HOLIDAY PARTY....!?!?!

I want to wish you all the best of luck on your upcoming exams. I have had an incredible semester getting to know you all. There’s also going to be a Christmas party on Tuesday Dec. 14th, at 9pm - at the Irish Embassy (1234 Bishop), I hope to see you all there.

Happy Holidays…!

Until Next Time…

Your Friendly blogger,

Jon

GDBA HISTORY...!?!?!

December 1, 2010 marks a milestone for the GDBA/GCBA program. After two years in the making, JMSB signed a special agreement with the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. President Judith Woodsworth of Concordia University attended the event.

In this agreement the Research Institute will recommend students to apply to GCBA and will advertise our Program. JMSB promises to offer fast-track acceptances to qualified students from the Research Institute. Joint information sessions will be forthcoming as well. Both institutions will announce the agreement on their web sites.

Stay tuned for press releases of this event.

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

PARTY PICTURES...!?!?!

Last week’s GDBA meet and greet was a success! The GDCSA and I had a blast getting to know all of you better. Not to mention the Montreal Canadians also had an incredible game, making the night that much more enjoyable. I have uploaded the pictures from the night to the blog, so feel free to check them out by clicking on the link bellow. For those of you who did not have the chance to make it, don’t worry the GDCSA has already begun planning the next party. Rumours are it will be a Christmas party after final exams. Stay tuned to the blog for more details. I would like to send a special thanks to the GDCSA for organizing the evening and I’m eager to see what they have planned next.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Jon.GDBA/GDBAMeetAndGreet2#slideshow/5541311172812573506

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

2010 GDBA Party...!?!?!

The very first GDBA meet and greet has been finalized and will be taking place at Chili Hamburgerbar (1262 Mackay) this Thursday November 11th, at 8:30pm. So come and enjoy a few free drinks with your fellow classmates and blow off that post mid-term stress. The hockey game will also be playing throughout the evening and should make for some great entertainment. I will be attending the event along with the entire GDBSA committee, and we all are looking forward to meeting you. So clear your Thursday night schedule and prepare to have a great time with great people…!

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly blogger,

Jon

GCBA / GDBA Graduates...!?!?!

I am very pleased to announce that the first group of GCBA / GDBA students have officially graduated this past week. I want to personally congratulate the following students:

- Sandra Milena Bayona Diaz             
- Moayad Bou Diab                            
- Mamadou Ferrand                            
- Alexander Benjamin Halpern           
 - Javier Alfredo Lira                          
- Sherisse Cassandra McLaughlin
- Elias Mohama
- Alexandra Murray
- Stephan Anton Peterson
- Bardia Rahmani

It was an absolute pleasure working with you all and I wish you all the best on your future endeavours. Alan Hochstein has also informed me that he has a special gift for our recent graduates. For more information please send him an email at the following address ahoch@jmsb.concordia.ca

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger

Jon

 

New Commercial Released...!?!?!?

After many weeks of preparation I am very pleased to announce that the new I-pad App video is now complete and available online. Click the link the below and check it out, let us know what you think.
(It's in the right hand column below the Registration Handbook)

http://johnmolson.concordia.ca/en/graduate-programs/graduate-diploma-administration


I would also like to introduce this week’s student profile Samantha!

HI everyone! My name is Samantha Rajack, and I am a full-time student in the GDBA. I decided to take this program since I do not have a business background and wanted to gain more knowledge in this area. I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and grew up in Ottawa. Having an interest in social issues, I attended the University of Toronto, studying Equity Studies and Women & Gender Studies. I moved to Montreal four years ago, and have worked in non-profit, helping new immigrants and youths to find employment or return to school. Now I am the one returning to school, and hope to gain new skills that will enable me to do work that makes a positive contribution to society.

I love animals, traveling and dancing :) Dance is my passion, and I have learned 5 styles of dance over the past 10 years. My latest love is salsa, I love the dance, the music and the excuse to wear that many sequins on one dress!

I look forward to meeting all of you at our GCBA/GDBA meet and greet event :)



 
 
Until next time...
 
your Friendly Blogger,
 
Jon

Student Profile...!?!?!

I am very pleased to present to you this year’s first student profile. So without any delay I would like to present to you Nelson Azoulay.

I am originally from Paris but have lived in North America for the past 10 years. I came to Montreal last year to pursue my studies in neuroscience – more specifically in the research of a treatment for PTSD. I decided to join the GDBA/GCBA in order to fulfill my interest in business and also to ultimately use it in the medical field. I am very enthusiastic about the program and look forward to combine the two!

Outside of school, I enjoy the outdoors, sports and spending time with my friends. You can find me playing soccer or tennis indoor as well as in Parc Lafontaine. I also love to travel and meet people from different cultures/backgrounds!

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

GDBA Apple I-Pad....!?!?!?!!?

I am thrilled to announce that the new updated GDBA App is available for download!!! The App has been updated for the I-phone 4 and is now compatible with the I-pad. The App even features a new “My Grades” function which gives students the ability to check their grades. I am also in the process of producing a commercial for the App which will be featured exclusively on the GDBA website. Stay tuned to the blog for more info.

