Alumni Report Spring 2012 by DeGroote School of Business

Alumni Report www.degroote.mcmaster.ca

Spring 2012

DeGroote celebrates

Also in this issue: Giving a voice to the expanding force of contract workers Distinguished Alumni Award recipient David Williamson

Faculty of Business meeting

Get Involved

Alumni Report • Spring 2012

Alumni profiles 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 Leah Rosenthal rosentl@mcmaster.ca to share the details of where you’ve found yourself since you graduated.

Keep in touch

Inside ALUMNI OFFICER MESSAGE.........3

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. Email Kellie Rabak rabakk@mcmaster.ca to make any updates.

EVENTS CALENDAR........................4 Dean ON DECK...............................5 DeGroote News...........................6 MAIN story....................................8 Alumni PROFILES........................ 11 Research @ DeGroote............13

Help! There’s a hole on our wall! Help! Our Commerce 1996 class composite is MIA! Under the cover of darkness, someone has absconded with the class photo! If you are a member of that class and would like to loan your copy, we can scan it and return it unharmed. We would be most grateful to display it on our ‘wall of fame’. For more information, please contact Kellie Rabak rabakk@ mcmaster.ca.

ALUMNI COLUMN.........................15

The Alumni Report is a publication of the DeGroote School of Business and is managed by the External Relations 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

Construction on the new DeGroote School of Business building in 1991. The building officially opened on April 13, 1992.

Alumni Officer Message

The DeGroote community gathers to participate in a panel discusion

2012 is a very exciting year for the

the celebration. If you’re interested in being

Gould Trading Floor in 1990 and the open-

DeGroote School of Business and

part of the planning committee or assisting

ing of our AIC Wing in 2002. And of course

McMaster University. Did you know that

with outreach to your classmates, please

in 2010 our Burlington campus, the Ron

this year marks the 125th anniversary

send me an email. It’s going to be a great

Joyce Centre, became a reality. A special

of the University? On March 15, 1887, a

event!

thank you to all of our donors whose

bill was introduced to unite the Toronto

It’s also the 20th anniversary of our

significant support made these expansions

Baptist College and Woodstock College and

DeGroote building and our Faculty as a

incorporate them as McMaster University.

named business school. We are so grateful

Originally located in Toronto – the current

for the generosity of Michael G. DeGroote

DeGroote community. We have continued

site of the Royal Conservatory of Music – it

who supported our building and gave us

to grow and have so much to celebrate!

would be more than 40 years before the

the privilege of associating his name with

We have world-class alumni who are

campus made Hamilton its permanent home.

McMaster’s Faculty of Business. Many of

our valued ambassadors who proudly

Since that time our campus has continued

our alumni will recall classes held in vari-

promote the School both professionally and

to grow and has become a dynamic location

ous areas of the campus - the basement

personally. Our amazing students personify

where academic careers has launched, life-

of Kenneth Taylor Hall seems to come

energy and pride and continually strive

long friendships are forged and indelible

to mind for many. In 1992, our faculty

for and achieve success in their initiatives.

memories are made.

finally had its own building to call home.

Thank you to each and every one of you –

Our doors officially opened in April of

we celebrate you!

At the School of Business we are

possible. It’s a great time to be part of the

thrilled to celebrate several of our own

that year, and students who started the

important anniversaries this year. For our

MBA and Commerce programs in the fall

MBA alumni, it is the 50th anniversary of

enjoyed brand new facilities and were the

the program! We are looking forward to

first of the classes who graduated from the

Kellie Rabak, Hons. BA ‘90

wonderful gala in September with a recep-

DeGroote School of Business.

Alumni Officer, DeGroote School of Business

tion and dinner (dancing too!). Mark your calendar for Friday, Sept. 28 and be part of

Our growth continued over the years with the addition of our state-of-the-art

rabakk@mcmaster.ca 905-525-9140 ext. 26971

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

Events Calendar MAR

Alumni Report • Spring 2012

SPRING

2012 Cup o’ Joe with Alumni

MAY

MBA Spring Open House

There are various opportunities throughout the spring for DeGroote alumni to come and speak to current MBA students in an informal setting. Enjoy a light breakfast and a cup o’ joe!

Thinking about taking your MBA? Come experience the DeGroote MBA firsthand diriving our ‘MBA for a day’ event.

Please contact cbcd@mcmaster.ca for more details.

For more information contact mbainfo@mcmaster.ca

JUNE

Commerce Class Reunions 1987, 1992 and 2002

Ron Joyce Centre

May at Mac

Learn about the diverse undergraduate programs offered at McMaster University. McMaster University For more information visit http://bit.ly/AoE3pe or email liaison@mcmaster.ca

JUNE

SEPT

Convocation

MBA Gala Reception and Dinner

McMaster University Reception: 6 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m.

Hamilton Place

Oakville Conference Centre 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Dancing to follow dinner.

For more information or to register, please contact Kellie Rabak: rabakk@mcmaster.ca

For more information contact convctn@mcmaster.ca

For more information or to register, please contact Kellie Rabak: rabakk@mcmaster.ca

Executive Education at DeGroote School of Business Upcoming Programs in Spring 2012!

