asper School of Business

spring Exploring the Future 2013 Asper MBA Goes Global p.6

of Business Education e Alumni Celebrate 75th ast year, the Asper School The business leaders of tomorrow p.14 of Business celebrated 75 need outstanding teachers, mentors years of excellence in busi- and role models. We cannot suc- L E ntrepreneurs ness education. What an inspiring ceed without great faculty, which is in Action opportunity to explore the roots of why we’re working hard to attract t p.20 our community and take the full the best and brightest. One of measure of how far we’ve journeyed the surest signs that we’re already since the original Department of moving in the right direction is the Aboriginal Commerce launched in 1937. number of current faculty that Achievement As the pages of this year’s Update have been recognized this past year p.22 make clear, 2013 is the year of look- for dynamic teaching, research a ing forward: to broader horizons, and service, not only to the Asper to strengthening our community, community, but to the broader and to building a vibrant future for community. business education at our school. The business leaders of tomorrow This year, our commitment to need leading-edge facilities and tech- the future has led us to collectively nology. Last year we introduced ten develop a new strategic plan. We Bloomberg terminals to the School, have consulted broadly with faculty, staff, students, alumni and the business community to ensure this plan charts a dynamic course for all members of the Asper community. Our focus is to build on our highly successful undergraduate program by enhancing our graduate pro- grams and world-class research, positioning Asper graduates to be the drivers of economic change, increasing our engagement with the business community,

strengthening our national Up d and international reputation, becoming a leader in Indigenous business education, and integrating experiential learning opportunities into every facet of our school. Together, we’ve already taken steps to make this plan a reality. 2 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

which have given our students and faculty an enormous advantage in This year, our commitment research. These terminals will soon find a new home in the Finance to the future has led us to Data Centre, now under con- struction in the Albert D. Cohen collectively develop a new Management Library. The Centre strategic plan. will provide students with access to the latest financial data and the ability to complete projects that This March the MBA class will opens doors – which is why I’m focus on real-life business decisions, travel to Brazil to experience especially pleased to report that this moving us beyond textbook business Latin American style. year we have created a new admis- teaching by bridging business Tomorrow’s business leaders sions category for First Nations, theory to practice. also need to be fearless innovators. Métis and Inuit students. We look The business leaders of tomorrow Under the direction of Stu forward to welcoming students must think globally. Our interna- Henrickson, the Stu Clark Centre under the new Canadian Aboriginal tional exchange and study-abroad for Entrepreneurship is creating Ancestry Admissions Category this programs continue to expand exciting new opportunities for coming September. as student interest and employer students at Asper and all across the Of course, the Asper School of demand for international experience U of M to develop and realize those Business can’t successfully move grow. The Asper MBA program big ideas that will change the world. forward without embracing the is developing a new curriculum Tomorrow’s business leaders business leaders of today. We are to give students the tools they are all around us, just waiting grateful to our alumni community need to meet the demands of an for the opportunity to make a for what they contribute to our increasingly global marketplace. difference. A successful future past, present and future. Our alumni are proud of their School and it shows. I had the pleasure of hearing it first-hand from many of them at 75th Anniversary alumni receptions across the country. This year, the student-organized Race for Space brought past and pres- ent students together to help build the Asper Student Legacy Fund. Alumni like Stu Clark (winner of this year’s IDEA) have donated not only money but time, energy, and the benefit of their experience to the future of business education at the Asper School. 2013 has only begun, but already it has proven one thing: no matter where we go from here, it is our sense of community that will In 2011, ten Bloomberg terminals were installed at continue to define the Asper School and set it apart. the Asper School. Since then, the terminals have provided In fact, in every way that counts, the future is already here – and unprecedented access to real-time financial data, we’re ready. giving our students and faculty a definite edge in course Michael Benarroch Dean, Asper School of Business and assignments, research and business competitions. CA Chair in Business Leadership Spring 2013 3

“As an Asper alumni, I am indebted to the Asper School for Asper’s Women providing me with an excellent academic education,” she says. “I feel motivated to give back to the Asper community by striving of Distinction to achieve my best in teaching, research and service.”

Jaysa Nachtigall, a sper students, faculty and year and a half in a refugee camp, fourth-year Commerce grads often exemplify the where she was treated for tuber- student, was nominated highest virtue of leadership: culosis. At age seven, she arrived A for a Woman of community service. Not surprisingly, in with one focus: to Distinction Award in the three remarkable women from become a doctor. Her commitment Young Women of Distinction the Asper School were nominated to caring for others led her to work category while in her third year. for 2012 YMCA-YWCA Winnipeg as an emergency room physician As President of the Commerce Women of Distinction Awards at Health Sciences Centre and Students’ Association from 2011 to for enriching our community St. Boniface Hospital. 2012, she led the CSA to one of its with their creativity, compassion She says, “I knew from my first most successful years by rewriting and dedication. days in Winnipeg that I wanted outdated bylaws, overhauling the to give back to Canada and to the association’s organizational structure, Dr Chau Pham country of my birth. Throughout (left), Jaysa and increasing student engagement. my life here, I have been taught that Nachtigall (above), As a career mentor assistant, she Dr Usha Mittoo the secret to happiness is found in helped other students make positive (below) giving to others, and this blessing is career decisions by matching them what drives me each and every day.” with mentors in their field Dr Usha Mittoo, a professor of interest. in the Department of Accounting “I am extremely & Finance, was nominated for a honoured and Woman of Distinction Award in the thankful to have Education, Training & Mentorship been recognized category. She received her MBA among such an from Asper in 1981 and began inspiring group of work in 1988 as the U of M’s first women,” she says. Dr Chau Pham, an Asper MBA female finance professor. She was student studying Health Care the first woman appointed as the Administration, was honoured with Bank of Montreal Professor of the Woman of Distinction Award Finance in 2000. She now holds for Volunteerism, Advocacy and the Stuart Clark Professorship in Community Enhancement. The Financial Management. award recognized her dedication to As the first female Associate Canadians Helping Kids in Vietnam, Dean at the Asper School, she an organization she founded in was instrumental in getting the 1995 to build schools, provide School its AACSB accreditation. clinical services, and train medical She inspired many women to join personnel in Vietnam. finance through teaching and Dr Pham’s personal journey is as mentoring, and helped raise the inspiring as her work. At age five, number of women professors at she fled Vietnam and spent the next Asper from less than ten per cent in the 1990s to about 40 per cent in 2012. 4 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

