of Marjorie-Anne and Bill
Sauder for what at the time was the largest single donation to a Canadian
business school.”
On attracting the future business leaders of our time
“Early on, it was recognized the desire of so many high school graduates
applying to enter the BCom program at Sauder was resulting in about
10 percent being accepted. Needless to say they were in the very top
academic standing of their respective high schools, but by using this single
denominator, there was concern that Sauder could be missing out on students
with solid academic standing that had even more to offer. Because of their
involvement on non-academic activities in and out of school, they offered the
potential of a more rounded student capable of higher achievement. Thus was
born the introduction of broad based admission in 2005.
“When we spoke with heads of companies that hired BCom students,
we found the idea that Sauder graduates would come to the work force more
rounded, they just about jumped out of their chairs in their enthusiasm.”
On Dean Dan as the energizer
“Dan has been the energizer, the leader. He is the one that had to gain
the support of the University president, his own faculty and the Board of
Governors to name a few.
“It is one thing for the Faculty Advisory Board and the dean to be in
sync, but unless he can make it happen, it won’t. Fortunately Dan provided
the leadership and some pretty good salesmanship. His entrepreneurial
streak is well-recognized in the business community, not just in
Vancouver, but widely.
“I’ve often asked myself, would we have achieved all of this
without Dan?” ■
BOB STEWART
“A journey of many people”
BY JENNIFER WAH AND ALLAN JENKINS
48 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
PAUL HOLLANDS, CHAIR OF THE FACULTY ADVISORY BOARD AND CO-CHAIR
of the Strategy Task Force, describes the strategy as the view from 35,000
feet; a guide that “reinforces where we’re going for those inside the orga-
nization, and hints at our direction to those outside.”
According to James Brander, Co-chair, Strategy Task Force, Professor,
Strategy and Business Economics, “The Sauder School has been on an
exciting journey over the past 12 years under Dean Dan Muzyka, leading
to a major transformation of the School—including a new name and a
renewed, award-winning building.
“Building on our traditional strength in research and our high-quality
teaching programs we have greatly increased our international profi le,
enhanced our relationships with the local and national business commu-
nity, reconnected with our alumni (many of whom are successful business
leaders), increased our research capacity, and restructured our teaching
programs. This has been a highly successful trajectory.
“The current strategic plan is, in essence, to continue on this trajectory.
At this stage what we need is evolution, not revolution, and that is what
the plan calls for. This does not mean relaxing or resting on our laurels.
It does mean maintaining an intense focus on improving our already very
strong performance in all major areas and playing a leadership role in both
Canada and the world as a whole in business education and research. As
one of the most the visible parts of the University, the Sauder School’s plan
dovetails closely the University’s strategic plan while emphasizing our
leadership role in important areas.”
ResearchSauder is Canada’s leading research business school and one of the world’s
top 25, and we are committed to extending the infl uence and impact of our
research. Among our initiatives:
• Continue to recruit world-class academics to our research and teaching
• Actively communicate our research to the business world by making
better use of media
• Make research an even more important part of teaching
Our graduatesWe are committed to further improving the career opportunities for
graduate and undergraduate students, and contributing to the lifelong
success of our alumni. Some initiatives:
• Reposition the MBA program, building on our position as one of best
programs in Canada
• Improve the student experience and culture of our industry-leading
BCom program, while increasing its funded capacity
• Accelerate placement of our graduates in major business centres
Global presenceWe already have strong international visibility, but we aim to
• Increase our presence in China and beyond
• Build a more geographically diverse student body
• Ally with more leading international universities
ReputationBuilding on the UBC brand and the successful Sauder branding campaign
following the renaming of the school, we will now focus on targeted
marketing, branding and building reputation, especially in selected
foreign markets.
NetworkOur network of alumni, corporate, government and other relationships is
central to our future. To make it stronger, we will:
• Build stronger relationships between faculty and business
• Improve corporate and institutional relationships, at home and
abroad, to improve student recruitment and placement and to access
outside expertise ■
The road ahead
SAUDER’S STRATEGIC PLAN
The Sauder School of Business Strategic Plan 2012, published
earlier this year, is guided by an overarching mission and builds on
fi ve core strengths, including research excellence, international
recognition, community engagement and external infl uence, and
the school’s leadership role in the education of our graduates who
go on to become infl uential global citizens.
Read the Sauder School of Business Strategic Plan Summary at www.sauder.ubc.ca/~/media/Files/sauder-strategy-2012.ashx
Achieving our Mission by building on Core Stengths
Mission: to become Canada’s most infl uential,
globally recognized business school through the
impact of our research and our graduates.
Reputation
Our Graduates
Research
GlobalPresence
Network
BY ALLAN JENKINS
49VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
In April, the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia
announced a revamped MBA for Fall 2012. Offered by Sauder’s Robert H. Lee
Graduate School, the new program emphasizes hands-on learning, global immersion
and integration of business disciplines for a “360-degree” management perspective.
Sauder revamps MBAfor an increasingly complex, global marketplace
PHOTOS BY MARTIN DEE
50 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
STUDENTS WILL TRAVEL TO ONE OF SAUDER’S PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
to work with MBA peers on experiential projects for multinational
companies, such as IBM and Microsoft.
At home, they will collaborate with classmates across all business
disciplines to work on projects for organizations in Vancouver and beyond
that emphasize applied problem solving and real-world connections.
“We are transforming the way we conceptualize MBA education,” says
Sauder Dean Daniel Muzyka. “By embracing an integrated approach that
responds to the reality of international business, rather than academic
tradition, and focusing on using knowledge in real-world contexts at
home and around the globe, we’re equipping students to fi nd success in
the hyper-competitive international job market.”
Sauder has been a pioneer in integrated approaches in the MBA since
1995, when it introduced the award-winning Integrated Core to its
program. Among the fi rst of its kind in North America, the intensive
13-week interdisciplinary learning experience links critical business
functions to give students a 360-degree management perspective.
Over the past two years, Sauder worked with business leaders, faculty,
students and alumni to build on its integrated approach and completely
revamp its program. As a result, the program is streamlined from eight
specializations and 10 sub-specializations into four career tracks:
Business Innovation: Designed for entrepreneurs who want to
bring new products and services to market and “intra-preneurs”
seeking to lead innovation within organizations.
Consulting and Strategic Management: With curriculum
bringing together corporate strategy, information technology
and supply chain management, students also learn “soft skills”
needed to lead transformational change.
Product/Service Management: A blend of marketing, and
operations and information management, students focus on
product, service and brand management.