Executive Education at DeGroote School of Business offers a number of programs designed to provide managers and business leaders with the skills, capabilities, and a network to improve their skills and reach their professional goals! MAR

19 MAR

21 MAR

New Product Management Peter Vilks

Human Resources: The First 100 Days Fiorella Callocchia

Social Media Bootcamp for Executives Alex Sevigny

APR

Fiorella Callocchia

Dianne Carmichael

APR

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

Women’s Breakfast Series Teal McAteer

APR

APR Executive Leadership Brand in a 2.0 World 18-19

For more information, or to register for an upcoming program, contact Danielle Farronato, Program Manager at 905-525-9140 ext. 23917 or farrond@mcmaster.ca 4

Human Resource Essentials

MAY

Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence Execution Management: Key Success Factors Mark Baboolal

MAY Aligning Marketing and Sales for Growth 29-30 Brian Meagher

execed.degroote.mcmaster.ca

Dean’s Message

Take pride in your part of history Construction on the new DeGroote School of Business building in 1991. The building officially opened on April 13, 1992.

At DeGroote, we speak with pride about

as “DeGroote.” You may remember

announced in January 1992 that the

the accomplishments of our students and

connecting with students and faculty in

Faculty of Business would henceforth

alumni. We talk about how our commerce

the hallways and classrooms of Kenneth

be known as the DeGroote School of

students are in the 95th percentile in North

Taylor Hall. For other more recent

Business, the business environment was

America on the Major Field Test, how

graduates, your memories of DeGroote

vastly different from that of 2012.

our MBA students on average see a 99%

are filled with hours spent in the Gould

increase in salary when they graduate,

Trading Floor.

The future of the DeGroote School of Business holds new programs and new

how our PhD program has grown from 21

Whatever our own personal experi-

students 10 years ago to 56 students today

ences, we are all part of the whole that

will announce a new dean for the busi-

and how our alumni are shaping business

is the DeGroote School of Business. The

ness school. In September, approximately

in Canada and around the world.

DeGroote community is comprised of

750 new students will begin their studies

people. Over the next year, the University

16,000 alumni, more than 3,000 students,

at DeGroote, following in the path of so

nities to show our pride in DeGroote as

employers – including some of the most

many alumni who have come before.

we celebrate several important milestones

recognizable corporate names, staff, facul-

in the School’s history, most notably the

ty and numerous other partners. Together,

community, I thank you for the part you

50th anniversary of the MBA program and

it is our responsibility to tell the story of

have played in the history of this School.

the 20th anniversary of the naming of the

DeGroote and show our pride.

And I challenge you to continue to be

This year, we will have many opportu-

DeGroote School of Business. All members of the DeGroote community – alumni and students, staff and faculty, donors and employers – are part of this history. For some, your memories of the School of Business predate its time

Anniversaries are a time to look back and remember. They are also a time to

To all of the members of the DeGroote

involved in building the future of the DeGroote School of Business.

look ahead. The MBA program of 50 years ago is

Bob McNutt, Acting Dean

not the same as the program today, and 50 years from now the program will be different again. Likewise, when McMaster

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

DeGroote News TM

Do you have an account on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter?

■■ Become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/degrootebiz

So does the DeGroote School of Business! Join the con-

■■ Join the official LinkedIn group at www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=44151

versation and stay engaged with the DeGroote community.

■■ Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/degrootebiz

Share your experiences and network with other alumni. Connect with DeGroote and each other today.

Stay up-to-date on DeGroote news and events.

Alumni speaker series

Top 100 females

The fall 2011 DeGroote Alumni Speaker Series was proud to showcase a dynamic group of guest speakers that included: Ed Minich ‘72, MBA ‘74 speaking on “Lessons from the Trenches”, Adam Felesky ‘99 speaking on “Corporate Leadership” and Robert A. Donaldson B. Com. ‘61 speaking on “Creating a New Business from Scratch to a Successful Publicly Listed Company.” The upcoming Alumni Speaker Series for spring 2012 is set to deliver a similarly influential roster, including Red Wilson ‘62 on March 14 discussing the topic “Compete to Win.”

For the ninth consecutive year, The Women’s Executive Network (WXN) has launched its Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, recognizing the highest achieving female leaders in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. In December 2011, DeGroote MBA alumni Janet Holder ‘83 and Leslie Gales ‘80 received the esteemed award. Holder was appointed to executive vice-president of Enbridge Inc. in September and is the first woman to hold the position of president in the company’s long-spanning history. Gales is president and chief investment officer of the Midland Group of Companies and is very active in the community, sitting on the boards of the AGO Foundation, the United Way Toronto and Mount Sinai Hospital among others.