growing number of men who “recognize the importance of style Suit Yourself and fit,” says Parkes. Fittings are often social events, he adds. “A lot of guys are surprised at how fun the process of getting the “ e’re not your dad’s “Our backgrounds perfect suit actually is.” suit store.” and education at Since 2008, business has expanded That’s how Andrew W the Asper School to include fittings across the Prairies Parkes describes EPH Apparel, and Ontario. EPH plans to open a a men’s clothing company he provided a founda- swank retail location in downtown co-founded and operates along tion that we relied Winnipeg later this spring. But with fellow Asper BComm grads on from day one.” success doesn’t mean the boys have Alex Ethans and Maciek Hunek. grown too big for their britches. For one thing, they don’t have a In January, they gave back to the store – yet. Rather, the boys have Upon his return home, he worked Asper School by sponsoring the made a huge success out of an with Ethans and Maciek to put their Suit Yourself event, a competition innovative idea. The notion came idea in motion. They held their first that pitted Asper Co-op students to them shortly after graduating in suit fitting at the Winnipeg Winter against one another to produce the Left to right: 2008, when all three were hunting Club, and EPH Apparel was born. best resume, elevator pitch and job Alex Ethans for those first five suits every profes- “The beauty of EPH is, guys don’t interview. The winners each won [BComm(Hons)/08], sional man needs. “Nothing fit, have to try anything on,” explains Andrew Parkes a made-to-measure EPH suit and Ethans. “We take their measure- [BComm(Hons)/08], or else it was too expensive, or else $250 in accessories. Maciek Hunek it looked like something our dads ments, walk them through what “Our backgrounds and education [BComm(Hons)/07], would wear,” laughs Ethans. “We kind of suit and customized details at the Asper School provided a founders and owners thought there had to be a better work best for them, and send of EPH Apparel, say foundation that we relied on from their degrees from solution, so why not provide it?” the order to our tailors overseas. day one,” says Hunek. “The three the Asper School Parkes had been traveling in The suit arrives in about four weeks. of us majored in different business helped prepare them Vietnam and saw “tailors on every It fits perfectly, and it costs less for the challenges fields, and we continue to draw street” producing high quality suits than a suit made to measure here of starting and upon our individual strengths and operating their at a far lower price than he was in Winnipeg.” expertise to achieve success.” own business. used to seeing in North America. Most of their customers are young men looking to suit up for a special occasion, but also include a 5 Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipients

he Queen Elizabeth II “My time at Asper definitely Diamond Jubilee Medal encouraged me to get involved with Twas created to mark the community here in Toronto,” the 2012 celebrations of the 60th she says. “I was a member of the In 2012, over anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Commerce Students’ Association 60,000 deserving Canadians received Elizabeth II’s accession to the for three years and the skills I the Queen Elizabeth Throne as Queen of Canada. The learned there, and the connections II Diamond Jubilee Medal honours significant con- I made with Winnipeg business Medal. The medal depicts a crowned tributions and achievements by leaders, helped me lead a cabinet image of the Queen, Canadians – and in 2012, recipients and work with the staff and senior and the reverse included three past and present volunteers.” Norris says her experience as marks the 60th, or members of the Asper community. an Asper student made a strong diamond, anniversary of her accession to Lindy Norris contribution to her desire to invest the Throne. The Dr Walter Good, [BComm(Hons)/09] time, passion and energy in her maple leaves refer a senior scholar at was recognized volunteer work. “The Asper School to Canada, and the motto VIVAT REGINA actively promotes charitable the Asper School for, among other means “Long live and former head things, providing mentorship initiatives and encourages student the Queen!” of the Marketing Department, was to young entrepreneurs through involvement at the community recognized for his work in help- organizations such as Canadian level, and should be commended ing establish the Direct Selling Youth Business Foundation and for fostering an environment Educational Foundation of Canada Athena Leadership, a development where the value of giving is equal and serving as the Chair of its forum she founded. to the value of education.” Academic Advisory Committee for a number of years. “It’s a real thrill to receive that kind of recognition for helping to make the Canadian public more aware of a largely unknown, but economically significant industry,” he says.

Danielle Arnold [BComm(Hons)/06] was recognized for her work for the United Way in Winnipeg and Toronto, where she now lives. She’s co-chair of the United Way’s GenNext Cabinet, which Liberal MP Justin Trudeau paid a special visit to the Asper creates volunteer opportunities School of Business on February 1, 2013 at an event hosted by the for young people to engage with Commerce Students’ Association. He spoke passionately to a their communities. packed audience of U of M students and faculty about putting an end to political cynicism and making post-secondary education more accessible to all. 6 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS The Asper MBA: Going Gl bal

The Asper MBA program continues to distinguish Pilot Project itself as a top-rated, internationally accredited leader in business management education. This year the program his spring, the Asper MBA is launching an interna- leaps even farther ahead as it revamps its curriculum Ttional applied learning and expands its global connections. experience in partnership with the business community and the Manitoba government. From March 30 to April 7, our MBA students will travel to Sao Asper MBA Goes to Beijing Paulo and Porto Alegre, Brazil, where they’ll visit businesses, government organizations and industry representatives. Their n September 2012, the Asper Asper School of Business in particu- goal is to gain first-hand insight MBA joined several other lar. On another expert panel, Asper into how culture, economic devel- Iglobally top-ranked Canadian alumni talked about the impact opment and management systems MBA programs at the inaugural of the Asper MBA on their careers interact in Brazil, and to establish Canadian MBA Fair in Beijing, and their lives. and expand their international China. “This was wonderful exposure for business networks. Organized by the Trade the Asper MBA,” says Dr Smith. When they return, the students Commissioner Service at the “Many young Chinese professionals will present their findings to Embassy of Canada, the event was are extremely interested in studying Peter Bjornson, Minister of an opportunity for the Asper MBA in Canada.” Entrepreneurship, Training and to connect with nearly 300 talented international professionals seeking an exceptional business education in Canada. Dr Malcolm Smith, head of the Marketing Department, and Ewa Morphy, Graduate Program Manager, met with attendees one-on-one, and highlighted our program’s admission requirements and outstanding student experience. Smith spoke on an expert panel, where he discussed why prospec- tive MBA students should consider studying in Canada – and at the Spring 2013 7 The Asper MBA: Going Gl bal

