Exams Are Finished...!?!?!?

I would like to congratulate all of the GDBA and GCBA students on completing both the semester and their exams. For all those students graduating from the program, I would like to personally wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors. I had a blast getting to know all of you this past year and I know you will all be successful in your future plans.

In other great news, Dr. Alan Hochstein was appointed interim Dean for the John Molson School of Business for the coming academic year. I had the great pleasure of working with Alan over the past two years, and having witnessed his passion for teaching and constant pursuit of enhancing the student learning experience, I can safely say the school is in great hands.

Congratulations Alan!

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jonathan

GDBA STAR...!?!?!?

I have been recently been informed regarding some great GDBA news!

1- A special event will be held on March 30th with dignitaries from Concordia University and the University of Montreal in attendance. Details are limited; however the GDBA program is the critical point of discussion. Stay tuned to the blog next week for more information on the situation.

2- The Montreal Stars won the final championship game against Toronto this past weekend. I would like to congratulate Donna Ringrose on this tremendous accomplishment.

Until next time …

Your friendly blogger,

Jon

2011 Schedule.... !?!?!

Included in this week’s blog is the latest course schedule for the 2011-2012 academic year (Click on the images below). If you wish to register for one of the courses please email your request to Javier Lee as of Monday March 28th. Any email sent before March 28th will not be processed. This information will also be posted in the Schedule folder in the GDBA/GCBA Conference.

Alan Hochstein has also updated me on some very exciting news. Stay tuned to the blog next week for more information...

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

FINAL LEG OF THE SEMESTER...!?!?!

Welcome Back!

I hope you were all able to get so well deserved rest and study time before the final stretch of the semester.

I have recently been informed by Javier Lee, that registration for 2011-2012 academic year will begin on Monday, March 28, 2011. Any requests for courses next year should be sent through email beginning on this date. Please note that any email requests sent before March 28th, will not be processed. I have included a copy of next year’s schedule below; please feel free to check it.

I am planning on ending the semester with a bang, so stay tuned to the blog for more details.

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jonathan

TOP 5 REASONS FOR FUN....!?!?!?

Just a friendly reminder that the semesters first student event is taking place this Thursday, February 17th at 8:30 pm (After Class). The festivities will be taking place at Chili’s Hamburger Bar on 1260 rue Mackay, below Ste-Catherine Street. If your still unsure as to whether you should swing by I have compiled a small list I like to call the “The Top 5 Reason Why You Need to Join the Party”.

Reason #5 – The Habs are playing
The Montreal Canadians are having a phenomenal season, so why not enjoy the game with some good friends in a fun environment.

Reason #4 – You have all worked very hard
After having spoken too many of you throughout the semester I have concluded that everyone has worked extremely hard and is need of a well deserved break.

Reason #3 – Great Food and Refreshments
Chili’s has some of the Island’s best mini burgers. Why not try one for yourself, the first few rounds are on the house.

Reason #2 – Networking Opportunities
As business students you all know the importance of networking. Take advantage of this opportunity to make some lifelong contacts.

Reason #1 – IT’S GOING TO BE LOTS OF FUN....!!!

I look forward to seeing you all this Thursday.

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

CHILIS Hamburger Party...!?!?!

The Venue for the 17th has been set, and it looks like the party will be held at Chilis Hamburger Bar (1260 rue Mackay, next to the McDonalds). Chilis’ is a very pleasant bar with some of the city’s best (At least in my opinion) mini hamburgers. If you don’t believe me you will just to have to try a few for yourself, but don’t worry because the GDBSA will supply a few rounds of snacks and beverages on the house.

In addition to enjoying a few complimentary treats and drinks, the bar will also be featuring the Montreal Canadians vs. The Edmonton Oilers, a great game for a great evening. I have even been informed that there is a possibility that the Concordia Graduate Student Association might also be attending. With such a great group of graduate students it’s hard to not get excited. So be sure to clear your evening schedule on Thursday the 17th @ 8:30, because it will surely be a night to remember!

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

Save the Date....!?!?!

Mid-terms are just around the corner, and the GDBSA has already begun to plan this semester’s first stress relief party. Please be sure to clear your schedules after class (8:30pm) on Thursday February 17th, as it will be an evening full of fun and exam decompression. The location has yet to be determined; however Chili’s Burger Bar is high on the list. If you have any location requests or any other suggestions for the evening please do not hesitate to contact the GDBSA or myself. We are all very excited for the 17th and we hope to see you all there. Stay tuned to the blog for more information updates.