Quarter century club inductees On Nov. 14, 2011, five DeGroote faculty members were inducted into The Quarter Century Club. The club recognizes McMaster employees and faculty who have achieved 25 years of service with the University. DeGroote is proud to recognize its new inductees: • Yufei Yuan, professor of information systems • Lilian Chan, professor and chair of accounting and financial management services • Rick D. Hackett, professor and Canada research chair of human resources management • Mahmut Parlar, professor of operations management • Wayne Taylor, professor of strategic market leadership and health services management

MBA games On Jan. 8, 2012, the DeGroote School of Business came in first place at the MBA Games national competition in Edmonton, Alberta, ahead of its closest competitor by nearly 20 points. After finishing in the 7th spot in 2011 and having last won in 2007, the DeGroote team was determined to dominate in 2012. DeGroote claimed first place in all three divisions of the competition: spirit, athletics and academics. Since the winning school typically has the honour of hosting the Games in the following year, the 2013 competition will be held at DeGroote with more than 600 people expected to attend.

“If you want to make a decision to be a strategic philanthropist… it has to be something you’re deeply passionate about. It’s not sustainable unless you’re in it for your emotional connection.”

“News of Edison’s or Bell’s death would have travelled slowly…In today’s world, we are so socially connected 24/7, and Steve Jobs is so fundamental to that.” Nick Bontis, discussing the passing of Apple visionary Steve Jobs in The Toronto Star

“Some of the most important decisions are made by a group and we do that because we think the group will make better decisions. But that only happens if there is some conflict – as there will be if everyone is contributing and not being complacent and just going along with the majority.” Catherine Connelly, discussing the value of constructive conflict within group work in The National Post

Maria Antonakos, discussing the DeGroote School of Business’ philanthropy and leadership course and the role of corporate philanthropy in The Globe and Mail

DeGroote In The News

Alumni Report • Spring 2012

Social media

“Workplace bullies are often hard to identify. They can be socially manipulative, targeting weaker employees and kissing up to those they need to be in the good graces of at work. Thus, an upperlevel manager may say, ‘That person seems to get me.’” Aaron Schat, discussing workplace bullying and offering anti-bullying tips in The Globe and Mail

“[The Occupy movement has] resonated with people and created awareness of the difficult economic inequality of the middle class….however, the banks and financial institutions are focused on their stakeholders. Leadership won’t come from the financial industry; leadership will come from political institutions.” Giri Kanagaretnam, discussing the political significance of the worldwide Occupy protests in The Hamilton Spectator

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

DeGroote News Alumni who recruited for January 2012 Diamond Hill-Watson, ‘94, William Osler Health System

Bryan Herechuk, ’09, St. Joseph’s Healthcare

Scott Sherwood, ’10, Teva Canada

Martin Beraldo, ’07, Mercer Consulting

Rosalee Lahaie, ’10, Ontario Renal Network

Nick Lal, ’05, Britt Haddy, ’11, Deanna Heroux, ’04, Jamie Barnes, ’08, KPMG Advisory

Mark Bleiwas, ’01, CresaPartners

Rhonda Chou, ’95, TELUS Health and Financial Solutions

Mike Heenan, ’08, and Angie Yeung, ’11, The Credit Valley Hospital

Beena Tharakan, ’03, Deloitte Canada

Aman Dhaliwal, ’07, Hamilton Health Sciences

Neil Shah, ’07, St. Michael’s Hospital

Lesley Moody, ‘10, Royal Victoria Hospital

Julie Nicholls, ’02, Grand River Hospital

Gia Marasco, ’05, William Osler Health System

Peter Brenders, ’91, BIOTECanada

John Nashid, ’10, St. Joseph’s Home Care

CA/DeGroote centre for the promotion of accounting education and research

Zonta international scholarship for women in business

A joint venture between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (ICAO) and McMaster University was announced on Nov. 1, 2011. A newly-planned research centre at the DeGroote School of Business will encourage research, scholarly development and professional activities in the field of accounting in order to advance the profession.

Zonta International’s Jane M. Klausman scholarship is awarded annually to women pursuing a business or business-related degree and who demonstrate outstanding potential in the field. Scholarships of US$750 each are given at the club level, US$1,000 each at the district level and twelve scholarships of US$5,000 each at the international level. DeGroote MBA students Nida Jabrani and Vivian Trinh were both awarded the club-level scholarship in October, 2011, and Vivian was also the recipient of the district-level and international-level awards.

“Set-ups like Jigsee’s are a growing model among Canadian startups. Such ‘transnational enterprises’ are out to capture the market potential abroad while preserving the advantages of home.”

“I don’t think it’s good for the organization. Usually when you hire a new CEO, there is an opportunity for you to make significant changes in the first 18 months of that person’s career. Having the old CEO hang around advising can quite often dampen that initiative to make big changes.”

“They need to once again find themselves among the top technology firms. Until they do that, they would have to keep Goldman Sachs on their pay roster for a long time.” Anna Danielova, discussing Hewlett-Packard’s hiring of Goldman Sachs to ward off threatening investors in IBTimes

“Pursuing a traditional MBA would have adequately equipped me in achieving my mission but the MBA co-op program at the DeGroote School of Business was a better option.”

