The DeGroote Connection
www.degroote.mcmaster.ca
Spring 2013
Alumni Report
Also in this issue: The value of mentorship DeGroote’s new Canadian Research Chair
Alumni Report • Spring 2013
The DeGroote Connection: Get involved on any level
Inside In
Get Involved Alumni profiles
Keep in touch
Are you or do you know another alumni member who has taken a ‘road less traveled’? Someone who has carved out an interesting career off the beaten path? Did your professional adventures take you to one of the far-flung corners of the world? Please contact us and share the details of where you found yourself since you graduated. Contact Leah Rosenthal to share your story at rosentl@mcmaster.ca.
In the flurry of all the details to keep track of when you move or change jobs, you may not think to connect with DeGroote to let us know about your address, business or email changes. Please drop us a quick email and we will update your information so you won’t have to worry about missing an Alumni Report, event invitation or e-newsletter. To update your information, please email Kellie Rabak at rabakk@mcmaster.ca.
MBA Legacy Rings
Focus Business Consulting (FBC) McMaster’s MBA consulting team
ALUMNI OFFICER MESSAGE ........3 DEAN’S MESSAGE .........................4 EVENTS CALENDAR .......................6 DeGROOTE NEWS ..........................7 IN THE NEWS ..................................8 ALUMNI COLUMN ..........................9 MAIN STORY .................................10 ALUMNI PROFILE .........................12 RESEARCH @ DeGROOTE ...........14 ALUMNI COLUMN ........................15
The Alumni Report is a publication of the DeGroote School of Business and is managed by the Advancement Office. Editor: Leah Rosenthal Publications Mail Agreement No. 40063416 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University 1280 Main Street West, DSB-116 Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4 E-mail: rosentl@mcmaster.ca Website: degroote.mcmaster.ca
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DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
The DeGroote School of Business is pleased to announce the launch of the MBA Legacy Ring. The ring tradition began in 2012 by the MBA graduating class and symbolizes success in earning an MBA degree, the connections you made along the way, and the pride in being part of the McMaster and DeGroote communities. The ring can be purchased by DeGroote MBA alumni for $195 (+HST). There is a large and small version, both of which include the unique DeGroote MBA insignia. The price includes engraving so that you can personalize your ring. You can order your ring online. Processing and delivery takes six to eight weeks. In June we will be hosting an official MBA Legacy Ring conferment ceremony. Details and invitations will follow closer to the date. For more information, please contact Kellie Rabak at rabakk@mcmaster.ca.
Focus Business Consulting (FBC) is a management consulting group run by senior level MBA students at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University’s Burlington campus. Using a unique set of resources, including an extensive list of research databases and a distinguished board of advisors, FBC provides affordable and innovative solutions to their clients. Additionally, as an alternative to hiring a fulltime employee, FBC can be engaged to work on important projects for organizations that lack the manpower to complete them. For more information please visit www.thinkfbc.com or email contact@thinkfbc.com.
Alumni Officer Message
Are you engaged? One of the best parts of my role here at
maybe even decades and then look forward
ideas? Let us know what we can do to make
DeGroote is planning celebrations. 2012
to spending an evening together catching up
your connection meaningful.
was a very busy and exciting year for our
and reminiscing.
Looking back at 2012 it’s hard to imag-
DeGroote community. It was punctuated
Each year the DeGroote alumni commu-
by a couple of significant occasions: the
nity increases by 400-500 new members. We
However, 2013 is already starting to roll out
School’s 20th anniversary as a named busi-
value each of our future alumni and strive to
with significant highlights. We are thrilled
ness school and the official opening of our
provide meaningful experiences for students
to welcome Dr. Len Waverman as our new
building, as well as the 50th anniversary
so that the transition to alumni is an exciting
dean and look forward to his strategic vision
of our MBA program. Both of these events
one. As soon as you complete your degree,
for the School. On April 4, we will honour
provided the opportunity to bring together
you become an official alumna or alumnus.
students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends
ine we could top such an amazing year.
John Marinucci, B. Com. ’80, as our 14th Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. We
As part of this exclusive community you
to celebrate and highlight DeGroote’s
share a collective pride with your fellow
also have several class reunions and other
milestones.
alumni. Whether you connect at a reunion, a
alumni events planned throughout the year.
