Have you ever been involved in a project or endeavour that came from an idea that arrives spontaneously and impromptu? Unplanned, with the added advantage of optimum timing? CFAME Connection is an outcome of such an occurrence.
March 2016, Martine Durier-Copp facilitated a Dalhousie presentation to potential MBA students at the Delta Hotel, Vancouver. This session provided an opportunity for graduates of the CFAME MBA (fs) to share their experiences and encourage others to join a robust academic program.
CFAME Presentation
There is a singular connection that exists with CFAME graduates, whether they are freshly-minted 2016 graduates or whether they completed their MBA in the early days of the program. The memories are vibrant: reading late into the night, submitting an assignment a few minutes before the deadline, studying for an exam, the insightful intensives and the profound friendships made along the way. When graduates move on to new adventures, a lingering feeling akin to nostalgia follows them.
After the presentation, Martine and I headed out into the chilly Vancouver weather. Our conversation was stopped mid-stride when Mr. Peanut and his representative offered us a rose, a bag of peanuts and an opportunity to discuss marketing strategies, product placement, delivery systems and branding.
And that was the genesis of CFAME Connection. For in that short meeting, Martine and I came away with the same thought that we need to have meaningful discussions, even with Mr. Peanut. Martine looked at me and said, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if the graduates had a forum to dialogue and reconnect?”
So here we are, a few months later, launching a place that fosters conversations. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. CFAME Connection is an expedition into uncharted territory. But as Ray Bradbury wrote many years ago, “First you jump off the cliff and build your wings on the way down.”
Martine Durier-Copp
Rebecca Budd
One of the comments I heard quite often from graduates of the program is how much they miss the peers and academic enriched discussions; the CFAME Connection blog site provides a venue to bring the discussion and connection back to life. I look forward to watching the connections grow.
Thank you, Michelle! As a graduate, your comments resonate. After the rigours of the MBA journey, what remains is the desire to engage with peers and continue those academically enriched discussions. I am looking forward to working together to build a virtual community. To connect across twenty years opens the gate to shared exploration and limitless possibilities.
So fantastic to have this site established, and the connections growing! Well done, Rebecca Budd and CFAME team!
Thank you for your leadership, Martine! Your knowledge and experience in building virtual teams has been invaluable in the development of this initiative. The CFAME team gave life to the idea. A special thank you to Derek, who gave us the name, “CFAME Connection” and constructed the site. And to Michelle who coordinated the effort to engage our dynamic alumni community. We are embarking on an amazing adventure.