Trade. They’ll focus their final reports on business barriers and MBA Student Spotlight: opportunities for three Manitoban or Canadian companies or industries. “We’re very excited about the potential of this opportunity,” says Adriana Fritsch Marci Elliott, Executive Director of the Asper MBA program. “The latest market research indicates sper MBA student Adriana pursue in this country when employers want to hire MBAs who Fritsch traveled a long way she graduates. are familiar with international A from Brazil to Manitoba to “Sao Paulo was a big city, but I business. We’re thrilled to be working sharpen her professional edge. The never had as much contact with with our alumni, the business business leadership skills and career such cultural diversity as I do here. community and the Manitoba opportunities she’s gained have made In the Asper MBA I have professors government to make that happen.” every step of her journey worthwhile. from backgrounds spanning the In Sao Paulo, she had a thriving entire globe. And my classmates are Revised career as an architect and real just as incredible. When one of my estate developer until the subprime colleagues found out what I did curriculum crisis of 2008. She’d visited Canada in Brazil, he told me his dad was he MBA curriculum will before and says she “always dreamt the vice president of a huge real Tundergo a significant revision of living in such a wonderful estate development company right over the next several months, country.” When friends told her here in Winnipeg. I’m already says Dr Subbu Sivaramakrishnan, how earning an MBA had opened making amazing connections.” Associate Professor of Marketing up their careers to unbelievable Even more important, she says, at the Asper School and Chair of opportunities, she decided it was are the insights shared by expe- the MBA Program Committee. time to give her own life the same rienced CEOs who participate in “Our intention is to redesign the boost forward. some of the classes. “I remember MBA curriculum so that it continues “I want to expand my business one CEO telling us about his to keep up with latest trends in leadership perspective,” she says, ethical responsibilities towards the business world, gives students “so I made a point of taking his employees and his passion for hands-on experience in managing classes that challenge me to think his work. These are lessons that an organization, provides them outside the box, such as Innovation, no book teaches.” with an executive perspective on Venture Capital Analysis and Fritsch began her MBA in 2012 business, and equips them with the International Marketing.” and plans on finishing in April 2013. skills and mindset that employers Core business management Before she graduates, she’s looking are looking for in the global world courses have enhanced her back- forward to taking part in the Brazil of business.” ground in architecture and urban study trip because it will give her the Dr Sivaramakrishnan says the studies to make her “a more opportunity to introduce members School plans to have the new cur- confident, complete professional.” of her new business network riculum ready for implementation She’s also gained a perspective to her old one. When she returns, starting in the Fall 2014 term. on Canadian business culture and she plans to pursue a career in real practices that will prove invaluable estate or urban development here to whatever career she decides to in Winnipeg, her new home. 8 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS F aculty& Staff

Dr Gady Jacoby, Professor, Accounting & Finance. He earned inspirational Through groundbreaking research, his PhD in Finance from York teaching and visionary administration, the faculty and staff University. His research interests include investments, market of the Asper School of Business are the engine that drives microstructure and bank solvency. our community to excellence in business education! Dr Koi Yu (Adolf) Ng, Associate Professor, Supply Stuart Henrickson Dr Rui Zhou, Chain Management. [BComm(Hons)/85] is the new Assistant Professor, He earned his PhD from the Executive Director of the Stu Clark Warren Centre for University of Oxford. His research Centre for Entrepreneurship. Actuarial Studies and interests include port economics See story on page 20 for details. Research. She earned her PhD in and maritime security and training. Actuarial Science at the University Dr Lysa Porth of Waterloo. Her research interests Rick Pelletier [BComm(Hons) (Asper PhD/11), include longevity risk management /92, MAcc/94], Business Manager. Assistant Professor for pension plans and measuring Rick is a CA with over 15 years of and Guy Carpenter uncertainty in mortality forecasts. experience in both the private and ew N ew Faces Professor in Agriculture Risk public sectors. He has served as Management and Insurance. The Dr Tao (Tony) Vice President with Bessemer Trust professorship aims to generate Fang, Assistant Company and Assistant Controller more stable incomes for agricul- Professor, Human for the City of Winnipeg. ture producers, more efficient risk Resources management and production, and Management. He earned his PhD Vanessa Shaff, enhanced food security. Porth will in Industrial Relations and Human Donor Relations also supervise graduate students in Resource Management from the Officer. Vanessa has the newly created Master of Science University of Toronto. His research over seven years of program in Actuarial Mathematics. interests include compensation and fundraising experience with the benefits, high performance work- Faculty of Dentistry, Heart and Dr Victor Cui, place practices, and employment Stroke Foundation and Canadian Assistant Professor, equity. Red Cross. She has a BA from the Business Strategy. U of W and is pursuing an Asper Dr Cui earned his Dr Lukas Neville, MBA part time. PhD in Business Administration Assistant Professor, from the Sauder School of Business Organizational Mike Gould [BComm(Hons)/12], at the University of British Behaviour. He Business Development Officer, Columbia. His research interests earned his PhD in Organizational Asper MBA and Executive include inter-firm competition Behaviour at Queen’s School of Education programs. Mike is and technological innovation. Business. His research interests a former CSA president with a include trust, negotiation, and background in marketing. conflict resolution. Spring 2013 9

2012 Associates’ Far left: Charlie Achievement Awards Curtis (left) and Rick MacKay, Research: President & Chair Dr Nick Turner of the Institute of Chartered Professor/Associate Dean, Business Accountants of Administration Manitoba. Photo courtesy of Dr Fang Wan the Institute of Chartered Associate Professor, Marketing Accountants of Manitoba

Teaching: Awards & Dr Reg Litz Professor, Business Administration Dr Subbu Sivaramakrishnan Achievements Associate Professor, Marketing

Service: Dr Sandy Hershcovis Dr Suresh Bhatt was presented Alok Dua, Business Associate Professor/Head, Business with the title of Professor Emeritus Administration/Supply Chain Administration in May 2012. Bhatt, a professor of Management, was the recipient Supply Chain Management, was of the 2011-2012 Golden Shovel Service: with the U of M for nearly 37 years Award, which goes to the professor Dr Kelley Main before he retired in 2011. the graduating class believes had Associate Professor, Marketing the most significant impact on Charlie Curtis, FCA and their final year at the Asper School. Executive in Residence at Asper, is the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants or five years running, faculty members from the ! of Manitoba. This award goes to Asper School have won either the Dr and Mrs H.H. CAs who have provided outstand- ing service to the profession and FSaunderson Award or the Olive Beatrice Stanton Award, the community throughout their prestigious honours that recognize teaching excellence at the lifetime. Charlie received his CA . designation in 1955 and his FCA designation in 1974. He continues Keeping the tradition alive, Dr Subbu Sivaramakrishnan, to call upon his professional Marketing, won the 2012 Saunderson Award. Dr Sivaramak- experience and generously gives rishnan’s award citation praised his gift for making students back to the community. enthusiastic about learning.