In addition, we welcomed commerce and
A warm welcome to our brand new
networking event or entirely by accident in
MBA classes for their reunion celebrations.
a far corner of the world, DeGroote alumni
alumni members – hoping to see you, and
It’s very exciting to connect with members
share a bond. The more you stay connected
other ‘experienced’ alumni soon!
of classes early in the planning process.
with the School and each other, the more
For the most part, everyone seems to share
valuable the bond. In addition to attending
the same feeling: “time has really flown
events, there are many other ways that you
by!” To that end, the enthusiasm to connect
can maintain your DeGroote connection:
with classmates is contagious. Email flurries
share your story for a profile or on our blog,
begin, postings on Facebook and LinkedIn
participate in the mentoring program, recruit
Kellie Rabak, ’90
and the old stand-by, picking up the phone
students, become a class ambassador, volun-
Alumni Officer, DeGroote School of Business
and calling friends. How exciting to connect
teer at a student initiative as a judge or as a
rabakk@mcmaster.ca
with someone you haven’t seen in years…
guest speaker in the classroom. Have other
905-525-9140 ext. 26971
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ;13
3
Alumni Report • Spring 2013
Dean’s Message
Introducing DeGroote’s new dean Leonard Waverman began as dean of the DeGroote School of Business in January 2013. A few weeks into his term, he sat down with The Alumni Report to discuss his impressions of McMaster, his vision for DeGroote, and how you can be engaged as alumni.
Dean Waverman says the most important way alumni can support DeGroote is to engage with the School and our students
Tell me a bit about yourself? What
our strong student population and our
a strategic plan focused on defining a
experience do you bring to DeGroote?
well-known experiential learning pro-
distinctive reputation and propelling the
grams are great assets.
School on the path to innovation and
At the University level, McMaster’s
I was raised in Toronto and completed
excellence in business education and
my early education at the University of
president Patrick Deane has outlined some
Toronto, so I’m viewing this opportunity
intriguing challenges in his Forward with
at DeGroote as a homecoming of sorts. I
Integrity letter. These ideas provide an in-
McMaster’s Burlington campus is a key
have a PhD in economics from MIT, and
spiring foundation to think about the future
driver of growth for the business school.
have been a professor of economics at
of the University and the business school.
How will you help it to fulfill its role?
Business School. Most recently I was dean
You oversaw the rebuilding of the Haskayne
Executive education – in terms of both
of the Haskayne School of Business at the
School of Business at the University of
degree and non-degree programs – has
University of Calgary.
Calgary. What is your plan for DeGroote?
become the source of both revenue and
research.
the University of Toronto and the London
reputation for business schools. Since
I have a deep understanding of business schools and extensive leadership experi-
Over the next year, I plan to engage with
opening the Ron Joyce Centre in Burling-
ence that will allow me to work with our
faculty, staff, students, alumni, businesses
ton, DeGroote’s executive education non-
faculty, staff, students and alumni to ad-
and the community in order to understand
degree programs have grown exponen-
vance the DeGroote School of Business.
the opportunities that exist for the busi-
tially. One of my top priorities is to build
ness school.
on the success we’ve already achieved by
Why did you decide to leave your position in Calgary to take this position at McMaster?
Alumni, given their experience both
expanding our offerings, including possi-
as students at DeGroote and as profes-
bly launching an executive MBA. We need
sionals working in the business environ-
to define what kind of EMBA to launch
McMaster University has a wonderful
ment, have a lot of valuable input in this
and to determine the market for that de-
reputation, and I see great promise for the
process.
gree. Alumni can be of enormous help in
Eventually, as we learn from all our
School of Business. Our existing research strengths, our excellent faculty and staff,
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stakeholders, we will be able to build
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
that process, and advice can be emailed to deanbus@mcmaster.ca.
cial plan for the School. With less govern-
need white tablecloths. In fact, I’m on a
Where do you fall between opposing
ment support and increasing costs in the
continual quest for good burgers. If they
philosophies about the role of business
past decade or more, Canadian universities
come with an NFL game, that’s even better.
schools – one that sees schools as practical
must find new sources of funding. The
preparation of students for success and
revenue-generating activities that we put
What can alumni do to help support
advancement in the world of business,
into place will allow us to make strategic
the growth of the School?
and another that considers their role to
investments in growing the School’s pro-
be providing broader, more academic
grams and reputation.