Finance: Examining the fi nancial industry in the broader business
context, the principles of fi nance are applied to investment
banking, corporate fi nance, portfolio management, trading and
risk management.
51VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Integrated projects: To reinforce a
holistic business perspective, students
from across career tracks are pulled
together throughout the 16-month
program to work on a series of integrated
projects for organizations. Ranging from
consulting for multinational companies or
local entrepreneurs to working with First
Nations groups or economically-challenged
communities in Vancouver and beyond,
projects emphasize live problem solving
and real-world connections.
Global immersion: An international
theme runs throughout the new MBA
program and fi nds the most direct
application in the project-based course
Global Immersion. Students travel to
partner schools—Indian Institute of
Management Bangalore, Copenhagen
School of Business or Shanghai Jiao
Tong University—where they form teams
with MBA counterparts and work for
multinational companies. After returning
home, the teams continue to collaborate
remotely to develop business plans and
present reports to their sponsoring
organizations.
Business clinic: Sauder’s Business Clinic
is a new forum where businesses, non-
profi ts and other organizations connect
with MBA students to get diagnoses
on their operations and help with their
challenges. A dynamic place where hands-
on projects meet students, the clinic
allows MBAs to hone their skills and get
real-world experience under their belts,
while providing organizations with fresh
perspectives on what they do, and how
they can do better.
“We will give our students experi-
ences that aren’t as clean and clear-cut as
typical academic classes and cases,” says
Murali Chandrashekaran, Associate Dean
of Professional Graduate Programs and
Director, Robert H. Lee Graduate School.
“We want to cultivate leaders who can em-
brace ambiguity and dive into the cauldron
of complex organizations, assess problems
and fi nd creative solutions with limited
information and time. To do this we need to
push our students to learn by doing and to
courageously make changes in communi-
ties locally and abroad.”
Internship innovation: The new MBA
offers two alternatives to traditional
internships for meaningful applied
experience. The Entrepreneurial Project
enables students to pursue a new venture
of their own creation from prototyping
to market launch. The Team Consulting
Project will allow a select group of top
students to act as strategic consultants
for a high-profi le organization or social
enterprise.
New required thematic experiences: With
a broad view on business and social issues,
new required experiences provide unifying
perspectives for the program. Modules on
Creativity, Responsible Business, Global
Issues and Macroeconomics, Decision
Making for Managers, and Leadership
Development emphasize the core values of
the MBA as well as the skills necessary for
future leaders.
About Sauder’s new approach to MBA education, Dale Griffi n, Associate Dean, Strategic
Communications says, “Driven by the rapidly changing business world, our integrated model
recognizes that managers today need a broader set of skills, a broader perspective on the
globalized economy, and the ability and courage to provide strong leadership in the face of
uncertainty and even chaos.” ■
52 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
MARCH 1, 2012 MARKED THE GRAND OPENING OF THE SAUDER SCHOOL
of Business’s new facilities at the University of British Columbia.
The $70-million revitalization and expansion will allow the School
to become a leading global destination for business education, adding
55,000 square feet to the original 216,000 square foot structure.
Over 300 members of the Sauder community—alumni and friends
of the School, faculty and staff members, and students—gathered to
celebrate the completion of the building redevelopment and
expansion of the learning facilities at the School.
“We are tremendously proud to have built this extraordinary new
home for business education in Canada with the support of our entire
community,” said Dean Daniel F. Muzyka. “Our facilities now match
our ambition to be one of the world’s preeminent hubs for business
innovation and idea generation.”
The program included Wendy John, Council member and former
Chief of the Musqueam First Nation, who brought greetings from
the Musqueam First Nation, and an address from Prof. Stephen Toope,
President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC.
Highlights of the expansion and revitalization include the Robert
H. Lee Graduate School, Bruce R. Birmingham Undergraduate Centre,
Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre, Jim Pattison Leadership
Centre, the Big 4 Conference Centre, Middlefi eld Group Lecture
Sauder unveils$70M facility revamp into global education hubPHOTOS BY MARTIN DEE
53VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Above: Big 4 Conference Centre
Left to right: Dean Daniel Muzyka, UBC Chancellor Sarah Morgan-Silvester, Prof. Stephen Toope
54 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
Theatre, Canaccord Learning Commons, Wayne Deans Investment
Analysis Centre, K.T. Tjia & Anna Chia Atrium, d.studio and CA Hall.
In 2006, the school launched the Opening Worlds Campaign
chaired by Sauder alumnus Fred Withers, BCom 1977, Ernst & Young’s
Chief Development Offi cer for Canada, to support the revitalization
of its facilities on UBC’s Point Grey campus. In total, $52 million was
raised with generous support from the community, as well as Sauder’s
undergraduate and graduate students, who pledged fi nancial support
through special building fees. Lead donors to the Opening Worlds
Campaign include Robert H. Lee, Jim Pattison, Bruce R. Birmingham,
Canaccord Financial in honour of Peter M. Brown, Middlefi eld Group
and friends, Hari B. Varshney, the Tjia & Chia Family and Wayne Deans.
To date, the Sauder School of Business building has been
recognized with a 2011 Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
Award in Architecture, 2010 Canadian Interiors Best of Canada Award,
2010 Sustainable Architecture & Building Canadian Green Building
Award, and a 2010 Vancouver Regional Construction Association
Award of Excellence. The building redevelopment was designed by
Acton Ostry Architects Inc. and constructed by Scott Construction
Group with UBC Properties Trust as project manager. ■
Middle photos:Business Families Centre
Bottom photo:Mrs. Lily Lee and Dr. Robert H. Lee,
with Prof. Moura Quayle (middle)
Mrs. Marjorie-Anne Sauder
55VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Ms. Wendy John Student volunteers
Front row, left to right: Prof. Stephen Toope, Dr. Robert H. Lee, Mrs. Lily Lee, UBC Chancellor Sarah Morgan-Silvester, Mrs. Madhu Varshney, Mr. Hari B. Varshney
THE CENTRE IS A HIGH-TECH LAB PROVIDING
students with the tools and information
available to professional investment managers:
share and bond price feeds, fi nancial news
and 17 terminals from Bloomberg, S&P and
Thomson Reuters.
“When I was approached to donate, I said I
wanted to give these kids something that ties the
real world with the academic world. That’s how
we came up with the idea. The Centre gives them
all the fi nancial and news feeds we get at our
fi rm. They can sit there in that room and get all
the information I get electronically,” said Deans.
Deans hopes the fi re hose of information
available in the Centre will help teach students
about looking for insight.