DeGroote In The News

Benson Honig, discussing start-up business ventures in foreign markets in Maclean’s

Wayne Taylor, discussing Hamilton Health Science’s decision to pay two CEO salaries until the former CEO retires in The Hamilton Spectator

“Everybody is looking to distinguish themselves somehow and this [international experience] adds an element that becomes a little hard to beat because it requires you to put yourself out there [and] invest extra effort, time and money and take some calculated risks.” Mandeep Malik, discussing the value of DeGroote’s BizX international exchange program in The Globe and Mail

Gloria So, MBA, discussing her pursuit of work in the non-profit sector and the fit she found with DeGroote’s MBA program in The National Post DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

Alumni Report • Spring 2012

Main Story

1930s

McMaster offers a variety of courses, such as distribution, business organization, corporate finance, accounting, trade & commercial law within the Department of Political Economy

1950s First year of the MBA program

Courses in commerce as a set curriculum are offered at the undergraduate level in the Department of Economics

McMaster’s Faculty of Business is renamed the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business and becomes the first named business school in Canada McMaster breaks ground for the $10 million new home for the School of Business

1962

The Faculty of Business is established

1968

The Faculty moves from its quarters in Gilmour Hall to Kenneth Taylor Hall

1987 1971

Co-op MBA begins at McMaster

McMaster opens the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business building

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

1974 1973

First year of the PhD program

April 13 1992

Jan. 1992

Sept. 1990 Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael G. DeGroote gives $3 million to the McMaster Faculty of Business

Main Story

A pioneers’ legacy By Leah Rosenthal ‘07 Looking back on his academic and profes-

the war, Lloyd focused on his academics

sional career, Lloyd Smith, MBA ‘63

by upgrading his high school courses at

would most certainly be considered a

Ryerson College and then enrolling in the

pioneer. Born in Toronto in 1918, Lloyd

Engineering Physics program at the Univer-

has forged a fascinating path for himself

sity of Toronto. There were approximately

like no other. After graduating from high

2,000 students registered in the class im-

school, he joined the RCAF Auxiliary with

mediately following the war, with only 13

110 Army Cooperation Squadron in To-

of them women. As he was completing his

ronto and was assigned as a photographer

undergraduate degree, Lloyd met his future

in the fall of 1938. One year later, war was

wife, Margit, who was one of these few en-

In 1992 the School of Business

declared and Lloyd was called to active

gineering women. They were married after

expanded due to the generous support

duty in both Canada and England where he

graduation on May 26, 1951.

of Canadian entrepreneur Michael

served for the next six years.

Celebrating 20 years as the DeGroote School of Business

G. DeGroote. Thanks to his support,

Lloyd accepted a position at then-named

A notable experience during his time

Steel Company of Canada (later renamed to

McMaster became home to the first

overseas, Lloyd was among the first to

Stelco), and he and Margit moved to Hamil-

named business school in Ontario.

learn to develop colour film outside of a

ton. Lloyd launched his engineering career

Our benefactor’s financial leadership,

Kodak lab as a Warrant Officer in charge

in metallurgy with a gradual progression

along with that of other major support-

of all base photographic units. “For night

to industrial engineering. During his time

ers, ensures that the DeGroote School

bombing, the cameras were set with some

at Stelco, Lloyd became a pioneer in data

of Business continues to be recognized

time exposure. To assist with the images, a

tabulation using an IBM 607 card program

as an international leader in innovative

magnesium illumination flare was dropped

calculator. Setting the bar high, compet-

approaches to teaching, learning and

with the bomb load,” Lloyd explains. “To

ing industrial companies came to Stelco to

service to the business community.

separate the view of the flares from the

learn from Lloyd on his processes. In 1955,

fires that were started by the dropped

Lloyd traveled to IBM’s Watson Research

community celebrates the anniversary

bombs, we took one colour photo to iden-

Centre in New York City for training where

of the naming of the business school,

tify the fares and another to identify the

he saw the biggest computers in the world

the future of the DeGroote School of

destruction.” A pioneer in a time of war,

and witnessed the early stages of computer

Business, its faculty, staff and students

Lloyd and his photographs remain a part of

technology.

remains bright.

our Canadian history.

As the DeGroote and McMaster

In 1957, Lloyd began taking part-time

Upon returning to Canada at the end of

MBA courses at the University of Toronto.

City of Burlington and McMaster announce their intention to enter into discussions aimed at bringing a post-secondary campus to Burlington

1998

CIBC donates $1.4 million to fund the CIBC Chair in Financial Markets, along with the supporting the educational trading centre and a Trader in Residence program

1999

DeGroote’s first Canada Research Chair is announced. The CRC in Organizational Behaviour & Performance is held by professor Rick Hackett

Milli Gould donates $500,000 towards the educational trading centre in the new School of Business. The donation is in memory of her husband Allen H. Gould, a self-taught investor who was passionate about the stock market

June 17 1999 AIC announces a $5 million gift to create the AIC Institute for Strategic Business Studies in the DeGroote School of Business

DeGroote opens the Allen H. Gould Trading Floor, at that time just the second such facility in Canada

June 26 2001

Mar. 3 2003 Oct. 9 2002

Oct. 2001

Dec. 17 2003

July 29 2004

April 2004 DeGroote benefactor Michael G. DeGroote gives McMaster $105 million. The donation is the largest single cash gift in Canadian history

Conference Board of Canada and the DeGroote School of Business announce The Directors College, the first corporate governance initiative of its kind in Canada

McMaster opens new AIC wing. The addition adds three floors, 17,000 square feet, four new classrooms, 19 new offices, open graduate and shared work spaces and a plethora of state-of-the-art equipment to the University

Construction begins on the AIC wing at the DeGroote School of Business DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

It was a small class comprised primarily of

McMaster satisfied my appetite for personal

his family expanded and they welcomed

students who were working full-time. They

and professional growth and opened many

two more children.

gathered in Hamilton and, unique to the

doors for me upon graduation.”