We hope that our alumni feel that their
foundations in business theory and ethics?
degree is of value and advocate for DeIf I were a student or the parent of a
Groote in many ways. Word of mouth is
We prepare students for success and
student, why would I want to consider
the best way to recruit students and build
advancement by providing them with a
the DeGroote School of Business?
our reputation.
broad foundation. The world is changing
First, we are looking to you for advice.
so quickly these days that you can’t say
One is our experiential learning programs,
How can we establish a distinct reputa-
to a student, “You’ll learn A, B and C and
which really set DeGroote apart from
tion? What type of EMBA should we offer?
you’ll be set for life.” Our objective here
other business schools.
Would you enroll? Would you encourage
at DeGroote is to equip students with the
The Commerce Internship Program and
your firm to send students?
real-world skills and knowledge to address
the MBA co-op stream are the most obvi-
Second, we of course need financial
emerging issues. We are a top research
ous examples of this, but there are many
support to make our vision to become a
business school, and our research is aimed
other opportunities for students to apply
top business school possible. Canadian
at journals which count – these can be
the knowledge they’re learning in real
universities can only go above and beyond
both “academic” and “practitioner” such
business situations—whether it’s an extra-
if we have earned private support from
as Harvard Business Review. Everything
curricular program such as MARS Ap-
alumni and friends. This funding is used
from the fundamental business theories, to
prentice or a class project for a company.
to create the new and innovative learning
new research conducted by our faculty, to
We provide a unique and exciting student
experiences and research that I believe
our experiential learning programs help us
experience that prepares them for their
make us different and better.
to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly
future careers. Second is the benefit of be-
changing business environment.
ing a student at a strong research school.
can support DeGroote is to engage with
What our students learn here is cutting
the School and our students. Your involve-
edge new.
ment is invaluable in elevating experiential
How would you like the school to be perceived after your term? I would like to see DeGroote established
Third, the most important way alumni
learning. I call all of this mentoring— and Who is Len Waverman beyond
by that I mean acting as faculty advisors,
dean of DeGroote?
hiring grads or co-op students, guest
as a top-notch business school nation-
lecturing, coaching student teams, and of
ally and internationally in key areas of
I unashamedly call myself a foodie. I love
course formally mentoring students. There
strength. We have great assets but need to
a good meal and great bottles of wine. My
are many avenues open for you to work
define our distinct advantage.
wife Eva and I have already tried out a
with and help us. Helping us helps you
number of restaurants in the region. I don’t
too as we grow the DeGroote brand.
It’s also vital to establish a sound finan-
Watch a video of Dean Waverman answering more questions at http://bizalumni. degroote.mcmaster.ca/.
To get involved in supporting DeGroote students, contact Kellie Rabak at rabakk@mcmaster.ca.
Forward With Integrity is available at www.mcmaster.ca/ presidentsoffice/priorities.html
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
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Alumni Report • Spring 2013
Events Calendar
MAY
11
JUNE
May @ Mac
MBA Legacy Ring Conferment Ceremony
June
15
MBA ’03 Class Reunion
McMaster’s annual open house for prospective undergraduates. Includes tours, lectures and more.
McMaster University Ring conferment ceremony for the 2013 graduating MBA class.
DeGroote School of Business, Ron Joyce Centre 4350 South Service Road, Burlington Reception: 5:30 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m.
Visit future.mcmaster.ca for more details.
For more information or to register, please contact Kellie Rabak: rabakk@mcmaster.ca. To view all upcoming events visit degroote.mcmaster.ca.
Executive Education at the DeGroote School of Business Upcoming Programs for Spring 2013! Executive Education at the DeGroote School of Business offers a variety of programs to support an individual manager’s business education. New skills, capabilities and networks expand the manager’s potential to do his or her current job better and position them for advancement or a new career.
Executive Management Program
HR Excellence Programs
Leadership Development Programs
This program is designed to include key topics studied in an MBA.
Our HR programs assist managers at every level, and have been approved for recertification points for the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
Executive Education at the DeGroote School of Business delivers a number of programs that fill the “gaps” in an individual manager’s business education.
Program Topics Include: ■ HR Strategy ■ Talent Management ■ HR Essentials ■ Facilitation Skills
Program Topics Include: ■ Sales Leadership ■ Marketing ■ Competitive Intelligence ■ Executive Branding
Program Topics Include: ■ Crisis Communications ■ Accountability and Performance ■ Strategic Planning ■ Change Management ■ Social Media Boot-camp ■ New Product Management
For more information on these programs, please visit:
execed.degroote.mcmaster.ca 6
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
DeGroote News Why Recruit@DeGroote? Each year, the fall months signal the start to a busy co-op, internship, and graduate recruitment period for many companies. During this particularly active time, DeGroote’s Centre for Business Career Development (CBCD) is here to help. In addition to the free services provided by CBCD’s team of experienced career professionals, there are several specific benefits to recruiting DeGroote students and graduates.
