Share.Learn.Inspire.Transform
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new and returning students in the MBA Financial Services, MBA Leadership, MPA(Management), and Information Management (MIM) program to the 2022/2023 academic year. We look forward to working with and supporting your academic journey!
Dalhousie University
(Photo Provided)
All our best for a successful year.
Michelle Hunter
Acting Director
CEGE, Dalhousie University
Michelle Hunter exemplifies the best of what CEGE offers students – a compassionate voice on the other side of the phone. Anyone who embarks on the MBA(FSL), MPA(M) MIM academic journey appreciates how important it is to reach someone who can help them achieve a home-work-study balance. Michelle has been there for hundreds of CEGE students over the years. Additionally, there is engagement with students, Alumni, staff, and faculty through the CEGE Connection, an initiative to build and foster a virtual community that thrives on the exchange of knowledge and experience.
In a recent interview, Michelle reflected on CEGE’s extraordinary legacy.
Michelle Hunter
I have been with the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education for 20 years. It has been an extraordinary experience. Although the Centre has had a few name changes; new programs added and some retired, some programs have undergone major re-design, and the delivery model has evolved significantly; relativity speaking – the students in the MBA (FSL), MPA (M) and MIM have remained constant.
Students enrolled in one of the CEGE programs have made a choice to achieve a personal goal of earning a master’s degree and when they do achieve this goal it is a very special accomplishment. I recall in the early days of the programs, returning to studies was not even a consideration for most of our students. Putting their careers on hold to go back to school was not realistic or feasible. When Dalhousie offered the opportunity to earn a master’s degree while continuing to work toward furthering their careers, it was a personal and career goal that was now achievable.
It is wonderful to connect with the students in the program and to continue the connection after they graduate. The first initial conversation is typically when someone inquiries about applying to the program or after they have been accepted. We have a conversation about program planning or resources Dalhousie has to offer. It is a great feeling to know that I can assist someone, even in the smallest of ways, to achieve their goals. What I most enjoy talking about with our students is the personal connection: learning about their families, their careers, and how they are applying what they are learning in the program and implementing this new knowledge in their personal and professional lives.
It is an honour to work with the students, they inspire me – they are committed, goal oriented and dedicated to lifelong learning.
Michelle Hunter
Acting Director, Centre for Executive and Graduate Education
Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University
“The Dalhousie MBA FS/L program has been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my educational journey”.
Judith Chambers, MBA(L) Candidate (Class of 2022)
Judith Chambers, MBA(L) Candidate (Class of 2022)
Photo Provided
Judith Chambers’ MBA journey begin five years ago, and she’s looking forward to graduating in 2022. The intensive sessions and connections made, remain a highlight for the program, and continue to serve as a motivational driver for many participants.
Both MBA students and Alumni alike will agree that the Faculty and Staff of the CEGE program are the best around. Judith highlights a handful of Professors that have left an impression by way of inspiring.
Judith Chambers
In my final few courses of the MBA Leadership program and I could not be prouder of this accomplishment. I started on this journey in the winter of 2016 and expect to graduate in the spring of 2022. When I decided to pursue a Master’s degree, I considered several other Universities, however it was the blended program delivery and the flexibility at Dalhousie that was the deciding factor. A key part of my decision-making process was the work life balance.
From the very first interaction with CEGE’s Sarah Hayes and Michelle Hunter I felt welcome and inspired. The ability to connect with others in the program and make new and lasting friendships was an added benefit. The on-campus intensives were by far my favorite part of the program. It has been these connections that provided ongoing motivation and support to get through some of those more difficult courses.
The Professors in each course were highly interactive and accessible. I was fortunate to take a couple of courses with Professor Jim Barker and Professor Heidi Weigand who challenged me to think outside the box and helped to develop my leadership style and management skills. In my current course Leading in Complexity with Professor Rick Nason and yes, the same Dr. Nason who teaches Corporate Finance, the course has so far been unique, inspiring and fun.
As a lifelong learner the Dalhousie MBA FS/L program has been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my educational journey. This experience has helped me develop and grow both personally and professionally and I cannot wait to graduate and be part of the amazing alumni at Dalhousie.
Michelle Hunter
Acting Director
CEGE, Dalhousie University
On behalf of the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education (CEGE) Team, welcome to a new year of academic excellence. Whether you are a new or returning student, we look forward to your contribution within our community. You will be joining other like-minded individuals who share our vision of inspiring transformative solutions for society.