Alumni Report • Spring 2012

time, the professor from Toronto commut-

“I was of a similar mind-set as my father

His quest for continual learning led to

as I had no real expectations about what

ed to Hamilton to provide instruction. As it

another pioneered move in Lloyd’s life.

I would get from my MBA,” recalls Peter,

happened, the University of Toronto’s sen-

In September 1963 he left Stelco for a

managing partner, The Meaford Group.

ate subsequently discontinued the Master’s

teaching master position at the Hamilton

“However, I understood that there was a

degree program and that is when Lloyd’s

Institute of Technology which is now Mo-

gap in my knowledge. I recognized that

ties to McMaster University began.

hawk College. Graduating with his MBA

I needed to upgrade my skills and learn

from McMaster University opened the door

about general management and become

the U of T credits earned by the students

for this teaching opportunity which lasted

more familiar with accounting, marketing,

working toward their MBA and Lloyd grad-

almost 30 years.

and people management. My MBA at Mc-

McMaster University agreed to honour

uated with his 15 classmates in 1963. As

Lloyd taught industrial management

Master University provided me with exactly

one of the earliest members of McMaster’s

courses which later evolved into the com-

MBA graduating class, Lloyd is considered

puter studies program and did so until his

a pioneer in the field of graduate education

retirement in 1983 at the age of 65. Lloyd

neers continues with Tom’s daughter who

that came out of McMaster University. This

continued to instruct part-time until 1990.

has also graduated with a degree in engi-

was the second MBA class to graduate from

He also pioneered the Saltfleet campus

neering and Peter’s son who is currently

McMaster which followed the inaugural

computer lab and taught manpower retrain-

completing his engineering degree . The

class in the spring of 1962 which had only

ing programs at the Mohawk campus in

legacy that began back in 1918 with the

one graduate.

Brantford, Ontario. Through these experi-

birth of a pioneer continues.

that.” The legacy of the Smith family as engi-

Much like today, earning his degree

ences, he witnessed tremendous growth

was a balancing act at its finest, as Lloyd

in Hamilton, McMaster University and at

The DeGroote School of Business at

worked towards his MBA while working

Mohawk College.

McMaster University is excited to host a

full-time and raising two young boys with

gala reception and dinner to celebrate

It is said that engineers are born, not

his wife Margit. When he completed his

made. Lloyd and his wife Margit contin-

the occasion of the 50th anniversary

MBA degree, Lloyd’s eldest son Tom was

ued that legacy as both of their sons, Tom

of our MBA program on September 28,

11 years of age and his youngest son Peter

and Peter, followed in their footsteps and

2012 in Oakville, Ontario. For more

was eight.

became engineers. And like his father,

information please contact Kellie Rabak,

Peter graduated with his MBA in 1987 from

alumni officer, rabakk@mcmaster.ca

“While I had no expectations of what an MBA would get me professionally,”

McMaster University. Similar to the path

recalls Lloyd reflecting back on his time

forged by his father, Peter worked part-time

at McMaster, “I have dedicated my life to

towards his degree with a wife and two

continually learning. The MBA program at

young children at home. Upon graduation,

Nov. 16 2005

Jan. 27 2006 McMaster earns accreditation from AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

McMaster announces the DeGroote School of Business will have a major presence at the Burlington campus

April 18 2006

Ron Joyce donates $10 million to McMaster Burlington campus

Classes begin at the DeGroote School of Business Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington

DeGroote alumnus John Marinucci ’80, former President and CEO of bus manufacturer New Flyer Industries Canada, and family donate $1 million to fund the Marinucci Family Auditorium at the Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington

June 18 2007

DeGroote alumna Teresa Cascioli ’83, former CEO of Lakeport, donates $1 million to fund the Teresa Cascioli Chair in Entrepreneurial Leadership

June 17 2009 Dec. 11 2007

Burlington council invests $5 million in McMaster plan

Celebrating 20th Anniversary as the DeGroote School of Business and 50th Anniversary of the MBA Program and looking ahead to a bright future

Investment executive Russell C. Boychuk donates $500,000 to DeGroote to support the continued delivery of market data to the School’s Allen H. Gould Trading Floor

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

Jan. 21 2009 Oct. 21 2008

Sept. 2010

June 21 2010 McMaster begins construction on DeGroote School of Business in Burlington

Halton Region invests $5 million in McMaster plan

2012

Alumni Profile

Wearing many hats to find the perfect fit By Kim Wojtczak

As iconic as the Tilley Hat has become

tions and worked as an audit partner for

constantly re-emerges in her work. For

for adventure-seekers across the globe, so

KPMG before transitioning into marketing.

example, she uses concepts from cost

too has DeGroote graduate Mary Coleen

Portfolio diversification is something that

accounting classes on a regular basis,

Shanahan ’76 become a symbol of Tilley

Shanahan strongly encourages for current

returning to the basics she learned during

Endurables. As the president and CEO of

undergraduate and graduate students, as

her undergraduate degree frequently in her

Tilley, she has been able to expand upon

her own path to senior management in-

professional career.

founder Alex Tilley’s vision for the brand

cluded unexpected opportunities.

and add her own passion to the company.