“In business, we are bombarded with
information. Numbers, fi gures, notions, from
the time you get up in the morning. You have
to question it, fi lter it. Media can’t tell the
difference between a bicycle accident and the
end of civilization. Is the breaking news a big
deal? Usually not,” observes the colourful,
straight-talking Deans.
“Investment management is not about
how smart you are. There are a lot of smart
people in the world, and they far outnumber
good investors. So it’s not smarts that make a
good investor. We are not looking for inside
information. We are looking for insight
information. How you interpret information
determines your success.”
Deans’ advice to new business graduates:
“Think independently. Question things.
Too many people believe what they read in
newspapers, they believe what they see on
television news, and they believe what their boss
tells them. People achieve and change the world
by doing things in a different or a better way.
That’s how my clients all got rich.”
And he urges those new to business to ask
themselves: “How do successful business people
confront conventional wisdom? They think very
independently for whatever reason. Steve Jobs
achieved great success because he took the risk
of being completely different in the way he
did things. Warren Buffett, arguably the most
successful investor of our time, takes complex
information and interprets it uniquely and
often simply.” ■
Bicycle accident, or the end of civilization?
WAYNE’S WORLD
Wayne DeansChairman and CEO,
Deans Knight Capital Management Ltd.,
Vancouver
Born: 1946, Montréal
Education: BCom 1968, Sir George Williams University
(now Concordia University), Montréal; MBA
1970, McMaster University, Hamilton.
Career: Began at the Bank of Canada as a central
banker, rising to the post of Assistant
Chief of the securities division. Later, he
was Vice-President of the Wood Gundy
stock brokerage and President of MK Wong
& Associates. He co-founded Deans Knight
Capital Management Ltd in 1992.
In his free time: Deans enjoys spending time at his home
in Punta Mita, Mexico. He is also a fan of
Formula 1 racing, and is attending the Indy
500 in May and the Canadian Grand Prix
in June. Deans is an active philanthropist,
donating to organizations throughout
Canada. ■
BY ALLAN JENKINS
This is the motto on the wall of the Wayne Deans Investment
Analysis Centre, a $2.2 million gift to UBC by Wayne Deans,
Chairman & CEO of Deans Knight Capital Management Ltd.
“Investing can be extraordinarily complex. The genius is in keeping it simple.” — Wayne Deans
WAYNE DEANS
DONOR PROFILE
57VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
58 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
“It’s not information overload… it’s fi lter failure!” - Clay Shirky, American technology writer
We are bombarded with information from the moment we awake: news, industry trends, career moves, the doings of friends. And we get it from many sources: online newspapers and TV, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, podcasts.
One way to manage the fi re hose of data is “content curation”—fi ltering your content stream so that you have a tailored information fl ow.
Here are fi ve tools to help you:Google Reader lets you manage your sub-
scriptions to online media and blogs. Completely searchable, and operating from “the cloud,” you can access it from anywhere. reader.google.com
Delicious is still the most popular bookmarking site. Tag websites with relevant keywords and save. Delicious will also suggest similar websites. www.delicious.com
Flipboard turns your iPad into a daily magazine, accessing various online magazines and newspapers (with new ones being added almost daily). Gorgeous interface and simple to use once you have chosen a set of sources. www.fl ipboard.com
Faveous collects your favorites from Twitter, Google Reader, Youtube, Facebook, and Delicious in one single place. You can access your Faveous from anywhere, including your iPad (via Flipboard). Smartphone apps are in the pipeline. www.faveous.com
Paper.li lets you identify sources (Twitter, Facebook, newsfeeds) you want to follow and then publishes the content in an on-screen newspaper format. Sounds gimmicky? Many businesses and professionals use Paper.li to collate and share breaking news and information. www.paper.li ■
EARNING INTEREST TRENDS, TIPS, AND TIDBITS
Time management with a tomatoWhen university student Francesco Cirillo looked for a better way to manage his time, he turned to a sheet of paper, a pencil, and his “Pomodoro,” a tomato-shaped kitchen timer. Twenty-fi ve years later, it is one of the most popular time management techniques—and it is still no more complicated than paper and a timer.
The idea is to visualize tasks as discrete units of time, and force yourself to take breaks to refresh your mind.
The technique: 1. Choose a task and assign it “x” chunks of 25-minute periods (one “pomodoro”)
to accomplish it
2. Set the Pomodoro for 25 minutes
3. Work on the task until the Pomodoro rings
4. Take a fi ve-minute break to clear your head
5. Every four “Pomodoros” (i.e. every two hours) take a longer break
Cirillo’s free book, The Pomodoro Technique, along with worksheets, is available at www.pomodorotechnique.com. You can join 15,000 Pomodoro fans on Facebook and 5,000 followers on Twitter. Or buy your own Pomodoro timer for US$8 at Amazon.com. ■
TOP 5 RESTAURANTSIN THE WORLDNoma – Copenhagen, DenmarkEl Celler de Can Roca – Girona, SpainMugaritz – San Sebastian, SpainD.O.M. – Sao Paulo, BrazilOsteriea Francescana – Modena, ItalySource: Restaurant Magazine
TOP 5 RESTAURANTSIN CANADAVij’s – VancouverLangdon Hall – Cambridge, Ont.Joe Beef – MontréalThe Black Hoof – TorontoAtelier – OttawaSource: Vacay.ca
Content curation
59VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Mobility
ALUMNI WHO MOVED ABROAD
FOLLOWING GRADUATION: 44%
PERSONALDEVELOPMENT
Flowby Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi
Getting Things Doneby David Allen
The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker
LEADERSHIP
On Becoming a Leader by Warren Bennis
The Leadership Moment by Michael Useem
The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
STRATEGY
In Search of Excellence by Thomas J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman, Jr.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen
SALES AND MARKETING
Infl uence by Robert B. Cialdini
Positioning by Al Ries and Jack Trout
A New Brand World by Scott Bedbury with Stephen Fenichell
MANAGEMENT
The Essential Drucker by Peter Drucker
Out of the Crisis by W. Edwards Deming
Toyota ProductionSystem by Taiichi Ohno
BIOGRAPHIES
Titan by Ron Chernow
My Years with General Motors by Alfred P. Sloan, Jr.