We are delighted for the opportunity to reconnect with our students, faculty, and the Dalhousie community. A new school year always brings an excitement and enthusiasm of things to come whether it be taking a new course, exploring a new way of teaching and learning, to new connections, and new opportunities.
This past year and a half have taught us about the importance of kindness, hope, compassion, empathy, understanding and adaptation. Thank you for your commitment to carry forward these things into the new year.
During the coming year, watch for our posts on these topics and much more on CEGE Connection, our platform to share, inform and most of all CONNECT. These past five years, graduates, students, and professors have discussed themes ranging from virtual teams, and information management to scholarship and deeper learning. This demonstrates a values-based approach to management education and research. We are excited that Denise Hinds will be joining us at the incoming Blog Coordinator for CEGE Connection.
Thank you to our engaged alumni. You make us proud. As the leaders and managers in the business sector, public sector, and civil society, your influence within a complex global environment has been extraordinary.
We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions, ideas, stories you wish to share, or just to say hello.
We wish you all the best for the coming year!
Stay well,
Michelle Hunter
Acting Director, Centre for Executive and Graduate Education
Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University
Michelle Hunter
Acting Director
CEGE, Dalhousie University
From the Desk of Michelle Hunter:
The Dalhousie MBA Corporate Responsibility, Ethics and Society course invites companies to bring forth complex problems facing their organization into the classroom for students to research, evaluate and present potential social and economic solutions to the company. This is what is referred to as a live case study; a real-world issue for students to apply subject related academic concepts, theories and research coupled with their professional and personal experience that builds a solid case to be presented. I was fortunate to be invited to view the group presentations and was extremely impressed by the level of dedication, commitment, and knowledge the groups demonstrated. All the presentations were outstanding.
Michelle Hunter (She/Her)
Acting Director
Centre for Executive and Graduate Education
Dalhousie University, Faculty of Management
Kent Williams, DSocSci
“Considering the societal grand challenge of climate change, more than ever business schools need to move away from focusing on our theory-fetish and move towards applied action-oriented approaches with students that enable a deep engagement between the university, students, organizations, and community. We face many challenges where there is no readily available solution, and it is the inter-weave of the diversity of perspectives that can creatively generate ideas that can be considered and prototyped to bring positive impacts on society and the planet. Our collaborations with the MBA students and Canada Post are excellent examples of a ‘deep engagement’ for sustainability-as-flourishing futures that think about real strategies for fairness, prosperity, and sustainability in the organizational-societal space.”
Kent A. Williams, DSocSci (pronouns: he/him)
Assistant Professor in Climate Change Leadership
Rowe School of Business
Dalhousie University
From the Desk of Michelle Hunter on the Intensive Season
Michelle Hunter
Acting Director
CEGE, Dalhousie University
Since last March, the Covid19 pandemic launched most educational institutions into online learning.
The Centre for Executive and Graduate Education has been delivering online/blended education for over 20 years. While we were experienced in online learning, Covid19 impacted our Intensives. What would normally be a face-to-face Intensive session for the MBA Financial Services, MBA Leadership, the MIM and MPA(M) programs, transitioned to an on-line classroom format. At the end of each course, a 2–5-day intensive session would be held in person in Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Since April 2020, all our intensive sessions have been delivered online using, Zoom, MS Teams and Collaborate Ultra.
In total, the CEGE programs will support 26 intensive sessions over a period of 3-4 weeks; each session may be delivered a little different; classroom studio style, Zoom, MS teams, and Collaborate Ultra. There will be online lectures, group work, presentations, live case studies, simulations, numerous guest speakers and of course networking and relationship bonding still occurring.
I was able to visit a few of the classes to say hello and wish them well. The reports that we are receiving from the students and the instructors demonstrate the dedication and commitment of the participants.