As her early business directory initiatives

“My commerce degree gave me the busi-

predicted, Shanahan values her continued

Shanahan points to a strong foundation

ness basics upon which I built my career,

connection to the DeGroote School of

from McMaster and her diverse professional

and further studies and work experience

Business. She says that this sentiment stems

background as key components of her

provided me with insights into Canadian

from her father’s ongoing relationship with

success.

and international businesses both large and

the University of New Brunswick, from

Tilley Endurables is one of the leading

small. All this varied experience gave me

which he graduated in 1948. He continues

manufacturers and retailers of high-quality

key skills and insights which are essential

to attend all reunions and remains in con-

hats and travel clothing in Canada and

in my current role as president of Tilley

tact with his university roommate.

across the globe. Created by avid traveller

Endurables.”

and sailor Alex Tilley in 1980, the Tilley

“I’m proud to be a Mac grad,” Shanahan

A retired KPMG coworker introduced

states. “I often meet McMaster graduates

team has been designing and manufactur-

Shanahan to Alex Tilley in 1998. She was

and we instantly share a common bond. If

ing functional and stylish apparel in Canada

first brought on as CFO of Tilley Endur-

I can give back to the business school by

for more than 30 years, appealing to globe-

ables Inc. and ultimately took on the role

helping today’s students, then I am pleased

trotters and backyard adventurers alike.

of president and CEO. Because sales are

to share my experience and point of view.”

Shanahan, originally from Winnipeg,

vital for a consumer-based company, her

came to McMaster for her second year of

marketing experience from KPMG helps

the school and recommends the Executive

undergraduate study after her father was

her with sales initiatives for Tilley. Shana-

Education programs at DeGroote to keep

transferred to Hamilton for work. She

han also notes that it is important for those

skills current. Her advice to students is to

became president of the Commerce Society

in senior positions to have strong financial

take every opportunity they can. “Seek

and helped introduce the idea for a Com-

knowledge in order to understand why

the transferable skills you need to achieve

merce Society business directory to help

they are getting certain results. As a past

for the future in every role you take on,

members keep connected in the future.

audit partner, Shanahan is well equipped

whether that is in a formal working envi-

This continual connection to McMaster

with the tools to understand the details of

ronment or volunteering in the communi-

remains especially important to Shanahan.

her company’s finances.

ty,” she notes. “These experiences will give

After graduating from McMaster, Shana-

Aside from the skills within her diverse

Shanahan has generously given back to

you new skills and hone others, and will

han received her chartered accountant and

portfolio, Shanahan states that the strong

allow you the flexibility with your career to

certified management accountant designa-

foundation she gained from DeGroote

work anywhere with anyone.”

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

Alumni Profile

DeGroote’s Distinguished Alumni Award winner By Leah Rosenthal ‘07 On March 1, 2012, the DeGroote School of

a successful career providing advice on

company in North America. “Atlas was a

Business hosted an Evening of Accolades

financial risk management as a consultant

great company that had run into financial

and presented its 13th consecutive Wayne

to European based banks.

and operational difficulties. Over a two

C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award to David Williamson ‘83. Reflecting upon his time at McMaster

After working in the UK and in Swit-

year period we got the company turned

zerland, Williamson came back to Canada

around and back on very solid footing.”

in 1990 as a financial services consultant.

Williamson joined CIBC in 2008 as the

University, Williamson recalls it was an eye-

Shortly thereafter he joined Derlan Indus-

CFO and was recently appointed the group

opening experience. “I was exposed to a

tries, a highly diversified manufacturing

head of retail and business banking. Wil-

whole new world of ideas, experiences and

company with operations in Canada, Mexi-

liamson is responsible for CIBC’s Personal

people,” says Williamson. “The business

co, the US and Germany. “Derlan presented

and Business Banking operations, which

school curriculum required me to study

a substantial learning experience. I started

serve more than 10 million clients across

subjects beyond just numbers, such as

in a fairly junior finance position and over

the country through a team of approxi-

psychology, politics and astronomy. These,

time took more senior roles eventually

mately 22,000 employees.

and other topics, which I hadn’t focused

becoming the President and CEO of the

on before, acted to expand and open my

company.” Derlan also provided William-

DeGroote’s Distinguished Alumni Award,

mind. My time at McMaster set the tone for

son with his first exposure to M&A related

Williamson had two pieces of advice for

my career and for my life.”

activity as he had a leading role in the

students, young professionals and alumni.