DeGroote’s Annual MBA Alumni and Student Reception Close to 200 alumni and current MBA students gathered in downtown Toronto this February at the National Club for DeGroote’s annual MBA Alumni / Student Reception. This year’s reception focused on the importance of networking to build a stronger personal and professional network. Richard Borrelli, MBA ’07 provided guests with successful tips that helped him grow his business, IMS Consulting.
CO-OP AND INTERNSHIP •
• • •
DeGroote MBA and commerce students can be your pipeline for future employees; Bring new ideas and fresh perspective; Address your sessional staffing fluctuations; For-profit employers may be eligible to receive a tax credit for wages paid to co-op students and interns.
GRADUATE RECRUITMENT •
•
Targeted recruitment which produces higher quality applications that save you time; Engage fellow alumni and add DeGroote skills to your team.
Contact Jeff Ollinger, 905-525-9140 ext. 24268 or ollinge@mcmaster.ca, today to discuss your recruitment needs and to learn more about what DeGroote can offer you.
DeGroote Hosts MBA Games More than 650 MBA students came to McMaster University from Jan. 4 - 6 for the 2013 MBA Games. DeGroote won the event last year and with that the right to host the 2013 Games. The annual competition draws MBA students from across Canada to compete, network and learn from some of the best and brightest business leaders in the country. Students compete in academic, athletic, and spirit competitions. This year, Schulich School of Business from York University came in first, with Ryerson in second and Laval in third. For a photo gallery visit mbagames2013.tumblr.com.
DeGroote MBA students finish third in the John Molson International Case Competition In January, a team of MBA students placed third at the John Molson International Case Competition. This competition is the oldest and largest case competition in the world. It is known globally as the premier “World Cup” event for MBA case competitions. Congratulations go to Ben Oliver, Tunde Ogunmefun, Jonathan Robbins, Claire Seymour and Briar Stimakovits as well as their coach, Milena Head, for putting DeGroote and our MBA program on the world map for case analysis and presentation excellence.
DeGroote Mentorship Program Reception In February, DeGroote hosted a recognition reception for our alumni mentors. More than 30 mentors and mentees joined us at the National Club in Toronto for the opportunity to mingle, connect and celebrate the success of the DeGroote Mentoring Program, which was launched in 2005. Mentor Amanda Custodio, MBA ’03 delivered inspirational remarks about the importance of mentoring, giving back and building the School’s brand. Kate Seagrove, currently participating in the Commerce Internship Program at TD’s Business Banking division in Hamilton, spoke about her experience and thanked the mentors with an appreciation gift.
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
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In the News
DeGroote In the News Alumni Report • Spring 2013
DeGroote faculty are regularly featured in the media, providing context on current events and sharing the latest developments in their own research.
“Lance Armstrong’s interview with Oprah is likely to be the start of the long and difficult process of repairing his brand as well as limiting any damage to the Livestrong brand and organization.” Manish Kacker discusses Lance Armstrong’s confession to Oprah on using performance-enhancing drugs for cycling in the Globe and Mail.
“I’ve been able to accomplish a lot (in football) but the biggest thing for me is I’m going to be able to graduate with a degree in commerce from one of the top business programs in the country. I think that’s the greatest achievement from my university career.” Matt Sewell DeGroote student and McMaster Football player drafted to the CFL/NFL in the CBC Hamilton.
“It is well established that we tend to attribute behaviour we observe in others as reflecting character-related strengths or weaknesses rather than situational forces. Is your employee really “unwilling” to take charge (i.e. a motivational problem) or can factors at work or home offer an explanation?” Rick Hackett discusses employees’ initiative to take charge in the workforce in the Academic and the Practitioner, the Hamilton Spectator.
“Regardless of whether they work in small, standalone buildings or large medical centers, doctors and health service providers have to have at least a little business sense.” Patricia Wakefield discusses “flashy new medical buildings” in the Windsor Star.
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DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
“Without consistency a message doesn’t really stick, it’s absolutely paramount.” Mandeep Malik discusses the importance of a changing your marketing message in the Toronto Star.