“The energy that the students brought to the discussions energized me throughout the three intensive sessions” Dr. Teresa Cyrus
Thank you to Heidi and the TA’s, I really felt supported throughout the term.” “I was able to apply the learning into the work immediately.” Students in Leading in Complexity
Leading in Complexity (MBA Leadership)
Thank you for curating great content, pushing me to think differently and creating a forum for me to challenge my own perspective. The live case with Canada Post was a great experience: Students in Corporate Social Responsibility
I really like the ability to do them online. It actually adds to the connection in some ways – for example, the chat function allows folks to connect in a way that would be disruptive in person. I feel we were able to do just as much collaborating and networking via distance – it just looked different.” Student in the Economics class
Strategic Financial Management (MPA(M))
This term, Dr. Carolan McLarney proposed delivering the International Business using an intensive classroom style. A studio was set up and resources for filming were put in place. Derek Tay and Irena Stropnik were on board to support the communication and technology. I was fortunate to be invited to join Session One of the lectures. Without question, Dr. McLarney’s idea to structure the Intensive using the classroom method promoted rich discussions and fostered student engagement. The technology and the communication outreach went very well, and students felt comfortable in participating in the discussions.
“This method of delivery is working very well; the students like it and I feel that it is an improvement to other methods I have used in the past year; I will absolutely deliver the summer intensives using the same method and support system – Thanks Derek and Irena.” Dr. Carolan McLarney
International Business Intensives (MBA Financial Services and Leadership)
The Center for Graduate and Executive Education is pleased to welcome William Lampard to our team. William is a 2nd year student in Dalhousie’s Bachelor of Commerce program. William hales from Pennsylvania and has an interesting and diverse career background. He was a swim instructor/camp counsellor in Toronto, an assistant in an oral surgery office in Pennsylvania and volunteered as a coach for a junior varsity swim team. William brings a strong work ethic, enthusiasm and drive to his new position. We hope that he will gain valuable experience in a service orientated academic setting. William will be responsible for assisting with marketing and recruitment activities as well as a special program related to research and projects.
It is a difficult time for student to find work placements in the current environments. We are glad we are able to hire a co-op student this winter. If anyone is interested in finding out more about how your organization can tap into talent, we encourage you to contact Dalhousie Management Career Services via e-mail mcs@dal.ca to find out more.
Michelle Hunter (She/Her)
Acting Director
Centre for Executive and Graduate Education
Dalhousie University, Faculty of Management
“Diversity is being invited to the party and inclusion is being invited to dance.” Fiona Kirkpatrick-Parsons, National Advisor / kānīkānīt, Deloitte Indigenous
“When we talk about diversity and inclusion, I like to sum it up by saying actions speak louder than words.” Rodney Small, Executive Director, One North End
On January 28, 2021, Michelle Hunter, sat down at her desk with a cup of tea and logged into the Promise of Diversity in Management session hosted by the Faculty of Management Dean, Kim Brooks. Michelle shares her thoughts on the importance of this panel discussion.
“How many diverse individuals do you have working for you, if it is below 50% than there should be a shift.” Angie Gillis, Associate Executive Director, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
Michelle Hunter
I quickly discovered that The Promise of Diversity in Management panel discussion was not a session that you could simply have on in the background while picking away at other tasks. The conversation spoke to a deep desire and commitment to create inclusive communities where all voices participated.
Dean Kim Brooks was joined by leading members of our business community in an interactive online conversation about the vital issues of diversity, equality, and inclusiveness in business and beyond. Panelists included:
Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons, National Advisor kā-nīkānīt, Deloitte Indigenous
Matthew Martel (BMgmt’14), Chief Operating Officer, Black Business Initiative
Rodney Small (BMgmt’15), Acting Director, One North End Community Economic Development Society
Angeline Gillis (BA’05, LLB’09), Associate Executive Director, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and Dalhousie Board of Governors.
The conversations, reflections, and advice challenges viewers to explore new ways of connecting and collaborating. There is strength in diversity that allows us to seek solutions that benefit all members of an organization.
The panelists generously shared their life experiences. Their stories were heartening and demonstrated that progress is being made and that we are taking a critical step towards inclusivity. The rapport amongst the panelists invited viewers to engage and be a part of the conversation. I want to thank Dean Brooks and the stellar panelists for a profound and thought-provoking discussion.
“Often times we see organizations start either where it’s easy or most manageable but really, I think a promise for diversity in management has to be at the board level, has to be at the front lines, has to be mid managers.” Matthew Martell, CDO, Black Business Initiative
We encourage you to watch the full panel of leading members in our business community converse about the vital issues of diversity, equality, and inclusiveness in business and beyond, moderated by Faculty of Management Dean Kim Brooks on Dalhousie Faculty of Management YouTube Channel. Special thanks to Lori Bauld, Alumni Officer, Dalhousie Faculty of Management, who supplied the quotes and a brief description.