Upon acknowledgement of winning

“I did well academically at McMaster

sale of 11 companies and the acquisition

“First, make choices that add branches to

which increased my confidence. But I also

of aerospace assets during an 18 month

your tree. Always look for those opportuni-

became acutely aware of having gaps. I

period when Derlan was transformed into

ties that will give you more experience and

had summer jobs at Stelco, a farm, and at a

a more focused aerospace based manufac-

more options in the future. Second, and

golf course, which were all interesting but

turer.

most importantly, value your reputation. It

they provided very little practical knowl-

Williamson then became the executive

is your most valuable asset and you need

edge about business. Also, growing up in

vice president and CFO of Clarica Life

to increase its value through your actions,

Burlington and going to university next

Insurance. “It was a fascinating time to join

who you associate with and what work you

door in Hamilton hadn’t resulted in a great

as a change in financial services legisla-

do.”

breadth of life experiences.”

tion was being introduced which permitted

After graduating in 1983, Williamson

mergers within the insurance sector.” In ad-

did two things. He traveled to Europe and

dition to being CFO, Williamson managed a

earned his CA designation knowing that

process which led to Clarica’s merger with

both would help fill the gaps he had identi-

Sun Life. This appointment was followed

fied. Travelling across Europe with two

by Williamson having an executive role

other McMaster graduates gave Williamson

at Canada Life where he led the team that

the life experiences he was looking for and

responded to an unsolicited bid and com-

his CA designation exposed him to busi-

pleted a successful merger with Great West

ness. Both ventures would merge in 1986

Life. Thereafter Williamson became the

when he joined PriceWaterhouseCooper’s

President and CEO of Atlas Cold Storage

United Kingdom audit office which led to

the second largest cold storage and logistics

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

Research@DeGroote

Vo l u m e 2

Ja n. 2012

Facu

lty Pr

ofiles

Givin expan g a voice contr ding forc to the act w e Cather orker of s

4 The and fiart of beh nance aviou r rd

ine Co

nnelly

Giving a voice to the expanding force of contract workers

Richa

5 Prote rights cting the of p Detlo articipan r

Deave

Brian

Do th value e Big 4 in ownedof your p crease the busin rivately Justin ess? Jin

PhD

Profi

8 New focus found rese sabbata result o arch f ical Chris topher

CJAS

Giving a voice to the expanding force of contract workers

Do the Big 4 increase the value of your privatelyowned business?

The beingimportan supp on time ce of ly chai coun Georg n sch ts in e Stei eduli ner ng

Longo

Profi

11 Stron struct g governan sharehures mak ce 12 e Umar older re for stro lation ng Advanced Butt and P s Theo DeGroractice at ry 14 W of Bu ote Scho the sines ol at’s ngovernance 15 11P hStrong s ew u b @ lica es makeInfor 17 C structur ns ldernis? 2 onfere tioshareho 1 Res nce Procestrong ea 22 A edin s rc Prese relation ward h Grants ntatiogs & s& R ns 23 A ecognitio 24 B ppointm ns en ooks & Ch ts apters

24 P hD

vol

ume

Catherine Connelly Associate professor of organizational behaviour and human resource management

Defen

ses

jan

. 20 12

Although non-standard employment and

safety training, or aren’t provided with the

The 2012 issue of Research @ DeGroote

contract work is on the rise, there remains

information that they need to do their jobs

features profiles of studies on research

a lack of research that has been done

properly,” she states. She explores how

ethics at McMaster, the significance of

on this segment of the workforce. This

both agency and employer treatment can

supply chain scheduling, behavioural

is where McMaster graduate and current

influence employee behaviours and cause

finance and temporary employment.

DeGroote associate professor Catherine

spillover effects.

Connelly comes in. Connelly teaches orga-

A closer look is taken at the effects

However, Connelly also finds that many

sabbaticals have on research focus, along

nizational behaviour and human resources

see value in non-standard work, pointing

with “Big 4” auditors and their influence

management at the DeGroote School of

to newcomers testing the waters or older

on private companies.

Business, and she has a passion for the

employees exiting the workforce and seek-

contingent worker’s experience.

ing flexibility.

The issue includes publications, books/ chapters, conference proceedings, re-

Often treated in employment studies as

Connelly is particularly interested in

search grants, PhD defenses, awards and

permanent workers, non-standard employ-

cross-cultural differences among percep-

recognitions of DeGroote faculty for the

ees and their distinct experiences have

tions of contingent workers. In North

2011 year.

been often overlooked. Connelly hopes

America, she notes that temporary work-

to shed light on the challenges as well as

ers are often stereotyped as evading office

benefits to their work, along with their in-

duties, while in parts of Europe they are

dividual attitudes and conduct. Her current

viewed as the hardest working, most

research includes a study on the workplace

dedicated employees. Connelly remains

behaviours of non-standard employees

devoted to researching contingent workers

entitled Predicting temporary workers’ be-

in any way she can, and her forthcoming

haviors: Justice, volition, and spillover.

follow-up study will compare independent

In her study, Connelly states that contingent workers are frequently treated differently than permanent employees. “Depend-

Research @ DeGroote can be found at: http://degroote.mcmaster.ca/faculty/rad.html

contractor experiences in Sweden and North America.