Dr John Godard, Business “I believe the success of a teacher rests heavily on quality Administration, was appointed communication, making the course interesting, and enabling Chief Editor of the British Journal experiential learning,” he says. “I make sure students comprehend, H i g h Fiv e of Industrial Relations (BJIR) for learn and think – not just hear, a four-year term beginning July 2012. BJIR is an international, jot down, memorize and peer-refereed research journal of regurgitate. I relate concepts the London School of Economics to everyday life, do a lot of and the leading British journal in show-and-tell, and give a the field of industrial relations. number of examples to get the point across.” 10 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Faculty Spotlight:

How are you involved in creating the one-minute Dr Kelley Main Research Bytes? Associate Dean, Research & graduate Programs I can’t take the credit for the F. Ross Johnson Professor in Marketing idea: that came from Business Administration Professor Nick Turner. He was inspired by a series of short BBC videos and thought we could do something similar to highlight faculty research, past, present and future. We thought these videos would be a great way to make what we’re doing accessible to a wider audience, including potential students, other researchers, and the business community at large. I took charge of producing the first three batches. One of the happy results I’ve seen is that they’ve been great for us, too, as a way to learn more about what our own colleagues are doing. Some grad students at t’s been a big year for Dr Kelley to persuasion in the marketplace. our own School have even told Main. She was awarded a I’m interested in what we call me the videos remind them of I 2012-2013 U of M Graduate “persuasion attempts”, whether why they went into grad studies Students’ Association Teaching they come from ads, sales clerks in the first place. That alone has Award, a 2012 Associates’ or other consumers. made the videos worthwhile. Achievement Award for Service, One question I’m trying to Apart from professional a Best Conference Paper Award, answer is, what makes consumers skills and academic and was appointed both Interim suspicious when someone or knowledge, what is the Associate Dean of Research and something tries to persuade them one thing you hope Graduate Programs and the new to buy a product or service? When your students take away F. Ross Johnson Professor in should they be, and when shouldn’t from your classes? Marketing. In 2012, she turned they be suspicious? the spotlight on faculty research These days I’m focusing on what I want them to understand the by helping launch the Research happens when the consumer has power of thinking deeply about a Bytes series on the Asper School the same knowledge or experi- question. There’s nothing more of Business website. Now, it’s ence as the persuasion agent – for seductive than the opportunity to Update’s turn to point the spotlight instance, when the consumer has draw out the answer to a question on this dynamic, inspiring been a salesperson themselves. or problem. It’s one of the best member of the Asper community. I want to know if that necessarily parts of being a researcher – and Tell us about your makes you more accurate at a teacher. research interests. judging other people’s behaviour. Ultimately, I’m hoping my View the Research Bytes at Generally speaking, I’m looking research will build better, more umanitoba.ca/asper/research at ways we as consumers respond aware consumers. Spring 2013 11

FACULTY APPOINTMENTS Speaking of Research Marci Elliott (MBA/12) has been appointed hanks to a strategic Executive Director Should they initiatives endowment of the Asper MBA program. 1 6 be bought or Tfrom entrepreneur STAR and philanthropist Stu Clark home-grown? Dr Gady Jacoby has been [BComm(Hons)/76], last year the appointed to the Bryce Douglas Asper School of Business launched Professorship in Finance. LEADER the Stu Clark Distinguished Speaker Should senior leaders who lead their organizations S Series, which invites prominent performance : be hired to lead developing senior leaders in your own organization? Using data from to superior researchers from outside the your organization? Or are you better o Dr Kelley Main has been the National Hockey League, Dr. Rowe argues that organization STU CLARK that grow “star leaders” internally and keep them perform mu U of M to present their research appointed the new F. Ross Johnson than those who bring star leaders from outside. s ch better Professor in Marketing, and and connect with faculty and replaces Nick Turner as Associate graduate students. Friday, April 5 Dean, Research and Graduate Fourteen researchers have 10:30 am Programs while Nick is on leave presented so far – some from as 108 Drake Centre far away as Italy, Hong Kong and GUEST for the next year. SPEAKER:

Distinguished Speaker Series Singapore – on a range of topics Glenn R Paul MacPherson Chairo we in Strategic Leadership that speaks to the dazzling depth Richard Ivey School of Business Dr Zhenyu Western University and breadth of research informing Wu has been the global world of business. appointed Canada Research Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In his research, Dr Wu explores the risk-taking behaviours of entrepre- neurs and investors in new venture financing. His findings could help ensure these new ventures continue On to the next big thing to survive and grow. Dr Charles Mossman, Associate Professor of Finance, will retire July 1, 2013. Dr Xiaofan Steven Zheng Dr Mossman has been a professor at the Asper School since 1990. From 1997 has been appointed to the Bank to 1998 he was Acting Head of the Accounting and Finance Department, and of Montreal (BMO) Professorship from 2004 to 2009 he served as Associate Dean for the Asper School. During in Finance. the last two years of his appointment he updated the Asper School’s programs and developed a report that resulted in the renewal of the School’s AACSB accreditation. Dr Mossman served as Acting Dean of the Asper School in 2011.

Dr Sam Cox, Professor of Actuarial Mathematics, retired from the L.A.H. Warren Chair on January 1, 2013. During his tenure at the School, the Warren Centre was recognized as a Society of Actuaries Centre of Actuarial Excellence and admitted into the Canadian Institute of Actuaries University Accreditation Program. Gordon Pitts, senior business columnist at the Globe and Mail, Beth Clark, who served as the Asper School’s Chief Budget Officer and dropped in on February 12, 2013 for an informal discussion with has been an integral part of the U of M community for over 35 years, retired Asper students and faculty. January 3, 2013. 12 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Lead ing by Example