The HP Way by David Packard
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
The Republic of Tea by Mel Ziegler, Patricia Ziegler, and Bill Rosenzweig
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY
Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie
The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley with Jonathan Littman
A Whack on the Sideof the Head by Roger Von Oech
BIG IDEAS
The Age of Unreason by Charles Handy
Out of Control by Kevin Kelly
The Rise of the Creative Class by Richard Florida
The 100 Best Business Books of All TimeJack Covert and Todd Sattersten, experts in business and management literature, recently published the anthology The 100 Best Business Books of All Time: What They Say, Why They Matter, and How They Can Help You. Here is a selection:
Source: http://100bestbiz.com/the-blog/
Source: Financial Times http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/rankings. Statistics are for the 2008
graduating class and are based on individual responses.
Top sectors of employmentThree years after graduation
FINANCE/BANKING 19%
IT/TELECOMS 12%CONSULTANCY 11%
PUBLIC SECTOR/NON-PROFIT 9%
Top job titlesThree years after graduation
PROFESSIONAL 40%
SENIOR MANAGER/EXECUTIVE 25%
DEPARTMENT HEAD 12%
PRESIDENT/MD/CEO 9%AF
TE
R
SA
UD
ER
60 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
CLASS NOTES
Dear alumni, From Vancouver to Hong Kong and from London to Karachi, the Sauder community includes 33,000 alumni in 74 countries.
Each of our alumni holds a piece of the School’s history as well as its future. The connections that hold our community
together are our School’s most meaningful strength.
So tell us your story, and share your news. We want to hear from you! Whether you just got the job of your dreams or
are still fi nding your way, took a trip around the world or have been enjoying the comforts of home, got married or became a
parent—fi ll us in on your family and career, accomplishments and interests. Let us hear from you, and send us your photos.
We’ll print your news in the Class Notes section of Viewpoints magazine, which is consistently ranked as one of the most
popular segments of our publication. Through the Class Notes, you will share your story with your fellow alumni and current
students, reconnect with old classmates, and stay connected as a vital part of the Sauder community.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Bob Harwood BCom 1948
At age 85 I look back on my time at UBC in the
1940s as a very special period. While I was there
student population tripled to above 10,000
with the infl ux of students whose educations
had been interrupted by the depression, the
war, or both. I benefi tted from the maturity
and the world view they brought to campus
life as I worked with them during my terms
on the Student Council, as I presided over the
Parliamentary Forum, participated in the Pacifi c
North West College Congress on World Affairs,
and in due course served as President of the
National Federation of Canadian University
Students.
Both during my career and in retirement it
has been my privilege to travel extensively the
world we share. I wrote a monthly—This World
of Ours—column for more than a decade and
authored a book entitled Seeking Common Ground in
a Troubled World.
But this is prompted by the recent
announcement that UBC is granting honorary
degrees to Japanese Canadian students whose
time at UBC was brought to an abrupt end
during World War II. UBC is addressing a grave
injustice, but the damage wasn’t confi ned to
those already at university. I entered university
from Richmond High where one night in 1942
more than half of my 700 fellow students, all
those of Japanese origin and many of whom
also aspired to go on to university, disappeared
as they were relocated inland. That said, I thank
UBC for taking this step, however late. If we do
not learn from the past we repeat the mistakes
of the past. And I am proud of UBC’s current
signifi cant engagement with other countries,
particularly those in Asia.
Barbara Leonard BCom 1949
Great trip to Maui with family. 60th wedding
anniversary celebration.
Class of ’61 Reunion: The smiles on the faces
of 14 of a class of 114 refl ect the joy of getting
together to share some “time and space” 50
years after graduating. Following a tour of
the new wonderful Sauder School of Business
building (much better than the old army huts!),
the class met at Shaughnessy Golf Club for a
dinner and storytelling. “50 years in 3 minutes
or less”…with tales of careers, entrepreneurial
exploits, marriages, divorces, adventures and
travels, health and other challenges, kids and
grandkids, and with remembrances of favorite
faculty members. And some reported, they
are “still at it” following their commercial or
voluntary interests. A general conclusion: Life
is Good!
Class members who attended are pictured
here. Back row, left to right: Neil Wooliams,
Jock Munro, Dean Winram, Lorne Wickerson,
1940S 1960S
Cl f ’61 R i Th il h f
SHARE YOUR NEWSClass Notes are easier than ever
to submit. Simply fi ll out the online form at www.sauder.ubc.
ca/alumni/classnotes
61VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Leo Comesotti, Mike Leckie, Larry Fournier,
Ben Archibald, Larry Campbell and Roy Barnett.
Front row, left to right: Bill Garriock, John
Goodwin, Dave Howard and Doug Butterworth.
Rick Baker BCom 1965
In 2003, I founded Timely Medical Alternatives,
Inc., a surgical brokerage organization which
helps Canadians obtain timely care rather than
languish on lengthy medical wait lists. Since
then, we have triaged thousands of clients to
sources of high quality, private pay surgery.
In the process of sending clients for cardiac,
spinal, orthopedic, vascular and gynecological
procedures, we have had the satisfaction of
helping to save six lives, including that of an
eight-year old girl from West Vancouver.
In 2005, responding to requests from
uninsured Americans, I founded North American
Surgery, Inc., which sends uninsured Americans
(of which there are 50,000,000) to the same
network of 22 US hospitals to which we send
our Canadian clients and where we have been
successful in negotiating prices up to 85 per cent
less than the usual and customary charges.
Eduard M. Lavalle BCom 1965
The path from UBC to work has many
unexpected directions. As a UBC Commerce
graduate (1965), I entered the Law School,
graduating in 1966, and then went to graduate
school at Duke University and ended up teaching
politics at Capilano University.
During this career path, I never disassociated
what I had learned in the business school.
The world was changing signifi cantly during
this time with globalization pushing strongly
for a synthesis between the study of politics
and economics or business. The importance
of business understanding globalization was
signifi cant. It was not suffi cient to understand
only trade and investment; business had to
understand fi scal and monetary policy plus
the intricacies of global trade and investment.
Likewise, political scientists had to increasingly
understand the same subjects. Nowhere was this
demonstrated to me more than in pursuing and
understanding of the Canada–Europe relationship.
I was lucky in having the fl exibility to
establish a number of projects in which I had
the opportunity to combine politics, economics,
and business. I was able to make my college, now
Capilano University, the administrative home
of several academic projects conducted by the
Network for European Studies. The formation of
the Network, sponsor of a variety of activities,
is administered by Capilano University, on
behalf of the Network, and a partnership
between the Department of Political Studies and
Continuing Education.
The EU Study Tour and Internship Program is
sponsored by the Network for European Studies
(Canada), a consortium of Canadian universities.