“The ability to effectively prioritize academics with extracurricular activities demonstrates to an employer how you will manage conflicting priorities in the workplace” Jennifer McCleary on how to make an MBA work for you in the Toronto Star.
“You really have to love what you’re doing… Having that passion and drive is what’s necessary to be successful to study part-time for an MBA.” Brendan Kenny discusses his life as a parttime MBA student in the Toronto Star.
“As many adults would say, finding a balance between work and life is a challenge. A personal goal I set for myself at the beginning of my MBA was to find a balance between my academic and social life.” Adam Gdyczynski discusses balance in the Financial Post section of the National Post.
“Unless you completely avoid any media, [cyber-bullying] has a way of reaching you and even if you yourself are not opening the e-mails, or looking at it, things can be posted on the web about you even without your knowledge and awareness, and it still can have an effect.” Aaron Schat on the impact of cyber-bullying in the workforce in Global Saskatoon.
Alumni Column
The value of mentorship By Doug Kerr, MBA ‘05 Veronika Bak and Doug Kerr at the DeGroote Mentorship Recognition Event.
When I was doing my MBA from 1998 to
a volunteer mentor with McMaster in hopes
2004, I was surprised and somewhat disap-
that I could help more students navigate
pointed with some of my younger col-
the university experience and the transition
“Thanks to the DeGroote Mentorship
leagues because they were not participating
into the working world.
Program, I was able to significantly ex-
more in class discussions, in what I felt was
Since being a mentor, I have been
pand my professional network and learn
a very safe environment. After all, when
matched with one individual, Veronika Bak,
more about the industry I am about to
they joined the business world as MBA
who is now in her final year in the honours
enter. I had an opportunity to evaluate
graduates, they would be expected to fully
commerce program. She and I have been
my skills and potential by leaders of na-
participate. This world would definitely be
partnered for a little over a year. Since
tional and multinational companies. They
a more hostile and political environment
then, we have been meeting routinely and
gave me sound advice on my next steps
than McMaster.
emailing or talking with each other even
to becoming successful in my career.”
more frequently. While I have been giving
Veronika Bak, Honours Commerce IV
I also noticed that despite how well connected they were electronically to one an-
Veronika advice and working to help her
other, they were not very good at building
extend her network beyond the McMaster
and maintaining networks outside of their
campus, it has been anything but a one
The DeGroote Mentor Program builds
normal group of friends. At this time, I felt
way relationship. Veronika brings a fresh
on DeGroote’s legacy of innovation
that they could use some support and guid-
perspective to my way of thinking and has
and experiential learning. The program
ance from people in the business world to
helped me reconnect to what is happen-
matches commerce and MBA students
coach them.
ing in academia. From my perspective, we
with experienced business leaders, with
really have a win-win relationship which
the goal of helping students reach both
networking events at the beginning of the
I fully expect to continue after Veronika
academic and career goals, as well as
MBA school year. At these events, I met
graduates.
personal development.
After graduating, I attended some of the
For more information about the men-
some really engaged individuals. Some of
Since it has been a rewarding experi-
these people reached out to connect with
ence, I am hoping that I will be matched
tor program visit cbcd.degroote.mcmas-
me after the event. I was encouraged that
with another mentee in the near future. I
ter.ca/mentor-program.
as the years went on, the students seemed
would encourage all DeGroote alumni to
to be more confident and better network-
get involved in the mentoring program, as I
ers. I also decided to become involved as
believe you will find it very satisfying.
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
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The DeGroote C
Alumni Report • Spring 2013
Main Story
Glenda MacDonald, MBA ’85 Relationship Manager Excellence Canada
Jasleen Kohaar, MBA ‘13
David Feather, MBA ‘89 President and CEO Russell Investments - Canada
Bryan Herechuk, MBA ‘09 Performance Improvement Consultant Quality Planning & Performance Improvement Program St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
Krystina Roman, B.COM ‘09 Sales & marketing manager Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery
Paul DiNovo, MBA ‘64
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DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
e Connection As a curious and spunky MBA student I attended an event to introduce the new students to the business community. I met a gentleman who told me he was the president of a small steel company. I delivered my first “elevator pitch” noting I had a degree in psychology, did summer jobs in civil engineering, and was studying marketing so I guessed I was pretty versatile. He joked that I should cover for him on his vacation. Two days later the dean tracked me down as I had an interview for a summer job in marketing! I got the job and ended up working there eight years full-time. Networking works and it keeps you working!