B.O.S.E. GIVES Like all good leaders, Asper students demonstrate a EVENTS A BOOST commitment to making a difference – in their school, Pulling off a successful student event is no easy task. Add alcohol their university, and their community. to the mix, and the challenges multiply. That’s why CSA President Emily RACE FOR SPACE actively involved in giving back to Ashley launched B.O.S.E., the Running is good for your health – their school. The Asper Student Board of Social Event Planners, in and for your School. Last September, Legacy Fund goes towards improv- January 2012. over 85 Asper students and alumni ing the student experience, includ- “My experience as a CSA social ran the Race for Space and raised ing facilities in the Drake Centre. planner taught me that it was pos- $1200 for the Asper Student “2012 was the perfect year to sible to throw events that appealed Legacy Fund. restart the tradition,” says Baker. to students, ensured their safety, and The winner of Faculty of Management students “It was the School’s 75th anniversary maintained the U of M’s reputation the 2012 Race for Space was alumnus started the Race for Space fundraiser and the Drake Centre’s 50th. At the in the community,” she says. Taren Gesell in the 80s. The funds they raised Anniversary Gala, alumni we spoke Now, student event [BComm(Hons)/08], helped build the Drake Centre, the to were ecstatic about the idea.” planners from all U of M a former CSA Asper School’s permanent home. Sponsors included Booster President and faculties meet monthly creator of the Asper Commerce Students’ Association Juice, the Hub bar at the U of M, to share and coordinate Student Legacy (CSA) sports reps Steve Baker and the Young Associates and the event ideas and listen Fund. Brandt Butt revived the run as a way Running Room, who developed to guest speakers such to get Asper students and alumni the 5 km course. as the Manitoba

Students in the Faculty of Management started the Race for Space in the 80s (above). This year, some participants showed up in costumes, including a team of Mighty Duhks and Spice Girls (right). Spring 2013 13

Lisa Wong (left) excelled as Bison Track & Field team Lead ing by Example captain.

Liquor Control Commission, U of M Conference and Catering, and sponsorship experts. Ashley’s initiative is paying off. In September, UMSU hosted the U of M’s largest and most successful concert ever, featuring Ludacris and K’naan. Wong, who graduated last May at this year’s Jeux ASPER ATHLETES with a double major in Marketing de Commerce GO FOR GOLD and Human Resources, says it’s West, the largest Many Asper students are Bison natural for Asper student athletes business school athletes – and in true Asper fashion, to take on leadership roles on competition in most are in leadership roles on their teams. Western Canada. Dane Pischke their teams. Hats off to four “The Asper School develops Our team placed first in the (above) had an your ability to think creatively, Business Strategy, Not For Profit amazing 2011-2012 students who received major Bison season at confer- Sports year-end awards for the make quick decisions, communicate Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship, ence and Canadian 2011-2012 season: effectively, work as part of a team… and Debate academic categories, Intrauniversity Sport All of these directly correlate to and also took home third place (CIS) level, where being a leader on an athletic team. honours in Taxation, Finance, he racked up points Dane Pischke and accolades over Bison Sports Male Being an Asper student made me and the Social competition. The the course of all Athlete of the Year; a better Bison athlete, and being team’s longstanding faculty advisor, 20 regular season Bison Volleyball MVP, Men’s Volleyball a Bison athlete made me a better Professor Mary Brabston, was games. Asper student.” honoured with the Faculty Advisor Lisa Wong of the Year award. JDC WEST Student-Athlete Leadership Asper placed second for the title of Find out more about the Commerce and Community School of the Year – the highest Students’ Association at aspercsa.com Development Award; MVP, finish ever in the School’s history – Women’s Track & Field

Travis Toet Student-Athlete Leadership and Community Development Award

Blair Macaulay MVP, Men’s Hockey

“Business is competition,” says Pishke. “To be a great competitor in athletics or in business, you have to have the desire to achieve, always perform at your best, work hard, stay confident, and learn as much Our JDC West team of 50 students spent as you can to succeed.” six months training for the January 2013 showdown. Their preparation paid off! 14 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence

012 was party time for the After a summer hiatus, the Asper School of Business! celebrations resumed full force 2The School celebrated its on September 14, 2012, when – 75th Anniversary in style with in conjunction with University alumni receptions across Canada Homecoming – the Drake Centre (see page 16 for details). temporarily shelved its classroom In March, some 200 local alumni demeanour and became a multi- gathered at the venerable Manitoba level party central for around

Gail Asper, Club in Winnipeg to meet, mingle 500 faculty, staff, students, alumni daughter of the and munch. Dean Emeritus Jerry and retirees. Asper School’s Gray was on hand to present the benefactor, the history of the School. If you thought late Dr. (“Izzy”) Asper, history was dry, the history of blows out the the Asper School is anything but. candles on a stunning cake. From left to right: Rich Allden [BComm(Hons)/54], William Thorne [BComm(Hons)/53], Claude (“Woozy”) Wilson [BComm(Hons)/52]

Brian Johnson, Senior Stick, 1965 Spring 2013 15

Twenty-five Senior Sticks from past years gathered at the 75th Anniversary Gala for a raucous reunion, including the most senior, Brian Johnson [BComm(Hons)/65].

In December, the Asper School launched Open for Business, a book commemorating the School’s 75-year history written by Laird Rankin [BComm(Hons)/64] (left).

Far left, top: Arni Thorsteinson [BComm(Hons)/71] and Susan Glass [BComm(Hons)/67] Far left, middle: Dr Roland Grandpre (Dean of the Asper School from 1981-1987), Dr Usha Mittoo (Professor of Finance), Dr John Mundie (Dean Emeritus) Class of ’72 Reunion 2012 marked the 40th anniversary of the Commerce Class of 1972. Twenty-five members of the original graduating class returned to celebrate the milestone at Homecoming. A special thanks to Class of ’72 members Stuart Breckon, Don Keatch and Linda Stewart for organizing this wonderful gathering, and to the whole class for continuing to support the Class of 1972 Scholarship. 16 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Cross-country alumni events 100 Years of Actuarial Excellence

ast year marked the 100th Also in August, the Centre played anniversary of the actuarial host to the 47th Actuarial Research Lprogram at the U of M Conference for the first time since and its 75th anniversary as part of 1981. The conference attracted over the business school. To celebrate 100 actuarial scholars and graduate these major milestones, special students from around the world, Toronto April 19, 2012 lectures were held for the public as well as local students and indus- Senior Sticks, left to right: Danielle Arnold [BComm(Hons)/06], and students. Nearly 180 faculty, try representatives. During the Marc Henry [BComm(Hons)/08], Irene Pran staff, students, alumni and friends conference, the Canadian Institute [BComm(Hons)/59], Rick Waugh [BComm(Hons)/70], of the program attended a centen- of Actuaries honoured the Centre Don Thompson [BComm(Hons)/60], Alexis Hur nial dinner in August, where they with a plaque, which now sits [BComm(Hons)/05], Mike Gould [BComm(Hons)/12] were treated to a lively, thought- proudly in the sixth-floor lounge provoking speech by Ken Clark of the Drake Centre. [BComm(Hons)/55].