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

GDBA HOCKEY STAR...!?!?!

This week we have something very special planned for you guys.

One of our very own GDBA students Donna Ringrose is a professional hockey player with the Montreal Stars in the CWHL. This week I have worked on assembling a student profile showcasing Donna and her amazing talents in hockey. In addition Alan Hochstein has worked on subsidizing some tickets, $2.00 per ticket for GDBA students, for the Montreal Stars game this Sunday January 30th at Loyola campus at 1:00 pm. It's sure to be an amazing game and I hope to see you all there. And, now I would like to present our GDBA athlete Donna Ringrose...

Hello,

I'm Donna Ringrose and I come from a small town called Campbell's Bay about 1hour north west of Ottawa/Gatineau, along the Ottawa River on the Quebec side. Throughout my childhood I was always very passionate about hockey and could always be found playing with family and friends at the local pond and rink. I joined my first competitive team in CEGEP playing for the John Abbott Islanders. Transitioning from the local pond to real ice was a little tricky, but I managed to adapt. During my time at Abbott I studied in pure and applied science. I graduated onto Concordia University and was fortunate to suit up and play with the Stingers. I spent 3 years as a Stinger and received my bachelors' degree in Exercise Science. I am now in my 2nd year as a professional hockey player with the Montreal Stars in the CWHL.

Education is very important to me, and that is why I decided to pursue a GDBA in order to become a better student and a well rounded individual. I plan on pursuing a career where I can benefit from having both an exercise science/kinesiology and business background. I am a strong believer that being active and healthy is important and would like to somehow incorporate that with my future career.

Along with being a committed hockey player and student, I believe that as an athlete, there is a role to be played and a responsibility to our communities. We are given so much and it's only fitting that we give back. During my studies at Concordia I created an affiliation with Concordia and the humanitarian organization "Right to Play". I also remain very active in my hometown with food drives, community involvement programs and the church. Giving back to the community and helping those in need are an essential part of an athlete's life.

I enjoy good food and appreciate a restaurant that makes the finest! Indian and Thai rank high on my favorites list. The best Thai in town is a little place called Bangkok Express in Monkland Village and the best Indian is on Stanley at Allo Inde. I also enjoy movies. One of my all time favorites is Defiance which is set during WWII. This really got to me as my grandfather served in the Polish army. This movie demonstrates the struggles the people in Poland experienced. I enjoy movies that show history and how we have become what we are today.

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

President & Event Update...!?!?!

Event Update !

Hi guys the John Molson Women In Business Club has recently informed me of an event taking place Friday, February 11 at 5:30p.m. The event is a live presentation about wardrobe essentials for graduating students in business. It is taking place at the Ogilvy Store in the Tudor Hall (5th Floor). Cost to attend is $10 for students. For more information please contact Tania ( tania_damico@hotmail.com ).

This week I have assembled a student Profile on your GDBSA president Meg Labban:

I signed up for the GDBA last year to learn more about business. Previously, I completed my undergraduate degree in biology with a minor in psychology. I'm currently in the process of finishing my doctorate in Neuroscience, working on the molecular mechanisms of memory. My interest in business developed during my PhD, when I began thinking about the next steps in my career. I'm glad I made the decision to sign up to the GDBA program; as I have discovered just how much I enjoy business. Surprisingly enough my favourite subject so far is Finance, a class I was initially apprehensive about. I am eager to graduate and move forward down a career path where I will be able to see the benefits from my scientific and business backgrounds.

I am a firm believer in making time for fun activities in life, and I enjoy quite a few hobbies, traveling being at the top of the list. Barcelona and London are currently my two favourite cities. I also really enjoy all kinds of performance arts and theatre, once as a performer and cellist but now simply as an avid spectator. In addition, I like being part of student organizations and being able to communicate our concerns to the administration, and to organize academic and social events to facilitate networking. That was one of the main reasons I decided to be part of the GDBA student association this year; so I can ensure we organize as many social networking events as possible. So far our events have been a success, and I hope to meet most of you before I graduate. Stay tuned for more to come this semester; you can keep a look out for our events right here on the blog.

Meg Labban

GDBSA President

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon

Welcome Back...!?!?

Welcome back and Happy New Year..!

I hope you are all well rested and ready for another semester. I would like to take this opportunity to personally congratulate you all on completing your first semester in the GDBA. I would also like to mention that there are many exciting initiatives that will be taking place this semester.

Stay tuned to the blog for more information…

Until Next Time...

Your Friendly Blogger,

Jon