Now in its ninth year, the Network annually
sponsors up to 50 students from 14 Canadian
universities to a three week immersion in the
EU and European institutions. The program
consists of over 70 seminars with EU public
servants, politicians, diplomats, the Canadian
Mission to the EU plus a variety of sectorial
business and economic interests. Also, the
project provides internships in the institutions
for many of the students. All academic activity
within the program is awarded credit within the
various graduate and undergraduate programs
at participating universities. DFAIT provides
modest funding for the support of interns
through a grant.
The need to understand the Canada–EU
relationship became more acute and urgent
with the agreement of the EU and Canada to
begin the negotiation of a trade agreement, the
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
This activity, somewhat controversial, was
unique in the degree to which the provinces
accessed and participated in the negotiations;
the fi rst international agreement where the
federal government went beyond consultation
with the provinces and actually provided space
at the table. The signifi cance of this agreement
was understood by graduate students in
business—participants over the past years have
included graduate students from Rotman School
(University of Toronto), Ted Rogers School of
Management (Ryerson University), Schuler
School (York University) and Sauder (UBC).
In September 2010, the European
Commission began sponsoring an annual three–
week study tour to Canada for European graduate
students engaged in Canadian studies. With the
European partners, the Network organizes an
immersion in Canadian institutions, including
the federal government, three provincial
governments (Quebec, Ontario and BC) as well
as important organizations representing civil
society and business. The European student tour
and internship program is supported by the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade (DFAIT) and funded by the European
Commission. It has broad support from a variety
of organizations in Canadian civil society and
governments, provincial and federal. The project
is titled “Thinking Canada” and is a complement
to the EU Study Tour and Internship Program for
Canadian students. In 2008, Capilano University,
on behalf of the Network, was awarded a
European Commission grant of approximately
$150,000 to conduct a Public Diplomacy
Project. The objective of the project was to
engage civil society and both governmental
and intergovernmental organizations in the
Canada–EU relationship. Events were held across
the country organized with the assistance of EU
Study Tour and Internship Program faculty and
previously participating students. The project also
sponsored some of the fi rst public discussion
the CETA. The Network partnered with the
Rothman School of Management, to host one of
the fi rst conferences on the CETA issue; including
62 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
CLASS NOTES
the participation of the European Union
Chambers of Commerce in Toronto (EUCOCIT).
Additionally, the Canadian Labour Congress
hosted a visit of a research representative from
the Centre for European Policy studies.
Barry Hitchens PhD 1970
I spent two months in Georgetown, Guyana
aiding an insurance company revamp the
Government Regulator requirement for an
Investment Policy Statement for the Reserve
Fund of the company. In reviewing the current
Policy (enabling Statement as all investments
are prohibited unless permitted), I noted
several common share equity positions of local
businesses yielding very little if any dividends.
The paucity of cash fl ow was inhibiting the
company’s solvency. How could higher yielding
fi xed income securities be secured? A further
challenge was a virtually non–existent market
for stocks and bonds. The little market that
existed primarily serves the interests of private
merchant banks with their active “private
equity” operations involved in every aspect
of Guyana’s natural resource development—
diamonds, gold, and oil; in every way the
country is a plutocracy.
Jennifer Davenport BCom 1981
I was appointed Deputy Public Guardian and
Trustee of BC on January 3, 2012.
Gary Backler MSc in Business
Administration 1980
After returning to England in 1981, I pursued a
consultancy career with Booz Allen & Hamilton
and Price Waterhouse, and spent the last 15 years
of my career working for the government on the
privatization of rail services. I retired in 2010,
and now undertake occasional consultancy
assignments between my environmental and
charitable commitments. I’d be pleased to hear
from any of the 1978–80 MBA intakes.
Veronica Wargo BCom 1987
Luke and Sedona graduating in May. We will all
be taking a Hawaiian cruise with Grandparents
to celebrate.
Henry Yan BCom 1987
I met my wife Tracey (nee Renema) (BCom
1991) in 1990 while working at Thorne Ernst &
Whinney (predecessor fi rm of KPMG).
Tracey obtained her CA designation in 1994
and left KPMG in 2000 as a senior manager to
take care of our family. We have three children
— Jillian (14), Rebecca (12) and Andrew (9)
and a very calm dog. Our girls are active in Irish
dancing and horseback riding, and Andrew is
making great strides as a rock drummer. When
not taking care of us, Tracey sits on the board of
directors of two not-for-profi t organizations.
After I obtained my CA designation in 1990,
I became the fi nancial controller for Norecol
Environmental Consultants Ltd. and left in 1993
to start my own accounting practice. In 1997,
I merged my practice with another Chartered
Accountant, forming our current fi rm, The
Ascent Partnership LLP, Chartered Accountants.
Together with two other business partners, I also
started E-Fusion Technologies Inc. in 2001 to
provide computer technical support services to
large engineering fi rms.
Shortly after my father and another good
friend passed away in 2005, Tracey and I realized
that life is too short and that the rat race wasn’t
worth winning. Wanting a change, I returned
to my childhood passion of guitar and bass and
started a rock band just for fun, called “Line 49”
with Colin Holyk (UBC BSc Pharm 1990). Our
band plays songs from the ’80s to the current
day in an edgier modern rock format. Our band
has played at large private parties and clubs over
the last three years and most recently added
Dr. Alex Scott (UBC PhD 2008) (a.k.a. “The
Professor”), an assistant professor at UBC in
the Department of Physical Therapy, as our new
drummer. Being a rock musician has given me
a different kind of respect from clients—who
previously knew me only as their accountant—
which I fi nd exciting and rewarding! We play at
UBC Alumni Days on the afternoon of May 26,
2012 just outside the Student Union Building.
Carl Cook BCom 1989
I enjoy living in beautiful Victoria, BC. In
January of this year I took a trip to Miami
Beach. Upcoming trips include Las Vegas in
April and India/Nepal in the fall. The Certifi ed
General Accountant designation, obtained
after my Bachelor of Commerce at UBC, has
served me well over the years. Currently, I’m
happily working as a Supervisor with the
BC Government. This March I completed my
bathroom renovation, which completes the
overall condo renovation that I started last year.
I enjoy exploring the back country of Vancouver
Island by riding my ATV-Quad.
1970S
1980S
63VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Joseph Pribaz BCom 1992
2012 fi nds me continuing to enjoy my work
at CIBC as a Financial Advisor and, more
importantly, my health and wonderful family!