In other Tech news GDBA Director, Alan Hochstein, will be leading the programs first webcast on November 4th. The webcast is essentially an interactive information session for prospective GDBA students online. If you know of anyone who is interested in the GDBA program but it having trouble commuting or finding the time please forward them the link below.

https://event.onlineseminarsolutions.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=242058&sessionid=1&key=7E83AA1738CF1CE72F9C6DC2C3164101&sourcepage=register

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

Student Profiles...!?!?!

Last year the Blog featured student profiles in order to take advantage of the student bodies rich diversity. This opportunity allowed students to share information with their peers regarding: origins, home town or country, previous employment or education, hobbies, secret talents, etc. The Student Profiles helped strengthen communication among the GDBA/GCBA students which ultimately helped improve the overall academic experience. Given the tremendous success from last year I am pleased to announce that we will be re-implementing student profiles this year. If you are at all interested in participating in this opportunity please email me at jo_gold@jmsb.concordia.ca within the next few weeks. Please note all participants will be consulted in what information they feel most comfortable sharing on the profile.

Click on the pictures below to see some of the profiles from last year.

 

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

TOP 100 NEWS.....!?!?!?!?

JMSB's MBA Program has just been ranked among the top 50 Programs in North America and in the top 100 in the world, according to the prestigious Economist Magazine. Note that JMSB is the only school in Quebec that made the top 100 and only 4 Canadian Schools made the cut. According to Alan Hochstein, the Associate Dean, "it's the students who make the school, and it is they who are world class."
Check out these two links from the economist

the 1st one talks about top MBA programs in North American
http://www.economist.com/whichmba/2010/north-america-ranking

the 2nd talks about the JMSB details and its international ranking
http://www.economist.com/whichmba/2010/concordia-university-john-molson-school-of-business

Until next time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

GDBA Elections....!?!?!?!?!

It’s been a very interesting week attending your classes and getting to meet you all. I can already tell it’s going to be fun year.

The GDBA/GCBA student association is starting up again, and they are searching for people interested in joining. There are currently 3 positions available: VP finance, VP Academic, and VP Admin & Finance. This is an amazing opportunity to get involved with the program, help plan student social event, network with other student associations, and most of all have fun. It even looks great on a CV!

Interested applicants should contact Meg at m_labban@jmsb.concordia.ca

Until next time...

Your friendly bloger,

Jon

WELCOME TO THE GDBA...!!!

Welcome and congratulations on your admissions to the GDBA or GCBA program!

The GDBA/GCBA Blog has been created especially for you in order to make your learning experience more informative and enjoyable. Each week the GDBA Blog will be updated with interesting information. I expect to be sitting in some of your classes to meet you personally and I can be reached via FirstClass if you want to talk to me to add stuff to the blog.

The Blog may also contain comments from the professors and from Alan Hochstein, the Program Director from time to time. Please note that all of the material for the course is discussed in the class with the professor. The blog is an additional add-on to keep you close to the Program outside of class time. It will not contain information needed for the course. I welcome you all too please Subscribe to the GDBD/GCBA Blog and also to submit your feedback and comments.

I would like to wish you all the best of luck with the upcoming semester and I look forward to meeting you all.

Until next time...
Your friendly blogger,

Jon

Shave to Save....!?!?!?!

The shave to save is a magnificent event designed to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research. In essence, the event involves individuals fundraising money in exchange for shaving their heads. I am proud to announce that the GDBA’s own Jessica Schwartz has taken the initiative and on May 3rd she will shave her head for this righteous cause. However, Jessica still needs some help and would greatly appreciate any donations. If you would like to support Jessica you can contact me (jo_gold@jmsb.concordia.ca) and I will arrange accordingly. (Tax receipts available for donations over 20$)

I want to personally congratulate Jessica on her progress so far, and also wish her the best of luck on achieving her goal.

I would also like to wish the rest of the GDBA student body the best of luck on the upcoming exam period. I know it has been a long road for many of you but its nearly over, and summer is just around the corner!

Until next time,

Your Friendly blogger

Jon

App Video...!?!?!

I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend and you’re well rested. It’s close to the end of the semester and I wanted to wish you all the best of luck on your upcoming exams! I know this has been a tough semester for many of you but it’s almost over.

In other news, Alan and I have completed the GDBA I-phone commercial and we are very pleased with how it turned out. Please check it out by clicking here. Let me know what you think.

Until next time

Your friendly blogger,

Jon

Bowling Cancelled...

Unfortunately bowling will be cancelled this evening. Stay tuned to the blog for other events.

Until next time

Your friendly blogger,

Jon

Bowling Night.......!?!?!?!

The GDBSA is organizing a bowling night for Wednesday, March 24th at 8:15 pm. Join everyone after Corporate Governance to go to Sharkx (in the Faubourg) for a few rounds of bowling. Cost for admission is 20$, and that will get you two rounds of bowling and a beer. The GDBSA needs to collect the money prior to the event so the payment deadline will be on Tuesday, March 23rd. If you have any questions regarding the event or if you wish to confirm your attendance you contact me (in class or through email) or any of the other GDBSA members (Rabia, Kaitlin, Pat, or Ian). I hope to see you all there!