Supporting McMaster and the DeGroote School of Business is meaningful to me both personally and professionally. I feel that I have a reciprocal relationship with the School – I have drawn from the strong foundation of my MBA, and in the years since graduating have benefited from giving back through supporting events, hiring students and philanthropic initiatives. I am very proud to be among DeGroote’s 16,000+ alumni around the world. I encourage you to be part of the many opportunities available to continue your own meaningful connection with the School.
All the alumni events I have attended have been very interesting. They give one a chance to meet old friends and make new ones. If you have not done well they give you a chance to learn from those who have been successful. If you have succeeded past your most optimistic dreams, you can inspire others and thus help them. Personally, being an early graduate from the MBA program helped advance my engineering and management career. Due to the tremendous success of the products I helped introduce, I like to joke that I once was a Canadian version of Steve Jobs. Now, since retiring on my investments, I am a relatively poor version of Warren Buffet.
Having been actively involved with everything “DeGroote MBA” as a student in the last two and a half years, it feels quite odd to attend a DeGroote alumni event as alumna. Odd, but exciting and satisfying, because now we get to be a part of and contribute to the greater DeGroote community that has been supporting us and guiding us in the last couple years. As an executive on the MBA Association and Women in Management Association, member of Grad Council and MBA Finance Association, and now working on the MBA Class of 2013 Gift to DeGroote, I have formed close associations with the School and the people, and know in my heart that being a DeGroote alumna is a lifelong commitment. Going forward, I would love to be involved with helping DeGroote MBA alumni forge stronger connections with each other and new students, so we can collectively help push DeGroote towards new heights.
I graduated from the DeGroote MBA co-op program in 2009 but I knew that my connection to the School would not end there! Each year, we have the opportunity, as committed DeGroote alumni, to generously donate our time and talent to further the goals of DeGroote and expedite the professional development of the current students. Our involvement on every level helps to ensure the success of DeGroote both now and for the future. I have engaged with DeGroote by helping lead the HSM alumni event planning, recruitment for MBA co-op work terms, attending various networking and student development events, and wearing my MBA Legacy Ring. I find there is so much to gain personally by continuously tapping into the passion and energy of the current student body. I will continue to be a fully engaged DeGroote alumnus. I never hesitate to promote and engage the program that laid the foundation for me to get to where I am. Even 20 years from now, I will still be representing DeGroote in my work and relationships.
The DeGroote School of Business isn’t just a network, it’s a family. As a DeGroote graduate I am proud to be connected to such a diverse and interesting community of motivated individuals. From entrepreneurs like myself to engineers, marketers, and bankers alike we all share a common passion for learning, sharing and growing. Upon meeting a fellow DeGroote graduate the conversation becomes warm and friendly and our passions come alive instantly. I continually support and connect with the DeGroote School of Business to learn and grow my business but also support the next generation of leaders. Like a family, the DeGroote network is supportive and omnipresent and we’re always willing to go that extra mile to help one another. This is why I remain close with my fellow graduates. This is why I stay connected.
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
11
Alumni Profile
Alumni Report • Spring 2013
John Marinucci DeGroote’s Distinguished Alumni Award Winner
By Leah Rosenthal ‘07
John Marinucci, B.Com. ’80, CA, ICD.D, HRCC Private Equity, Founder and Chairmain Marinucci Family Foundation and Corporate Director
John has held executive and senior management roles within leading Canadian and United States based organizations. In 2002, he joined New Flyer as president and CEO, retiring as an executive officer at the beginning of 2009. He currently serves as a director
John Marinucci graduated from McMaster University’s commerce
of Intelgenx Corporation, is the chair of the board of governors at
program in 1980. After graduation he launched an impressive career
Mohawk College in Hamilton, and previously served as a director of
that included attaining several professional designations. John has a
SMTC Corporation. In addition to being a member of the Institute
strong manufacturing background with a proven track record in op-
of Corporate Directors and a graduate of DeGroote’s Directors
erational restructurings and management of highly leveraged busi-
College, he serves on several private company boards and is the
ness concerns. He served for eight years as president and COO for
founder and chairman of the Marinucci Family Foundation, a regis-
a major Canadian manufacturer and lessor of freight railcars and is a
tered charity focused on funding education, live arts and proactive
former president of the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers.
healthcare initiatives.
John is the 2013 recipient of the Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award presented at the DeGroote School of Business Evening of Accolades on April 4 at The National Club in Toronto.