Louise, my wife of almost 18 years, is the light
of my life and source of eternal joy in raising
our three sons. Time has passed far too quickly
since graduating from UBC in 1992....but what
a wonderful life! There is nothing to compare
to calling Canada home and spending each day
doing what I love—thank you UBC. :-)
Graham Astbury BCom 1994
Relocated from Yellowknife, Northwest
Territories, where winters were -45°C, to Perth,
Australia, where summers are +45°C.
Greg Petzold DULE 2000
I am part of a three–person team at the City of
Winnipeg using multiple regression analysis
to value some 200,000 realty parcels for
property taxation purposes. Winnipeg’s Property
Assessment & Taxation Department is the fi rst
assessment jurisdiction in Canada to be ISO
certifi ed and uses statistical software to build both
sales and income value models. Having reached
the half-century mark, I am also working on my
bucket list and want to inform West Coasters that
there is a fourth “seacoast” in Canada and it is the
North Shore of Superior. I have taken two kayak
trips there recently and recommend its crystal
waters to anyone. If it was good enough for the
Group of Seven, it’s good enough for you.
James-Scott and Vanessa Lee BCom 2002
I met Vanessa Ko (BCom 2004) at UBC and we
have the Sauder School of Business to thank for
bringing us together. We married on July 2, 2011
in Vancouver, BC. I completed my law degree
at University of Victoria in 2005 and am now
practicing law at Heenan Blaikie LLP in Calgary,
AB. Vanessa is an Underwriter at Travelers Canada
and is pursuing her MBA at Queen’s University.
Cormac Hikisch MBA 2003
Had another great winter at Ski Smithers in
Northern BC, teaching my youngest child Dylan
to ski at age three, and trying to keep up with
his six-year old big sister Bridie. Four years into
my health services administrator position with
Northern Health and still learning and growing
in this exciting career. Nearly 10 years post-
MBA—time sure does accelerate as one gets older.
The MBA really did build the foundation for my
incredible last decade!
Allan Lee BCom 2004
UBC has a mandate to demonstrate leadership
in sustainability; this year, we’ve made a
commitment to our community to achieve
aggressive GHG carbon reduction targets.
Further, UBC is a public institution, which must
comply with provincial legislation to become
carbon neutral. One solution is to examine
our partnerships with our vendors in order to
encourage more sustainable fulfi llment practices.
Currently with International Student
Recruitment at UBC, I tackled paper waste
produced through shipping in our offi ce. Already
a model green university, we continue to put
our heads together to discover healthier, more
effi cient ways to operate that won’t compromise
the future, but instead will help advance the
evolution to sustainability.
2000S1990S
SHARE YOUR NEWSClass Notes are easier than ever
to submit. Simply fi ll out the online form at www.sauder.ubc.
ca/alumni/classnotes
64 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
CLASS NOTES
I contacted TNT, a courier contracted to
handle international shipping for our offi ce, to
push for a paperless option. In response, TNT
provided our offi ce with a thermal label printer.
The thermal label eliminates the need for
four pieces of paper previously needed for each
shipment. The only piece of paper now required
is a commercial invoice. Based on current
shipping patterns in this department, UBC saves
approximately 10,000 pieces of paper per year
through the use of the thermal label printer.
I demonstrated that we can work strategically
with our vendors to help both UBC and our
partners demonstrate leadership in sustainability
and social responsibility.
Chris So BCom 2004
2011 was a big year as I married my sweetheart
at a ceremony and reception in Richmond
and we purchased a home in Vancouver. Since
graduating in 2004 and following a two-
month trip through Europe (16 countries in 46
days!), I have been working at Burnaby-based
Best Buy Canada Headquarters; a high-energy
work environment with plenty of fellow BCom
alumni. Currently I am an Online Category
Manager for FutureShop.ca and manage the
end-to-end eCommerce customer experience for
Canada’s leading retail website.
Andrew Mckee BCom 2006
This year was an exciting one. As a UBC grad, I
had the amazing opportunity to start a business
—Drink Espresso Bar—right on the UBC
campus. The coffee bar is located between VST
and Gage Towers with fl oor–to–ceiling windows
and a beautiful patio.
Marlene Lau-Ove MBA 2006
2011 has been the most eventful year of my
life, thus far. I had my last performance with my
rock band, Kill Matilda, opening for my ‘90s Ca-
nadian rock heroes, Econoline Crush. I also got
married to the love of my life. In planning a cre-
ative way to announce our wedding, I wrote and
recorded my fi rst full–length orchestral piece
to accompany the drawings by a great friend
of mine and animator of Bob’s Burgers on FOX
(video can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=bLQESbvPeqE). During the very hectic
days surrounding my nuptials, I was also in the
midst of signing an employment contract with
Bombardier Aerospace, where I am now happily
employed as a Market Analyst, enjoying such
perks as meeting John Travolta on my birthday.
Remembered forever like shoo bop shoo wadda
wadda yipitty boom de boom!
Graham Day BCom 2006
After three years in management consulting
with Oliver Wyman, I spent a year in Haiti post-
earthquake working for the Clinton Foundation.
I led a team to assist the devastated Ministry of
Health to coordinate the reconstruction response
by mapping out the country’s medical services.
We also supplied money and logistics support to
the cholera outbreak response. It was easily the
most challenging and enriching experience of
my professional life.
I am now in Washington, DC where I am
completing a Masters in International Relations
and Economics at the Johns Hopkins School of
Advanced International Studies (SAIS). I intend
to pursue a career in private sector development,
ideally through working with impact investment
funds to grow small and medium enterprises
in emerging markets in Latin America. I am on
LinkedIn for those who want to get in touch!
Ch i S BC 2004
SHARE YOUR NEWSClass Notes are easier than ever
to submit. Simply fi ll out the online form at www.sauder.ubc.
ca/alumni/classnotes
65VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Andrea Dalla Pozza BCom 2006
This year I had my 1st born—a beautiful
baby girl. :-)
Christian Dy MBA 2008
Over last summer, I trained and lead a team of
17 volunteers to Central America to work on
various development projects. This included aid
for battered women, sponsorships for children
and building projects. I shall return in 2013
with a new team to continue our work.
Walter Buchanan MBA 2008
I am pleased to announce the birth of our
fi rst child on November 2. I had thought that
completing the MBA program and running
half-marathon distances were accomplishments
but the birth of our baby girl has put these (and
everything else!) into a whole new perspective.
Warren Tardif BCom 2008
Earlier this year I was exploring Bali and other
parts of Indonesia. I was able to welcome the
Year of the Dragon in Hong Kong where so
many of my Sauder classmates where from. My
sister is now studying at UBC, so I got to visit
the campus earlier in the year. I’ve been happily
living in LA trying to fulfi ll some of my dreams!