The full article on Catherine

ing where they work, contingent workers

Connelly’s contingent employment

may find that they are excluded from office

research can be found in the latest

social events, don’t receive appropriate

issue of Research @ DeGroote. DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

Alumni Report • Spring 2012

Alumni Column

Chinese University confers honorary doctorate on McMaster University professor By Tamia Hakim

On June 28, 2011, an honorary doctor-

those who have a long record of service

ate degree (LL.D.) was conferred upon

and progressive values to higher education,

a great honor and symbolizes what I

Luke Chan, professor of finance, DeGroote

research and promoting cultural under-

have been able to achieve in promoting

School of Business and also an associate

standing and bringing communities of dif-

Canada-China relationships.” The award

vice president of international affairs at

ferent people together.

ceremony was followed by dinner at the

McMaster. The honorary degree was granted by the

BLCU was first established in 1962

As for Chan, he said, “this for me is

Summer Palace at Yun-Ming Yuun Park

and later designated as Beijing Language

and at the Beijing Fenghelou Cultural

Chinese State Council and awarded by the

Institute in 2002 to become the Beijing

Development Center restaurant. There

Beijing Language and Culture University

Language and Cultural University. BLCU is

were approximately 60 high-profile guests

(BLCU).

affectionately called the “Little United Na-

including Dr. Lingtan Kong from the

tions” as it is the only university of its kind

University of Science and Technology

event, both for Chan and for BLCU. For

in China that promotes Chinese culture and

Beijing (USTB) who is the 76th descendant

BLCU, this was the first ever doctoral

language all over the world and receives

of Confucius. Chan was further honored

degree that they had ever conferred upon

over 14,000 international students.

by an oil portrait of himself by the artist

This was far from just another ordinary

anyone in 49 years of the university’s history.

In December 2008, the Confucius

Xhang Yum (artist who painted the

Institute was established at McMaster

famous painting of Mao in Tiananmen

University with BLCU. The Confucius

Square) which was presented to him at the

ary degree is not an internal or simple

Institute at McMaster University for

reception by the artist’s family.

matter within the institution but requires

culture, language and business provides

the approval of the State Council Academic

instruction and support to academic

moments of institution building and

Degrees Committee and is subjected to

interests in the areas of Chinese language,

honor both the grantee and the spirit of

some very rigid and stringent criteria. An

history, cultural diversity, artistic traditions,

the institution. They serve to bring the

honorary doctorate from a university is a

business practices, social and business

university community together through the

very special distinction, usually reserved for

environments.

celebration of shared goals and values.

In China, the decision to grant an honor-

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

Honorary degrees are symbolic

Alumni Column

Building robustness in your career By Jim Matthews ‘96

Woody Allen said, “90% of everything is

what you want they can help you and,

changing work environment we live in.

just showing up,” one of the most famous

perhaps more important, you can recognize

What distinguishes top performers is that

references to never giving up, but when

and manage opportunities and hurdles

they develop the habits of clarifying and

you are frustrated, failing or just doing

because you see them.

committing to their goals, cultivating a

something you don’t want to do, these

One of the secrets that top achievers

support system and maintain tools to help

words can sound simplistic. In spite of this,

know is that no one does it by themselves.

them be effective. I will still suggest though

I quote him all the time because I have

It is critical that you have at least a few

that the most formidable competitors are

observed countless people prevail in dif-

trusted people who can help you gain and

not the smartest, strongest or even the most

ficult circumstances by applying this simple

maintain perspective, provide you with

skilled, but the one who have a system and

principle. More often than not, the prize

feedback and kick your butt when you

simply will not give up.

goes to those who just keep moving and

need it. It is almost impossible to be totally

refuse to quit.

objective with yourself, especially in tough

Tying efforts to goals that are energizing or especially worthwhile has a lot to do with success too, especially for longer

times. A good mentor or coach is often a

Jim Matthews B.Com ‘91, MBA ‘96, is

game changer.

senior director of demand management, at

Finally, chunk big tasks down, prioritize

Research in Motion (RIM). Jim builds on

or more difficult challenges. When I coach

and reward yourself for small wins. It is

many years of senior customer, operational

people, I will almost always ask “what do

well known that most successful people

and supply chain responsibility, primar-

you want or what does success look like

identify the critical tasks and generally do

ily in high tech (IBM, Celestica, RIM). He

to you?” If someone is struggling, they

them first. However, it is equally important

brings a passion for the customer and prag-

often can’t answer this question right away.

to create some time to recharge, reflect on

matism to complex business solutions. He

When I took my first golf lesson, the first

progress and create many small wins that

is a graduate of McMaster University, and

thing I learned was to pick the spot you

add up to the big ones.

is a member of various volunteer boards.

want the ball to go. Not only does this focus your efforts, but when people know

Building a robust career is not easy, but it is vitally important in light of the fast

Jim will be writing a series of articles for the DeGroote School of Business website.

DeGroote School of Business Alumni Report - Spring ‘12

Executive Education at the DeGroote School of Business welcomes Disney Institute to Burlington

Executive Education at the DeGroote School of Business welcomes Disney Institute to the Burlington Convention Centre execed.degroote.mcmaster.ca/disney April 25, 2012, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $495.00 +HST 905-525-9140 x 26372