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

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