Right: Ken Clark, keynote speaker at the centennial dinner, was the Gold Medalist of his class and is now Consulting Actuary with Eckler Ltd. in Toronto. His speech touched on how the actuarial profession has changed over the years, and why the world needs actuaries now more than ever.

CALGARY May 22, 2012 Left to right: Lorena Prakash (MBA/02), Rollie Cyr [BComm(Hons)/73], Dean Michael Benarroch, Fang Wan (Marketing), Nick Gill [BComm(Hons)/03]

Left: Dr Jeffrey Pai, L.A.H. Warren Professor, is con- gratulated by alumni Jim Snell [BComm(Hons)/76] in front of the commemorative plaque.

VANCOUVER June 21, 2012 Left to right: Wes McMillan [BComm(Hons)/02], Iain Black [BComm(Hons)/90], Howard Harmatz (Business Administration), Dean Michael Benarroch Spring 2013 17

expecting. “I’ve been involved in a lot of things at Asper, like CSA and Expanding Horizons Co-op,” she says. “Out of everything I’ve done, this trip challenged me the most and gave the most back. It was the best experience ever.” ndré Cadieux wanted to Arni Thorsteinson [BComm Sergio Carvalho, Associate push beyond his comfort (Hons)/71], a founding director Professor, Marketing at Asper, zone. Reyna Olivares of the Associates of the Asper A has designed and coordinated wanted to see how another country School of Business, says he was so the academic component of the does business. In May 2012, both impressed by the program, he program since 2008. He says the students signed up for the Arni provided supplemental funding trip transforms students. “In a Thorsteinson Israel Study Exchange “to enhance opportunities for social very short period of time you see Program – and plunged into a life- and cultural engagement.” Thanks them mature. They come back changing experience. to his support, students visited the completely different people with a The program, now in its fifth Wailing Wall and the site of the new perspective on the world.” year, was made possible thanks to a Crucifixion, swam in the Dead Sea, Cadieux agrees. “I now have donation from the Gerald Schwartz and basked on the beaches of Tel Aviv. more confidence, new friends at and Heather Reisman Foundation. Olivares says the experience home and abroad, and a much Mr. Schwartz, founder of Onex opened her eyes to a country much keener interest in what’s going on Corporation, says the program different from the one she was in the world around me.” gives Asper students the chance to “explore Israel for themselves as an innovative democracy that has become the start-up nation of the world.” As part of the exchange, students from Ben-Gurion University in Beersheva, Israel travel to Winnipeg for a week of business classes at the Asper School. Joined by Asper students, they fly to Toronto, and then to Israel for three weeks. The students form teams and develop marketing plans to introduce Israeli brands to Canada, or Canadian brands such as Second Cup or Boston Pizza to Israel. Olivares says she was amazed by how entrepreneurial the country is. “They have a huge number of start- ups there. And each of them has to solve basic infrastructure problems to survive, let alone thrive. But “The Arni Thorsteinson Study Exchange Program has thrive, they do.” been possibly the most rewarding teaching experience For Cadieux, the trip offered insight into the realities of business. I’ve ever had. It’s not just about teaching students about “It was great to see principles we business in another country – it’s about sharing an were learning in class being put into practice by companies across experience that literally changes their lives,” says Sean the ocean.” MacDonald, Business Administration, one of the Asper profs who helps organize the program. 18 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

ECONOMIC Management: OUTLOOK 2013 sper students, faculty and Aguests were treated to penetrating insights into the state The Gospel Truth of the global, national and local economies at the 2013 Economic Outlook Panel and Reception, host- hat can a first-century Published by Palgrave Macmillan, ed by the Associates on January 23. Gospel teach us Management and the Gospel reveals Dean Michael Benarroch Wabout 21st century how Luke’s Gospel – which includes provided an overview of the global business management? an account of the life and ministry economy. He predicted a 2013 “A great deal,” says Dr Bruno of Jesus of Nazareth – can help characterized by only moderate Dyck [BComm(Hons)/84], readers implement change in their growth in the face of the Euro Professor, Business Administration own business. “The book challenges crisis, as well as the “Fiscal Cliff” some common assumptions that and “Debt Ceiling” crises in the U.S. Dr Usha Mitto, Stuart Clark Dr Dyc...k says he hopes the book have been with us for some time “...the book ultimately challenges about whether modern manage- Professor of Financial Management, ultimately challenges managers to ment theory and practice are based took a closer look at the U.S. and managers to adopt practices that Canada. She discussed how the slow adopt practices that treat all peo e on a biblical Judeo-Christian ethic,” treat all people with more dignity.” says Dr Dyck. pace of economic growth in Canada with more dignity. His research reflects his abiding throughout 2012 was due, in part, fascination with the role values play to a large federal deficit, high house- hold debt, rising housing prices, at Asper. Over the past five years he in how organizations change and in and energy exports to the U.S. She researched and wrote Management how we think about management. warned that “we need to look at and the Gospel: Luke’s Radical “For me, management is about doing more trade with Asia and less Message for the First and Twenty- people, and is thus – by definition – with the U.S., but we currently don’t First Centuries, an exploration a moral activity,” he explains. “If we have a plan for accomplishing this.” of what management theory and don’t understand how values influ- Stuart Henrickson, Executive practice were like 2000 years ago. ence our actions, we run the risk Director of the Stu Clark Centre The book launched at McNally of unthinkingly adopting values we for Entrepreneurship, brought the Robinson Booksellers on February may not agree with.” discussion closer to home. In his 27, where it stayed on the bestseller Dr Dyck says he hopes the book overview of the Manitoba economy, list for a week. ultimately challenges managers to adopt practices that treat all people he noted that our province is well with more dignity. “For me, it’s on its way to enjoying a surplus important to empower people to economy, although probably not manage in ways that are consistent until 2015 or later. with their own values while respect- “Thanks to tax credits, support ing and better understanding the programs, and our strategic location values of others.” at the heart of North America, small So far, Dr Dyck says, reactions to businesses have the ability to thrive the book have been overwhelmingly in Manitoba,” he added, “but a positive. “Practitioners have found strong stimulus plan is needed.” its counter-cultural perspective inspiring, management scholars have been impressed by the breadth and depth of the arguments, and biblical scholars have welcomed a different lens through which to read the text of an important Gospel.” Spring 2013 19 What’s the Big IDEA?