Scott Pester MBA 2008
My wife, Tracy, and I were very excited to
welcome our daughter Lydia into the world
on November 19, 2011.
Christine Lowe BCom 2009
The trend for hopping across the pond is
contagious! After working with community
investment and sustainability organizations in
Vancouver, China, India, Ethiopia and Mexico,
I moved to London in the fall of 2011 where
I’m currently completing my Master’s in Global
Ethics at King’s College London School of Law.
The Sauder connection never ceases to amaze
me and it has been wonderful to connect with
friends—old and new. I’m looking forward
to cheering on Canada at the London 2012
Olympics shortly after completing a summer
management course in negotiations at the
London School of Economics and Political
Science. If anyone is passing through London feel
free to get in touch! (www.christinelowe.com)
James D. Kondopulos BCom 2009
Effective January 1, 2012, James became a
partner (practicing through a law corporation)
at the Vancouver–based employment and
66 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
CLASS NOTES
labour law boutique of Roper Greyell LLP.
He specializes in the practice of employment,
labour and workplace human rights law, and
also investigates and reports on allegations of
workplace harassment, bullying and code of
conduct violations.
Kathy Do BCom 2009
2012 marked my third year with Coca–Cola. In
2009, this amazing company took a chance on
me and started me on their Olympic operations
while I was still completing my fi nal year at
Sauder. Since then I’ve been directly involved
in operations and logistics, fi eld sales and now
fi nance, as the Business Manager for the Lower
Mainland and Coastal BC. I now have a team of
seven reporting to me and am excited about the
new career experiences ahead of me.
Adam Segal ECM 2009
Helped my company, Stork Craft, achieve the
Canada’s 50 Best Companies—BC Finalist
designation. Also named The Province’s Canucks
monthly Fan Columnist, fulfi lling my goal of
becoming a regular sports writer.
Chris Gorman MBA 2009
On November 19, 2011, Chris Gorman was
elected a Trustee on the Board of Education for
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan), the
fi fth largest School District in British Columbia.
Chris was elected by colleagues to serve as
Vice-Chair, Chair of the Board’s Finance and
Legal Committee (School District No. 23 has an
annual budget of $185 million), and Member
of the Planning and Facilities Committee.
Prior to his election, Chris worked as
Executive Assistant to Canada’s Minister of
Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Peter MacKay,
PC, QC, MP, and in various roles in the
international shipping and insurance industries
in Canada and the United States.
Chris resides in Kelowna, BC and is married
to Elizabeth and has two daughters, Isabelle (4)
and Naomi (1).
Website: www.chrisgorman.ca
Yuri Yoon MM 2009
After graduating from the Sauder School of
Business three years ago, I was hired by the New
Westminster School District Business Company
(www.sd40.bc.ca/sd40bc) to teach at their
offshore school in China. I taught at Canadian
Secondary Wenzhou. This program was put
together by CEO Brent Atkinson in 2006. I
enjoyed working with Brent’s administrative
staff, which included Cindy Tang, Tom Harris,
Wayne Lee Ying and Gregory Batt. International
education is a big industry in Asia and the rate
of certifi ed high school graduates in China is
expected to exceed the number of certifi ed
graduates in BC within the next ten years. My
time in China allowed me to teach a variety of
classes, coach sports teams and learn about local
culture. When I look back on my time at Sauder,
I remember many professors and alumni who
mentored me throughout my graduate studies.
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity of
giving back—through teaching and helping
students reach their educational goals.
May Wong LicAcct 2010
Steven, May, and big brother Brandon welcome
baby boy Austin Jackson Wong. Born on
December 15th, 2011; 6 lbs 7oz .
SHARE YOUR NEWSClass Notes are easier than ever
to submit. Simply fi ll out the online form at www.sauder.ubc.
ca/alumni/classnotesYuriYoon MM 2009
2010S
67VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
Jennifer Fews BCom 2011
Meeting new friends and having lots of fun. UBC
was a great experience, and I hope to come back
for my master’s degree.
William (Bill) Gartside BCom 1956
Bill was born in New Westminster on November
2, 1932 and attended Duke of Connaught High
School. He graduated from UBC with a BCom
in 1956. He was a member of Phi Gamma
Delta. He worked for Crown Zellerbach in
Vancouver and Calgary. Bill then went on to be
president of everything—Commercial Truck,
Inter-Mountain Transport, Four Square Leasing,
B.C. Trucking Association and Labour Relations,
New Westminster Salmonbellies, Vancouver Golf
Club, Douglas College Foundation and last but
most stressful The Royal Mauian Homeowners
Association. He was just a member of the
Stanley Park Crazy Athletes (nobody wanted to
be president). He loved fi shing, golf, travel and
bridge. Bill spent the last nine months at Czorny
Alzheimer Centre, and passed away on January
30, 2012. Bill is survived by his wife, Gerry, son
Brad, his sister Pat Guthrie, good friends Dale and
Lori Wood and his loving lab Ernie. Bill and his
wife Gerry Gartside (Legge), also BCom 1956,
were members of the committee that planned
and organized very successful Commerce ’56
reunions every fi ve years, including the most
recent 55th reunion in 2011.
Classes of 1967, 1972, 1977, 1987, 1997 or
2007—It’s Class Reunion Time!
Renew old friendships. Make new connections.
Catch up on Sauder and fellow alumni news.
Although communications technology has
advanced at lightning speed in recent years,
there’s no substitute for connecting face to face.
The common bond of your Sauder experience is
a great foundation for a memorable event.
Class reunions are initially held fi ve years
from graduation, and subsequently on every
10th anniversary. Organized by enthusiastic
and dedicated alumni volunteers with the
support of the Sauder Development and
Alumni Engagement Offi ce, they build on the
memories and sense of community established
during your years at the School. If you’d like to
lead or be involved with setting up a reunion
for your class, contact the Development and
Alumni Engagement Offi ce at 604-822-6801 or
Spring 2012 Reunion—BCom 1957
Graduates from the BCom Class of 1957 held
their 55th reunion on April 3, 2012. Dean
Dan Muzyka escorted the group on a most
illuminating tour of the Sauder School of
Business—Henry Angus Building. Comparisons
with the army hut facilities, educational
techniques and absence of electronic equipment,
which were in place 55 years ago, provoked
much discussion. Lunch and reminiscences at
the home of classmate John Savage were enjoyed
well into the afternoon.