12
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
Alumni Profile What is your fondest memory of your
ful to you and be persistent in your
time at McMaster University?
pursuit. 3.
When you are in a position of
Definitely the social interactions! I built
leadership always set the tone with
friendships with a broad and diverse group
clarity and be decisive.
of people, and I remain in contact with
I am a big believer that you can learn
Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients John Marinucci joins an impressive list of alumni peers who have inspired us with their professional accomplishments and personal successes. Wayne C. Fox MBA ‘73 ~ Inaugural Recipient, 2000 Vice-Chairman and Chief Risk Officer Treasury, Balance and Risk Management, CIBC
some of them to this day.
something meaningful every day.
What was your biggest take-away from
What does the Wayne C. Fox Distinguished
your time at McMaster University?
Alumni award mean to you?
When I enrolled at McMaster in 1976, I
To be recognized by a top 100 globally
had no idea what I wanted to do. The Mac
ranked institution such as McMaster Univer-
experience was inspirational for two impor-
sity is an honour and greatly appreciated.
tant reasons. First, I began to recognize the
Coming from an institution that I care
Rob Burgess B. Com. ‘79 ~ 2001 Recipient Chairman and CEO, Macromedia Edward A. Minich BSCH ‘72, MBA ‘79 ~ 2002 Recipient President and CEO, Otis Canada Mossadiq Umedaly B. Com. ‘74, MBA ‘77 ~ 2003 Recipient Executive Chairman, Xantrex Technology Inc.
numerous career pathways and potential
deeply about and to be in the company
opportunities available to aspiring business
of these esteemed past recipients, some of
graduates. Furthermore, the broad based
which I know quite well, is quite humbling.
education and guidance received at Mac
Thank you for this recognition.
Karen Maidment B. Com. ‘81 ~ 2004 Recipient Senior Executive Vice-President and CFO, BMO Financial Group
Why do you feel that it is important
Ken Troy B. Com. ‘75 ~ 2005 Recipient President, Troy & Associates
provided the confidence I needed to pursue my post graduate aspirations. I was taught by enthusiastic and com-
to give back to the School?
mitted professors who influenced me both inside and outside of the classroom. They
I strongly believe in the power of learning
challenged me to find the practical value in
and its positive impact on our communities
what I was learning and how to potentially
and the quality of our lives. Our educa-
apply it in the business world.
tional institutions play a critical role in
David Feather BA ‘85, MBA ‘89 ~ 2007 Recipient President, Mackenzie Financial Services Inc.
developing and inspiring our future leaders. What are some life lessons that you have learned?
McMaster has provided the inspiration and foundational knowledge base I required when I began my career and I
While there are many important life
have continued my education at McMaster’s
lessons that I have learned along the way,
Directors College. My son and future-
here are three that resonate with me:
daughter-in-law are graduates of McMaster
1.
2.
Rebecca Repa BA ‘87, MBA ‘90 ~ 2006 Recipient Vice President, Planning, Redevelopment and Diagnostic Services, St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Identify business opportunities and
and our family resides a few kilometres
convert them to sustainable competi-
from the Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington.
tive advantages.
We look forward to continuing our relation-
Set stretch goals that are meaning-
ship with Mac for many years to come.
Teresa Cascioli B. Com. ‘83 ~ 2008 Recipient Founder, Teresa Cascioli Charitable Foundation Neil Skelding MBA ‘88 ~ 2009 Recipient President, RBC Insurance Marco Marrone B. Com. ‘80, MBA ‘86 ~ 2010 Recipient Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Canadian Tire Corporation Greg Brophy B. Com. ‘87, MBA ‘88 ~ 2010 Recipient (posthumous) Founder & CEO, Shred-It Canada Gary Kain MBA ‘73 ~ 2011 Recipient CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Regional Cablesystems Inc. (retired) David Williamson B. Com. ‘83 ~ 2012 Recipient Senior Executive Vice President and Group Head, Retail and Business Banking, CIBC Titles current at time of award presentation.