he annual International Clark visited the Asper Distinguished Entrepreneur School in September 2012 MBA GOLD TAward (IDEA) honours to accept the award. He business executives who have said his decision to help MEDALIST achieved outstanding entrepreneurial grow the entrepreneurship GIVES BACK success and made an exemplary program at the Asper School he T.A. (Stoney) Anderson contribution to economic life. In was a natural one. The U of M, the TGold Medal honours the light of the award’s 30th anniversary “That’s something I felt was really Asper School Asper MBA graduate with the in 2012, Arni Thorsteinson, chair of important in a university business of Business and the award committee, says it was “the education: some exposure to the Associates highest overall academic standing established the in the program. This year’s perfect time to recognize a deserving, entrepreneurship, some exposure to IDEA award recipient was Dr. Aaron Chiu, Manitoba-born and educated how to build a business plan, some in 1983. MD, FRCPC, FAAP (MBA/12). entrepreneur of international stature.” exposure to what it takes, what the A neonatologist at Health The honour went to oil and gas commitment is. Because every Sciences Centre Winnipeg and entrepreneur and philanthropist business starts as a small business.” Stu Clark [BComm(Hons)/76]. Chip Wilson, founder and chair- St. Boniface Hospital, Dr. Chiu In an interview with donated the $1000 award that Aside from donating over $9 man of Lululemon Athletica Inc., professor Reg Litz came with the medal back to the million to the Asper School over will receive the 2013 IDEA this in front of the Asper the past nine years, Clark has June. Lululemon, an athletic wear community, Stu Asper School of Business, along Clark explains why with a matching amount. volunteered countless hours to the company, boasts a cult following entrepreneurship is “I wanted to thank the School School and the Stu Clark Centre around the world. an essential part of for the wonderful MBA experience for Entrepreneurship. business education. by making a donation that would benefit future students,” he says.

GLOBAL MARKETING Competition tudents from some of the Sworld’s top business schools gathered in Winnipeg in January to compete in the 31st annual Manitoba International Marketing Competition (MIMC). Organized every year entirely by Asper students, the competition is the largest of its kind in Canada, and pits under- graduate student teams against one another for the title of global champion. The MIMC also part- nered with the U of M Marketing Association to host a conference on cross-cultural marketing. This year’s global marketing champion was the University of British Columbia. 20 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Adventures in Entrepreneurship

$20 billion in global transactions. Exciting new directions, incredible opportunities, and He has advised companies of all sizes, from owner-operated startups the support of dynamic business leaders are driving the next to major corporations like Coca- generation of student entrepreneurs towards successful Cola, Unilever, Petro Canada and Canada Life. He also worked as business ventures at the Asper School of Business and the a mentor for business startups at Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship. YES Winnipeg. “An entrepreneur is someone who spots an opportunity to create something that wasn’t there before,” says Henrickson. “You have to be a problem solver and a natural leader. New Vision, The Stu Clark Centre is devoted to nurturing these qualities and chan- neling them towards opportunities for success.” New Ventures Henrickson says his vision for the Centre includes three priorities: providing students with more entrepreneurship resources inside tuart Henrickson [BComm(Hons)/85] and outside the Asper School, was appointed Executive Director of developing mentorships for student Entrepreneurship at the School’s Stu Clark S entrepreneurs, and building an Centre for Entrepreneurship in October 2012. on-campus incubator – an office Henrickson will be responsible for nurturing and space where young entrepreneurs mentoring students to launch their own businesses, can base their start-up businesses. to promote entrepreneurship, and to make Henrickson has an MBA in connections with the business Finance from the University of community. Calgary, a CFA designation, and His diverse experience is a Certified Financial Planner. makes him an ideal fit for the role. Working on Find out more about the Stu Clark projects worldwide from Centre for Entrepreneurship Canada to Malaysia, at umanitoba.ca/entrepreneur from London to Dubai, Henrickson learned from multiple cul- tures and has been involved in over Spring 2013 21 Adventures in Entrepreneurship

Left: Asper prof STUDENT Zhenyu Wu INNOVATORS (second from right) helped organize SHINE Dragons’ Den Day. n November, Innovate Manitoba “The event helped students apply what Iheld their first annual Pitch Day they had learned in competition, where entrepreneurs class to the real from across Manitoba present world. It was also their business ideas to a group of a great opportunity for the Dragons industry judges. and their audience Asper student Jason Greschuk to learn more about was one of the big winners. our students!” His concept for No-Bull Energy, a business that harvests cattail biomass as an alternative energy source, won for Best Student Pitch. “It was a nerve-wracking experience,” admits Greschuk, who graduated last year with a Into the Dragons’ Den BComm(Hons) in Entrepreneur- ship/Marketing. “But even if I hadn’t won, it would have been hirty students from the they would handle a major dis- worthwhile because I met so New Venture Analysis agreement with a business partner. many great, young entrepreneurs Tclass were invited by CBC I must have repeated the question and contacts in the business Manitoba to participate in Dragons’ in my head 50 times before the live community.” Den Day in Canada on September feed was on me. The Dragons all 19, 2012. The event included live gave their own answers, which TV access to the popular “Dragons”, basically went back to trusting who a panel of Canadian moguls with you work with.” the cash and know-how to help In January, Asper your start-up business take off MBA students – if your idea is worthy. placed second in Two Asper students – Sinan their division and 14th overall at the Leylek and Nick Kuzyk – 32nd annual John were lucky enough to ask the Molson MBA Dragons a question. International “I’ve been watching Dragons’ Case Competition. The Asper team, Den ever since the first season, left to right: so I was really excited,” says James Fehr, Leylek. “Being a small business Dori Chudobiak, owner, I wanted to know how Marilyn Brennan (coach), Vanessa Shaff, Omri Makover 22 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

for over 600 corporate, government and individual clients across the Andrew Clarke, country. Headquartered in (right), owner of Winnipeg, the company is 100 Clarke Financial percent First Nations owned Planning and winner of the Excellence in and operated. Aboriginal Business Sweeny started Creeway Aviation Leadership Award, in 2006 to address the growing with Dean Michael Benarroch. needs of Northern Manitoba’s aviation industry. Based out of Thompson, the company provides aircraft charter and maintenance Aboriginal Leadership services. It also offers students in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) apprenticeship program the opportunity to work towards Excellence their AME license without having to leave their community.

