Share.Learn.Inspire.Transform
Congratulations to the Class of 2020
CEGE Connection sends our warmest congratulations to the Class of 2020 as you cross the virtual stage to receive your diplomas today.
We are proud of your achievements and wish you the very best as you continue your journey.
We thank you for your commitment to excellence, life-long learning and the communities in which you live and work.
The CEGE Team
“The best part about being a professor is the opportunity to work with bright, young minds. We have the privilege to watch you grow and now, watch you launch. Whatever you do, please know that Dalhousie can’t wait to hear about it, can’t wait to read about it, can’t wait to see it. Your professors, your classmates, the community here, we are all with you as you go on in this voyage. Whatever you do in your life, if it’s important to you, it’s important to us. You have the glorious responsibility of deciding what exactly that is. It’s your turn. Work hard. Strive to be happy.”
Professor Joan Davison Conrod
Professor Joan Davison Conrod inspired graduates with her convocation address at the Spring 2018 ceremonies held on May 29, 2018. The Class of 2018 has the profound honour of graduating in the year that Dalhousie University celebrates its 200th anniversary.
We invite you to view the Spring 2018 Ceremonies and share the excitement of students at the end of their academic journey. It will bring back memories of your own graduation. Professor Joan Davison Conrod’s address begins at the 1.05 mark, however we suggest beginning with Dr. Richard Florizone’s introduction at the 1:04 mark. While Professor Conrod is retiring this year from Dalhousie, she will continue to teach accounting and share her knowledge in the combined MBS(FS) and MBA Leadership program.
“I hope that you loved your time here and are eagerly anticipating what comes next.
What trumps smart? What stands out? Hardworking, respectful. These are character traits that will serve you well, whatever comes next. The harder I work, the luckier I get.
My advice to you – to be open, take chances, work hard, nurture your talent.
Have you reinforced your ethics and values during your time at Dal? That is another thing I hope for you. Don’t lie, cheat or steal – EVER. Have respect for the beliefs of others. Treasure diversity.
Stand tall, notice those hard decisions when they come to you and approach them with grace and flare and generosity and determination.”
Professor Joan Davison Conrod
“Are you ready to help others? You can use your talents for people in need. Don’t hesitate – help!
Another hope that I have for you is that you learned the importance of your family. In addition, friends are our chosen family. Friends come and go like waves in the ocean, but the true ones stay like an octopus on your face. Find the octopi in your life, invest the time to nurture those relationships.
In the next chapter of your life, you don’t get marks every day for feedback. You have to provide your own feedback. Are you good at that yet? How was you last effort? Honestly? I would encourage you to use a balanced scorecard: work metrics, personal metrics, ethical metrics.”
Professor Joan Davison Conrod
Dalhousie Spring 2018 Convocation
Photos taken from the Dalhousie Spring 2018 Convocation webcast.
Pierre Ghorbanian, Business Development Director, BMO Insurance, Advanced Markets
Pierre Ghorbanian, MBA(FS), crossed the stage in 2016. As Business Development Director, BMO Insurance, Advanced Markets, Pierre’s primary mandate is the promotion of advanced case strategies within the independent advisor channel. He is active in supporting the product and concept development team at BMO Insurance.
In a recent virtual interview with CFAME Connection, Pierre reflected upon the year since graduation, and how his academic journey influenced and added depth to his personal and professional experiences.
Pierre Ghorbanian:
Congratulations to the Class of 2017. All the very best as you pursue new projects and challenges. Welcome to our vibrant alumni community.
For a few months after the capstone course, it will feel strange to have free time. Like many other graduates, I miss the interaction with other students and professors. The professors, having led interesting lives, provided great perspectives on issues or topics at hand. I especially enjoyed the intensives as they offered great opportunities to engage in authentic conversations. Within this safe and collaborative environment, students could speak freely, listen to other view points, and network with others from a wide range of financial institutions and lines of businesses.
How did the MBA influence your choices and decisions?
The most significant influence relates to how I recognize the human element behind my decision-making. When we problem-solve or examine issues, whether individually or within a group structure, we must be mindful of the outcomes on stakeholders. Management decisions can be positive or negative for employees, intermediaries, and external end users. It is critical not to get lost in product design or processes.
Have you changed your life’s priorities?
A combination of completing the program (and the feeling of accomplishment that came with it) along with a recent health incident has resulted in reprioritizing my goals. I have reconnected with what is most important in my life, which has led to a better and more creative work/life balance. I tell myself that I am running a marathon and not a race; and to enjoy the moment now.
How have you integrated the knowledge you acquired from your MBA Studies?
My MBA journey taught me to undertake extensive background research on a topic or issue before tackling a situation. I also make it a point to open up my course notes, from time to time, for a quick refresher. Usually something occurs which triggers a memory. I find that I learn something new that I may not have fully understood the first time around.
Learning did not stop when I graduated. Looking back over the past year, I recognize, more than ever before, the importance of continuing life-long learning.