BCom 1992 Reunion—Saturday May 5, 2012,
7 p.m. at The V Lounge in Yaletown,Vancouver.
BCom 1956 Reunion—Wednesday May 23, 2012,
7 p.m. at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver.
BCom 1952 Reunion—Friday May 25, 2012.
Coffee session at 2 p.m. followed by a tour of
the Sauder School of Business and dinner at the
Arbutus Club in Vancouver at 5:30 p.m.
The BCom 2002 Reunion will take place
on June 21, 2012, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the
Terminal City Club Lions Pub in Vancouver.
Please contact Sharlene Cheu for more
information, at [email protected].
Read about these reunions in the next issue of
Viewpoints!
The BCom 1982 Reunion will take place in
October 2012. Details to come.
Planning for the BCom 1962 Reunion is
underway. Details to come.
For more information about these reunions,
contact the Development and Alumni Engagement
Offi ce at 604-822-6801 or [email protected].
in memoriam
J if F BC 2011
reunions
Contact usIs your information
missing or incorrect? Just let us know by emailing
Become a Sauder School of Business alumni contact
Be a contact for Sauder School of Business and fellow alumni in your city, country or region.
Help counsel prospective students, advise new graduates, welcome summer
interns and arrange alumni events.
To volunteer, contact us today!
We can be reached at:Tel: 604-822-6801Fax: 604-822-0592
e-mail: [email protected]
We always appreciate your feedback on events and programs in support
of alumni activities.
upcoming reunions
68 SPRING / SUMMER 2012 VIEWPOINTS
POINTS OF VIEW
The time to refl ect and the time to actAs you have read through the pages of this issue of Viewpoints,
you have likely noticed a tone of refl ection as we look back over
what has been accomplished during the tenure of our departing
Dean, Daniel F. Muzyka. I am certainly proud to be part of this
story, and I hope that you are too.
TODAY, WE LIVE IN A WORLD WITH A CULTURAL
and societal bias towards action; however
there is much to be said about the value of
refl ection. Refl ection is a powerful tool that can
enable us to change the course of our future.
As Peter Drucker said:
“Follow effective action with quiet refl ection.
From the quiet refl ection will come even more
effective action.” When meeting with alumni, I fi nd the
conversation often turns to what lessons were
learned while studying at Sauder. Usually, those
lessons are made clear over time. About a year
ago I was meeting with an alumnus in Toronto,
who shared with me that one of the most
valuable things he learned in school was about
the mathematical/fi nancial market Black-Scholes
model from Professor James Brander. This,
of course, only came to life for him after the
fi nancial crisis of 2009.
Through refl ection, I have learned from
alumni the importance of student bonding.
I can’t count the number of times fond
memories about POITS led to a rewarding
conversation about the School. As a result, today
Sauder is focusing on providing students with
many opportunities to connect; the new building
was designed with student interaction in mind.
There are many reasons why we should
make refl ection a regular practice in our lives.
When we pause and look back over a period
of time, we can recognize why certain parts
of our life and career were successful or why
they failed. Refl ection also helps us, and our
organizations, to avoid making or repeating
costly errors. We learn not only from our own
mistakes, but from the mistakes of others. Do
you learn only by doing? Or do you take time
to learn through refl ection?
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by refl ection, which is noblest;
second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience,
which is the bitterest.” - Confucius
Refl ecting upon my time working with
Dean Muzyka, I have learned that resilience is
an important quality in a leader, that a positive
attitude is infectious and infl uences others,
and that making decisions with incomplete
information is often more effective than waiting
for perfect information.
Finally, refl ection helps us to build on what
already exists. The simple act of refl ection can
help fuel innovation and open the door to
new thinking. We all have the opportunity to
see possibilities because of the work of our
predecessors, much like the new dean will see
where the School can go based on the work of
the current dean over the past 13 years.
I encourage you to make refl ection a regular
part of your personal and professional life. It is
a most effective way to evaluate yourself against
your goals and to map out the road ahead. If you
are fortunate, it may even allow you a moment
of pleasure and pride as you recognize what
you have achieved. ■
Sheila BiggersASSOCIATE DEAN, DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
69VIEWPOINTS SPRING / SUMMER 2012
ALUMNI IN FOCUS
Degree and Grad Year: MBA 2007
Current home city: Brasília, Brazil
Sauder volunteer role: Sauder Alumni Regional Representative for Brazil
Professional ID: Executive Director, White Leaf Management Consulting
Business motto or philosophy:
We live in a world full of opportunities. Get out
of your comfort zone and fi nd them!
In business today, it’s important to…
understand global trends, build a clear vision and
get to action. You’ll never regret taking steps that
bring you closer to accomplishing your goals.
Most valuable thing learned since
graduation:
The true value of our Global Alumni Network—
it is surprising how much I’ve learn from our
Sauder colleagues and how much I was able to
share with them for the last fi ve years. We are
part of a network of incredible people.
Eureka moment:
Leadership is about attitude, not about
credentials.
Biggest risk you’ve ever taken:
Left a high–paying 8-to-5 job to pursue my
lifelong dream of creating my own company
from scratch.
Greatest achievement to date:
Was successfully hired for a key position only
eight days after immigrating to Canada.
Alter ego:
Black and white photographer.
Greatest extravagance:
Closing my apartment in Vancouver, putting all
my furniture in a storage container and moving to
Panama for eight months.
Person you admire most and why (living or
historical fi gure):
Dr. Bill Sauder, who advised me to “Work hard
and you’ll get where you want” during an
unforgettable conversation at my graduation
luncheon. Dr. Sauder passed away a few months
later in that same year.
Trait you admire most in others:
Integrity.
Talent you would most like to have:
Patience.
Last book you couldn’t put down:
Business Stripped Bare by Richard Branson.
Most listened to:
My two–year old daughter’s favourite CD.
Gadget of choice:
Amazon Kindle, which provides immediate access
to books that otherwise would take weeks to ship
across the globe down to the equator.
Your best-kept secret (What most people don’t
know about you):
I was a cattle rancher in the interior of Brazil
before pursuing my undergrad education. If
you meet me in person, ask about how bovine
psychology can help you herd cattle. It will be a
great conversation starter.
Favorite journey:
Hiking the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, BC.
Where will you be in 10 years?
My company, White Leaf, will be an established
brand in international strategic management
and I will be leading a team of the smartest
people I can find around the globe. ■
Gain insight into fellow members of the alumni community.
Rodrigo Caetano
WANT TO BE PROFILED IN OUR
ALUMNI IN FOCUS FEATURE?
Please contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.