Michelle Hunter
Acting Director
CEGE, Dalhousie University
Michelle Hunter exemplifies the best of what CEGE offers students – a compassionate voice on the other side of the phone. Anyone who embarks on the MBA(FSL), MPA(M) MIM academic journey appreciates how important it is to reach someone who can help them achieve a home-work-study balance. Michelle has been there for hundreds of CEGE students over the years. On a personal note, Michelle and I have been friends for 20 years. I am excited that we are working together on the CEGE Connection, an initiative to build and foster a virtual community that thrives on the exchange of knowledge and experience.
In a recent interview, Michelle reflected on CEGE’s extraordinary legacy.
I have been with the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education for 20 years. It has been an extraordinary experience. Although the Centre has had a few name changes; new programs added and some retired, some programs have undergone major re-design, and the delivery model has evolved significantly; relativity speaking – the students in the MBA (FSL), MPA (M) and MIM have remained constant.
Students enrolled in one of the CEGE programs have made a choice to achieve a personal goal of earning a master’s degree and when they do achieve this goal it is a very special accomplishment. I recall in the early days of the programs, returning to studies was not even a consideration for most of our students. Putting their careers on hold to go back to school was not realistic or feasible. When Dalhousie offered the opportunity to earn a master’s degree while continuing to work toward furthering their careers, it was a personal and career goal that was now achievable.
It is wonderful to connect with the students in the program and to continue the connection after they graduate. The first initial conversation is typically when someone inquiries about applying to the program or after they have been accepted. We have a conversation about program planning or resources Dalhousie has to offer. It is a great feeling to know that I can assist someone, even in the smallest of ways, to achieve their goals. What I most enjoy talking about with our students is the personal connection: learning about their families, their careers, and how they are applying what they are learning in the program and implementing this new knowledge in their personal and professional lives.
It is an honour to work with the students, they inspire me – they are committed, goal oriented and dedicated to lifelong learning.
Michelle Hunter
Acting Director, Centre for Executive and Graduate Education
Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University
Graduations signify passages and transitions, of moving forward and of accepting new ventures and challenges.
Today, the Class of 2019 will walk across the stage to accept their degrees, marking the culmination of a rigorous academic journey.
“On behalf of the University Senate, we hereby attest that Dalhousie University has awarded the degree of…”
The emotions of gratitude and anticipation mingle together as graduates join the ranks of a vibrant alumni community. Even so, there is a wistful look back over the miles travelled since the arrival of the first textbooks.
Twenty years ago, on the eve of a new millennium, the Class of 1999 was the first to achieve the degree, MBA (Financial Services).
Over the summer months, I reached out to those who witnessed the graduation ceremonies under the banner of the Office of External Graduate Program. The inaugural convocation of the MBA(FS) was a profound and moving experience for the students, but also for those who were applauding from the sidelines.
Joseph A. Macdonald
Convocation 1999 remains top-of-mind to this day. I recall the following observations made that eventful evening. I have never been one to attend my own graduations. For me, the educational process had always been about getting the information and the designation and moving on to the next stage of life. However, my commitment to attending the MBA (FS) graduations was 100%.
Since the 1996 beginnings, our administration team had shared our students’ journeys professionally and personally. We spent time reassuring them, tutoring them, listening to their challenges and even providing a shoulder when times were especially tough.
As I stood on the corner of the graduation stage and watched each of these dedicated individuals shake the Chancellor’s hand and receive their parchment from the Registrar, I was touched, to my core, with a sense of pride that comes from watching a sibling, a close friend or one’s own child graduate. This was a far stronger and deeper feeling than anything that I had experienced following my personal achievements.
It was obvious that this group of individuals would go on to achieve much. And they have.
Michelle Hunter
Great reflection piece, Joseph. While I was fairly new to the MBA FS program team, I felt a real connection right away with the class of 1999. To this day, I beam with pride and get goose bumps as I watch graduates walk across the stage to receive their degree.
Morven Fitzgerald
I agree with Joseph and Michelle. I feel like my children are graduating. Every convocation leaves me with a warm fuzzy (and sad as they say goodbye) feeling.
CEGE Connection would like to recognize the contribution of the MBA(FS)Class of 1999 as they commemorate their twentieth-year anniversary. All our best goes out to these graduates on this very special milestone year. Thank you for your commitment to excellence, life-long learning and the communities in which you live and work.
To the graduating Class of 2019 – congratulations We are proud of your success and wish for you the very best in your future endeavours.