For those of you who have not been able to access the GDBA conference folder on first class please email firstclasshelp@concordia.ca . It is extremely important that all students have access to this folder.

Until next time

Your friendly blogger,

Jon

Revised Course Schedule for next year...!?!?!

I was just sent the new revised course schedule for next years classes. Click on the picture below to take a look.

Until next time

Your friendly blogger,

Jon

Exam Schedule & Registration....!?!?!

Please note that you may send Javier Lee for your request to register for summer 2010 courses as of Wednesday, March 17th; and for fall 2010 and winter 2011 courses you may send it as of Wednesday, March 31st.

To view your Winter final exam schedule please click on the picture below.

Until next time

Your friendly blogger,

Jon

Welcome Back....!?!?!?

Welcome Back!

I hope you all enjoyed your time off school and that you were able to recharge your batteries. I also wanted to wish you the best of luck on your up coming mid-term exams. Alan Hochstein and I had our first production meeting this morning regarding the GDBA I-phone App video, and we are both very excited to begin filming. Stay tuned to the blog for more updates.

Until Next Time

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

I-Phone Update...!?!?!

I have spoken with Javier and hear that he is hard at work getting a special accounting tutor for those who need additional work. Please contact him for more details.

The GDBA I-phone App has recently been updated. Now when you’re looking through the course schedule section, you can also gain access to course descriptions. For those of you that have yet to try it out, you can download it to your I-Phone by searching for GDBA (also JMSB or Concordia University) at the App Store. Give it a try; let me know what you think.

I am now working with Alan to create a YouTube video to tell others how to use the app properly. Stay tuned.

Until next time

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

EXCLUSIVE GDBA PARTY...!?!?!

I have recently been informed that the GDBA student body has been invited to attend a pre-valentines day loft party on February 13th in Old Montreal (129 Rue de la Commune Est). This party was originally exclusive to only McGill Graduates in Neuro Science, but one of the event planners (and Fellow GDBA Student) Meg Labban wanted to extend an invitation to the GDBA student body. The party will feature music from an assortment of internationally known Dj’s and also an open bar. Tickets are 20$ and will be sold in advanced (not at the door), with a portion of all ticket sales going towards supporting the survivors of the Haiti earthquake. With mid-terms just around the corner this party promises to be an excellent opportunity to blow off some steam and have a GREAT time. If you are interested you can contact Meg or myself during class or via email (jo_gold@jmsb.concordia.ca). For more information on the event Click Here. I hope to see you all there.

Until next time,

Your friendly blogger

Jon

Important MBA Cocktail Information...!?!?!?!

There was a mistake regarding the dates for the inter-university MBA networking event posted last Monday. The event is taking place on the 21st not the 22nd. I apologize for any inconveniences this may of caused.

Networking Trading Cards...!?!?!

The GDBA program trading cards are being handed out. To get your own set please see me before or after class.

Also, a reminder that the application form and supporting documents for the Bourse d'études Supériueres en Commerce et en Administration Humberto Santos is due next week on Monday, January 25th. Many of you have had complications finding the application form so I included a link in the right hand column.

Finally, the GDBA program has been invited to attend the next CGSA inter-university networking event. The event is taking place January 21, at Le Quartier, 1001 Square Victoria (right next to Metro Square Victoria), at 10 pm. MBA students from HEC, UQAM, and McGill will also be attending. Drinks (except champagne) will be served at a special happy hour rate ($5.5 per drink) all night, and there is no cost to attend. This is a great opportunity to network with other MBA students living in Montreal. Click here for the Evite...

Until next time,

Your friendly blogger

Jon

2010 Surprises...!?!?!

Happy new years and Welcome back!!!

I hope you all enjoyed your time off and you’re ready to hit the books once again.

I am also pleased to announce that I have some great news for you all.

#1 GDBA Scholarships…!

The Bourse d'études Supériueres en Commerce et en Administration Humberto Santos is to be awarded to a full-time student in the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration on the basis of academic excellence. The recipient must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. There are two bursaries to be awarded. For the 2009/2010 year each bursary is valued at $1500.

Please forward the complete application file (you can download it at the GDBA conference folder on First Class) with the required documentation to Ayanna Durant at the program office (MB 11.115) no later than Monday, January 25th, 2010.

#2 Cocktail Event…!

The GDBA program has also been invited to attend the Concordia Business & Health Association’s (CHBA) next event on January 29th from 4-6pm at the Montefiore Club (Guy St. below Ste-Catherine). This event will be very different from the others held so far. The entire management team from Hospira Canada/Latin America will discuss challenges related to product launches in both the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The event will be followed by a cocktail at the Montefiore. The cost to attend is $10. Please RSVP at cbha@jmsb.concordia.ca.

Until next time

Your friendly blogger,

Jon