osted by the Asper Services, won the Excellence in ASPER CREATES School of Business and Aboriginal Business Leadership NEW PATHWAYS Hthe School’s Aboriginal Award. Tim Sweeny, owner of Business Education Partners, the Creeway Aviation, won the FOR ABORIGINAL 8th annual Excellence in Aboriginal Excellence in Aboriginal Small Below: Tim STUDENTS Sweeny, owner of Business Leadership Awards and Medium Enterprises Award. n September 2013, the Asper Creeway Aviation celebrated two business leaders Clarke, a Certified Financial ISchool of Business will welcome and winner of for being inspiring entrepreneurs Planner, launched Clarke Financial the Excellence in up to ten new students admitted and role models. in 1994 using his own money as Aboriginal Small under its newly created Canadian and Medium Andrew Clarke, owner of Clarke start-up capital. The full-service Aboriginal Ancestry Admissions Enterprises Award. Financial Planning and Insurance firm now manages over $60 million Category. The category allows the Asper School to admit Aboriginal students who meet the minimum admis- sions Adjusted Grade Point Average (AGPA), but may fall below the competitive AGPA, which varies from year to year. Shortly after his appointment as dean of the Asper School in 2011, Dr Michael Benarroch made it a priority to create new pathways for Aboriginal students to study business. He told the Globe and Mail that Aboriginal students “are an under-represented portion of our population in the business school, so from our perspective we feel it would be a real contribution to the community and to the Aboriginal community if we could increase the number of students.” Spring 2013 23

ABEP STUDENT WINS General Electric AWARD First-Year Student ommerce student Zack Unrau Chas been chosen to receive a 2012-2013 G.E. (General Electric) Conquers Wes Nicol Scholar-Leader Program Award. The second-year student is only one of two students from across alk about setting the Canada to be selected for this bar high! First-year coveted honour. TBComm student Unrau says he’s thrilled by the Simon Burns won the 2013 opportunities the award will create championship round of the for him. “I’ll have the chance to do Wes Nicol Entrepreneurial things I wouldn’t otherwise get to Competition, which awards do, like attend a business conference $170,000 in prize money each in Toronto and work with an expe- year to individual students rienced G.E. mentor.” or student teams who submit Unrau is also a member of the winning plans for their Aboriginal Business Education entrepreneurial business ideas. Partners (ABEP), a community At the February 13 event, of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Burns presented “Elapse students pursuing Bachelor of Electric”, a revolutionary Commerce degrees at the Asper hybrid propulsion system that School. This marks the second lets consumers drive carbon free, The judges were Shaun Hampton, Simon Burns year the award has been given to regardless of their vehicle model, Entrepreneurship Consultant (right), winner of an ABEP student. the 2012 Wes Nicol range or power requirements. with the Province of Manitoba; Entrepreneurial “I had an excellent experience Mavis McRae, Entrepreneur in Competition, is CUTTING with my first foray into the world of Residence with the Stu Clark stoked to receive high-pressure presentations,” says Centre for Entrepreneurship; and his prize from judge THROUGH Stuart Henrickson, THE SPIN Burns. “The judges demanded a Stuart Henrickson, Executive Executive Director level of professionalism and dedica- Director of the Stu Clark Centre of the Stu Clark n February 25, staff and tion that was profoundly inspiring.” for Entrepreneurship. Centre for Ostudents of the Aboriginal The Wes Nicol program is a “We were extremely impressed Entrepreneurship. Business Education Partners hosted national program designed to gener- by the depth of research and vision “Idle No More: Context, Meaning ate and reward interest in entrepre- exhibited by the presenters and and Dialogue.” Niigaan Sinclair, neurship by undergrad students in the viability of each of the cham- Professor of Native Studies at the any faculty at participating Canadian pionship round concepts,” says U of M, and Nina Wilson, a U of M universities. The Asper School of Henrickson. “There is no doubt Master’s student and Idle No More Business runs the competition, that we have some exceptional organizer, led a discussion that cut which is open to all undergraduate student businesses coming out of through the media spin on the students on campus. This year, four the University of Manitoba.” grassroots movement that has been of the six teams were from faculties On March 26, six winners chosen sweeping across Canada. outside the Asper School, including from the nation-wide competitions Engineering and Science. will rendezvous in Ottawa and battle it out for the national title.

ASPER MEDIA CENTRE See us in action by visiting the Asper School of Business Media Centre at umanitoba.ca/asper/mediacentre. View news and upcoming events. Explore the School’s leading-edge research. Photo and video galleries showcase Asper faculty and students involved in their School and their community. The Media Centre is also home to the online edition of Update from this and previous years. 24 ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

The North West She received compliments from Company, winner both parties for her insightful of the 2012 Asper Co-op Employer translations and diplomacy, as well of the Year Award. as her marketing skills in a highly Left to right: Darcie technical field. Gault (Manager, Roberta Desserre, Managing Corporate Human Resources at Director of the HVDC Research The North West Centre, describes Kuzura’s perfor- Company), Vanessa mance as “extremely admirable for Breland and Courtney Thomson a technical person many years her (Asper Co-op senior and is phenomenal for some- students), and Gail one of her age and experience.” Chevalier (Director, Corporate Human Resources and Giant Celebrating Co-op The idea behind co-op is Tiger at The North simple: connect students West Company) with valuable, paid work ow in its sixth year, a direct hand in training Manitoba’s experience while they’re the Asper Co-operative future business leaders. still in school. N Education Program is At the recent Celebrating Co-op thriving, thanks to strong partner- event, second-year Marketing ships with leading businesses in student Mariya Kuzura was named With Kuzura’s help, MHI may Manitoba and across the country. Co-op Student of the Year for her soon be realizing sales in a region The idea behind co-op is simple: incredible work as a Marketing where they previously had limited 2012 Asper Co-op connect students with valuable, Associate in the Manitoba HVDC exposure and success. Student of the Year paid work experience while they’re Research Centre, a division of Not one but several Asper winner Mariya students nominated The North Kuzura (right) with still in school. The result? A richer Manitoba Hydro International (MHI). Dean Michael learning experience for students, Initially hired to research Eastern West Company as Asper Co-op Benarroch. and a chance for employers to have Europe as a potential market for Employer of the Year. The North MHI products and services, Kuzura West Company has been a staunch went well beyond the call of duty to supporter of Asper Co-op since make her first co-op term a success. the program’s inception in 2007. Using her business, marketing and As a result of their continued language skills, she identified key commitment to the program, companies and contacts for MHI. Asper students have a great deal Then, on a site visit to Russia, Kuzura to say about the positive corporate proved an invaluable member of culture and business practices the team by providing translation that have made their experiences services and helping to establish and with this company an integral consolidate MHI’s relationships part of their growth as young

with their new partners in Moscow. business professionals. Ryan Writing: McBride Flamingo Design: Design

For more information, contact: 204.474.8960 Judy Wilson, Director [email protected] Marketing & Communications @ asperschool umanitoba.ca/asper