Archives for Graduation 2018

As the Class of 2018 graduation approached, I had the opportunity to reflect on the MBA (FS) program, a three-year journey which offered rigorous challenges while achieving personal success. Throughout my MBA(FS) years, I met professors and classmates who left a lasting impression in my life and provided an endless amount of camaraderie as we travelled our journey together.

What sparked my interest to pursue the MBA (FS) degree was somewhat unconventional. As many colleagues, mentors, leaders, and friends have taken their path through the program, it was a family legacy that truly guided me to DAL. Seventeen years ago, my mother, Ann Etter, graduated from the MBA (FS) program. As a high school student at the time, we could be found doing our homework collectively at the dining room table. Her discipline in managing work, school, a home, and an emotional teenager seemed effortless. Looking back, I recognize the many challenges she faced in completing her MBA(FS). During those formative years, my identity was created, including my belief in life-long learning.  I have a huge respect and appreciation for my mother’s mentorship.  It is a privilege to be able to complete this program and walk in the footprints of such an accomplished woman.

Applying for a graduate program was intimidating, particularly since I had been out of school and in the workforce for over a decade. Studies were stimulating and difficult but worth every second. The MBA(FS) gave me the skill-sets to recognize opportunities and participate within a complex, evolving environment.

Since moving to Ontario, my journey is slightly different. I have started my own family.  My wife’s enthusiastic encouragement was truly remarkable, especially given the amount of time and financial resources that were devoted to achieving my goal. I look forward to moving forward, as a family, to the next steps in life.

I am proud to have Dalhousie University as my alma mater.  My heritage is the East Coast of Canada; there are many in my family who are graduates of Dalhousie. As for the future, I am excited to see what it brings. With no immediate plans, health and well-being are important.

As I collected my degree, the Chancellor of Dalhousie, The Honourable A. Anne McLellan asked a profound question:   if health and well-being would be for me, or for the world?  I responded with an unequivocal – BOTH. I believe that question will be a guiding thought as I move forward.

I will continue to dream big, read more, and always attempt to be a better derivative of myself. While the future is wide open, I can always look back, with gratitude, at the path I have travelled to help define my future.

John-David Etter, Class of 2018

CEGE Connection is delighted to advise that John-David Etter has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection.

Photo Credit: Centre for Executive and Graduate Education

October 2, 2018, the Dalhousie University MBA(FS) Class of 2018 celebrated the culmination of their academic journey in the graduation ceremonies held at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

In the audience, Ann Etter watched as her son, John-David Etter crossed the stage to receive his well-earned degree.   This was the same stage she crossed in 2001 when she was awarded the identical MBA(FS) degree. Seventeen years have passed between the two graduations, a confirmation that the pursuit of academic excellence continues and evolves within a world of dynamic change.

CEGE Connection reached out to Ann for her thoughts as she celebrates her son’s achievement and remembers her personal journey to acquire knowledge.

Ann C. Etter

September 28, 2018

The Old and the New

I’ve always been interested in learning new things, however, as I reflect on the topic of lifelong learning, it’s words that my Dad said to me in 1972 that have resonated with me for the past 46 years. As background, I was working with BMO in the summer of ’72 and found I enjoyed banking so much that I decided not to return to university to complete my undergrad degree. My Dad took me aside and shared some very important words of wisdom …he said, “I want you to remember that you are never too old to go back to school”.  And there it is – 46 years ago – my foundation to lifelong learning!

Women in banking was a lot different a half century ago than it is today. Women were not actively promoted to management jobs in any bank nor were they highly educated. It didn’t take me long to realize that I would have to equip myself with more education if I was to compete for higher level jobs. So while working full time, I went back to school and obtained my undergrad degree. But I couldn’t stop there. I had a thirst for knowledge and continued through the years with bank courses, too many to count, and went on to obtain numerous designations which eventually brought me to the realization I wanted to obtain an MBA. Hence, enter Dalhousie University which had the foresight to introduce the MBA in Financial Services.

I applied, was accepted and started on the journey to obtain and expand my knowledge of the business environment. Dalhousie provided the opportunity to learn via distance as well as providing a supportive network, which is important, especially if one has a demanding job.  The courses, tailored to the Financial Services industry, are challenging and thought-provoking. The profs are top notch and available if needed. The networking opportunities with other students was invaluable.

One of my objectives on this journey was to show my son by example that hard work and commitment to a goal pays off.  JD, who was a teenager at the time, knew that obtaining an MBA was important to me. He was extremely supportive at home, allowing me the time I needed to study and complete assignments. JD learned the importance of lifelong learning and went on to set goals for himself to achieve educational success. I’m very proud of JD’s accomplishments. I know that with JD’s outgoing personality and commitment to doing the best job possible, he will be successful no matter where in life his path leads.

As for me, you may be seeing more of me around campus. Lifelong learning will always be a part of my life. As I get closer to retirement, I find myself thinking about what courses I’d like to take in my spare time. Dalhousie is doing a stellar job of keeping the MBA (FS) alumni informed of talks that we can attend. And there are a plethora of courses available.

It will be exciting to attend fall convocation ceremonies knowing that JD and I are the first mother-son duo to obtain the MBA Financial Services.