Dean's Message
Welcome to the 11th edition of Thrive, our annual magazine for connecting students, alumni, staff, faculty and friends of the Edwards School of Business! We trust that the stories, images and perspectives captured in this edition will enlighten, inspire and impress.
Frequently, I have used the phrase: “Gone are the days of the lone genius”. To me, this means that we cannot simply rely on individual intellect and experience to pursue a path to prominence. We require collective wisdom so that we can achieve our highest potential. Students learn from industry professionals and faculty experts. Armed with an idea, entrepreneurs launch businesses by nimbly navigating a network of associates. Staff acquire training from colleagues, faculty are educated by academic supervisors, proteges are coached by mentors, new students are enriched through connection with upper-year friends, and so on. Sustained success is synergistic in nature.
Collaboration is at the core of all that we do. It represents the actions of working together to cultivate or create products, services and ideas. Absent collaboration, we would face the future through depending on individual merits and talent. Don’t get me wrong—each of us is talented. Separately, we can accomplish much—but collaboration permits us to do more.
Collaboration is different than simply cooperating or being “on the same page.” The concept of collaboration allows groups to break down silos and enhance communication. By encapsulating a true teamwork mentality, we create a virtuous cycle that enriches, uplifts and strengthens. Recently, the Edwards School of Business adopted a brand and tagline that featured the word ‘together’. This truly signifies the concept and promise of collaboration.
Allow me to highlight four items (of many) that definitely demonstrate Edwards collaboration.
Last February, two Edwards students (Jordan Sinclair and Brock Andony) captured first place at the Go B2B Marketing Challenge Case Competition. Their collaborative business solution (consisting of a marketing and sales strategy) competed within a field of ten finalists.
The Volunteer Tax Prep program received a Certificate of Appreciation for its participation in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Now in its 31st year of providing services, 73 students filed over 500 tax returns alongside 45 CPA volunteers. Together, the students, CPAs and faculty volunteered nearly 700 hours on behalf of our citizens.
An esteemed contingent of five undergraduate Edwards students (Ryssa Alarcon, Karli Muench, Carlee Snow, Morgan Kalk, and Maddison Sutor) entered the SaskRush University Marketing Challenge. The team was assigned to market a Saskatchewan Rush game through social media, direct marketing, sponsorship/partnership and commercial advertisements. These stellar students garnered top prize for their marketing efforts.
We held our second annual pinning ceremony earlier this fall (pictured above). Third-year students and alumni pledged to uphold the Edwards School of Business values and high standards, act with integrity and safeguard the interests of shareholders, co-workers, customers, and society. This excellent embodiment of collaboration connects our past, present and future.
These are but a few of the many instances in which Edwards displays who we are through what we do.
Famed author Helen Keller—who collaborated with others on her path to overcoming challenges—once remarked, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
I invite you to peruse the pages of this edition of Thrive. I am confident you will find amazing stories and accounts of collaboration in action.
Keith Willoughby
Dean, Edwards School of Business