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
13
Alumni Report • Spring 2013
Research@DeGroote Research
DeGroote’s new Canada Research Chair is an alumna Catherine Connelly, B.Com ‘99, associate professor and new Canada Research Chair
As an undergraduate business student,
how individuals react to and interpret
we have in DeGroote, which are funded
Catherine Connelly’s interest in research
electronic communications, and study the
by donations from alumni and community
was kindled by some of the courses that she
conditions, attributes and processes that re-
members. I am very grateful to be in such a
took at McMaster. Following her graduation
sult in knowledge hiding behaviours. I will
research-intensive school.
from the DeGroote School of Business in
also examine how leaders can deal with
1999, she went on to earn a master’s and
the high-stress work environment while still
able to apply for a separate grant, from
PhD in management from Queen’s Univer-
maintaining their effectiveness. My research
the Canadian Foundation for Innovation
sity. In 2004, she returned to DeGroote as
will help to improve the information, com-
Leadership Opportunities Fund. Because
an assistant professor. In March, Connelly
munication, training and guidance available
I was successful in this application, the
was named the Canada Research Chair in
to workers and organizations in Canada, in
School can afford to renovate the fifth floor
Organizational Behaviour.
the context of rapid and significant work-
of the building to house the Organizational
place challenges.
Behavior Research Laboratory. With my
Although I am honoured to receive this
The funding for the CRC comes directly
As part of my CRC application, I was
laboratory and my new equipment, I will
recognition for my research record, the
from the federal government (Canada
be able to use experimental methods to
reason I am so excited about my Canada
Research Chair program). DeGroote was
perform my research. For example, I will
Research Chair is the opportunity that this
selected by Social Science and Humanities
be able to measure participants’ galvanic
chair represents for me and for the School.
Research Council to receive a CRC because
skin resistance (i.e., stress levels) while
The focus of my research will be on
of our excellent collective track record
they engage in various tasks. Few business
ways in which changes to workplaces
in securing research grants. My CRC is
schools have such resources available
and our workforce affect managers and em-
the second in the business school (Rick
to their researchers, so I am excited to
ployees. Specifically, I will examine the true
Hackett, also in the human resources
discover and apply new ways to address
costs to organizations that hire contingent
and management area). This chair will
important research questions.
workers, identify the cues that determine
complement the other endowed chairs that
Rick Hackett, professor of human resources & management was named Canadian Research Chair (CRC) in Organizational Behaviour and Human Performance in 2003. Hackett has been studying the intersection of leadership, work attitudes, job performance and organizational citizenship, specifically in the health care sector. He has expanded his research program to include the study of virtues as they pertain to leadership effectiveness, as well as an ongoing assessment and development of the Multi-Mini Interview, used widely in the evaluation of analytical thinking, interpersonal skills, and judgment of medical school applicants. These research initiatives will help build effective systems for selecting and developing leadership talent in both public and private sector concerns. Potential benefits include improvements in leader effectiveness, worker well-being (physical and psychological), individual and unit performance, and organizational effectiveness.
14
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
Alumni Column
Be engaged Vince Dong, B.Com ‘83
By Vince Dong, B.Com ‘83 This spring marks the 30th anniversary of
today and as a result, have a collective
my graduation from McMaster University.
brain trust to offer to the students at
at DeGroote’s Academic Awareness
Looking back, I know where those years
DeGroote today. Despite the internet
Conference. This conference brings grads
have gone to: a family, career and lifetime
providing more knowledge to the students
and undergrads together over the course of
of new experiences.
than we ever had access to, there are many
a day. It gives undergrads an understanding
For the last few years, I have spoken
I have never forgotten the years
tangible contributions that we are able to
of what the real world is all about. Become
that I attended McMaster. They were
offer. We have extensive work experience,
a mentor in the Mentor Program. Consider
also much simpler times, especially as
business contacts and networks, awareness
being a guest speaker at one of the many
the computer age was just emerging.
of the latest association and economic
business clubs.
The University shaped my thinking. It
trends. Most of all, we speak the language
molded me socially and I even picked
of business.
up some genuine life-long friends along
I am also reaching out to all 1983 commerce classmates to attend this year’s
If you don’t want to donate money to
30th reunion. You would be so proud to
the way. Above all, it taught me to give
DeGroote, donate time. We owe it to the
see what has changed at YOUR school over
back to my alma mater.
students. Why? As a result of the education
the last 30 years. I’m told there will be lots
we obtained from DeGroote, we’ve all
to see and do.
The internet changed everything. Students have access to immediate
become successes. Don’t we all want to
information and it can even be pushed at
see the next generation of grads equally
go back to either visit, speak or attend an
them without prompting.
become successful, if not more? There
event. It was a very special time in my life.
We tail-end baby boomers have experienced much in the business world
I have a very warm feeling each time I
are many different ways to offer your time
I hope to see you there!
back to the school.
DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘13
15
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