 Business Alumni Association President Cheng-Hsin Chang,
'06 MBA, is pleased to announce the creation
of the Alumni Engagement Fund in celebration of the 25th Anniversary
of the BAA.
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| For more information please contact Nella Sabo, Acting Assistant Dean, Development at 780.492.4157 or nella.sabo@ualberta.ca. |
Building Engagement - New Alumni Fund
Established to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Business Alumni Association, a new fund will support the building of relationships between the BAA and its members. This fund will also be used to provide operational support for educational opportunities of current students in any of our four programs (BCom, MBA, PhD, and Executive Education).
Terms are broad to ensure diversity and creativity in the projects selected on the basis of enhancing relationships and building reputation.
For more information please contact Nella Sabo, Acting Assistant Dean, Development at 780.492.4157 or nella.sabo@ualberta.ca.
Alumni Stories
Alexander Batchvarov, '92/'93 MBA Much of the conversation circled around Alexander’s acceptance to Johns Hopkins where he hoped to continue his studies at a leading American university. With a PhD in International Economics from the National Academy of Sciences in Bulgaria, his options were many.
Greg Berghardt, '91 MBA, when asked about what the future might hold, Greg is quick to share that Arrow “is just getting started.” Greg, alongside his leadership team and staff at Arrow, is looking ahead to the future, with optimism and great expectation.
Paul Sinclair, '12 MBA, is currently working on a research project with a Saskatchewan-based agriculture company called Terramax-SeedTec Ltd.
Janet Wood, '82 BCOM,, is one of SAP’s top 100 executives and is responsible for leading the company’s largest global service partnerships. Based in Vancouver, she spends about 70 percent of her time travelling to the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia.
’64 John T Ferguson, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada on December 30, 2011. John was recognized for his contributions as a business and community leader. A strong supporter of his alma mater, he served as Chancellor from 2000 to 2004 and is the longest standing member of the Alberta School of Business Advisory Council.
’72 Frank Gibson, BCom, of Edmonton Alberta has once again been acknowledged as the #1 Real Estate Advisor in Canada with NAI Commercial Real Estate Inc. He is a Senior Partner with the firm, previously the owner of Indacom Real Estate. Frank is also active as a Foundation Member of the TELUS World of Science and Honourary Director of the Citadel Theatre. He recently competed in the International Cross Country Ski competition – Masters World Cup.
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’72 Craig Roskin, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, was awarded the 2010 Fellowship Award by the Advertising Club of Edmonton. Craig was selected by a committee of past presidents of the club.
’73 Ralph Young, MBA, of Edmonton, Alberta, Chief Executive Officer of Melcor Developments and an Alberta School of Business Advisory Council member, was elected Chancellor of the University of Alberta officially assuming the post on June 3.
’74 Rick Fedick, BCom, of Pleasanton, California, is the Chief Financial Officer at Nibbi Brothers General Contractors. Rick attended the alumni Sonoma Wine Tour in April. This year's tour included the Lancaster Estate, Simi, and Mazzocco Wineries. Rick attended this event with his friend Dave Thomson, &rsqo;77 BCom, who travelled from New Westminster, British Columbia; they have remained friends since their BCom days.
’76 Don Sieben, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is Partner at Peterson Walker LLP. Don was appointed as a member of the Local Authorities Pension Plan Board of Trustees.
’77 David Thomson, BCom, of New Westminster, British Columbia, attended the 2012 alumni wine tour in Sonoma, California, on April 21. He has travelled from Vancouver to attend this event for the past number of years and to visit one of his former classmates, Rick Fedick, ’74 BCom. Dave is retired from TELUS.
’78 Allan Franklin, BCom, relocated to Orlando, Florida, in 1988, and recently retired after 30 years in corporate finance with the Dow Chemical Company. Allan writes, “The majority of my time is spent golfing, beach-going, and travelling. I have recently pursued pickleball in place of racquetball and tennis. My daughter Alaina Franklin, ’93 BA, now in Sydney, Australia, graduated from the U of A with a degree in psychology.” Allan also notes his grandson and granddaughter now attend the U of A School of Business in second and fourth year, respectively.
’78 David Robottom, MBA, of Calgary, Alberta, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Enbridge Inc. David was recognized as the “Top Chief Legal Officer” by Alberta Oil magazine. The achievements of Alberta’s top-performing energy executives were celebrated at the 2nd Annual C-Suite Stars Awards Gala on February 2 held at the Westin Calgary. The Gala was sponsored by the Alberta School of Business Executive Education amongst other companies such as AON, ATB, CMA Canada, IBM Canada, and Clear Stream Energy Services.
(PHOTO – Caption: Top Chief Legal Officer David Robottom, Enbridge Inc. and presenting sponsor Darren Campbell, Alberta Oil Magazine.)
’79 Karen Rackel, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, was recently appointed as the first female president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (Golf Canada) in its 116-year history. In January, the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity recognized 20 women on its 2011 list of Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity. Karen was one of the several U of A alumnae that were recognized as women “who share a passion for sport and physical activity — and use it to improve the lives of others.”
’80 Howard Eng, BCom, of Toronto, Ontario, was recently appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. Previously, he worked at the Hong Kong International Airport.
’80 David Janzen, BCom,St Albert, Alberta, was just appointed the new Chief Financial Officer of Fountain Tire. Prior to this position, he was the Chief Financial Officer for NAIT.
’81 Norman Eady, MBA, of Whitehorse, Yukon, founded North of 56 Research and Economics, a small business based in Whitehorse, after he retired from his position as Assistant Comptroller with Northwestel Inc.
’81 Douglas Goss, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, Counsel at Bryan & Company LLP, was recently named Chair of the U of A’s Board of Governors.
’81 Aroon Sequeira, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the President of Sequeira Partners Inc. Aroon is also the President of the Citadel Theatre/Robbins Academy Board of Directors. Between being a busy dad, a world traveller and a successful businessman, he somehow still manages to find time to enrich the cultural lives of Edmontonians through his support and involvement with the Citadel. He was recently featured in the Citadel Theatre e-newsletter. Aroon was also a member of the Business Alumni Association Board of Directors at the Alberta School of Business.
’83 Daryl Burd, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is Vice President Outreach and Corporate Engagement, for the Edmonton Professional Chapter of Engineers Without Borders. He recently sat on the organizing committee for their successful Fire & Ice Gala held on March 10, 2012.
’83 Chris Hanson, MBA, of Balwyn, Australia, writes that he is retiring after 25 years as a financial planner. “Having sold my practice, I now intend to work on some community projects, my golf handicap and travel ubiquitously with my wife Dubravka,” Chris says, adding, “hopefully the share market will cooperate.”
’85 Mark Jones, BCom , of Dallas, Texas, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TWG Insurance. Co-founded in 2003 by Mark and his wife Robyn, TWG has become one of the largest and fastest growing insurance brokers in the United States. Mark and Robyn are the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren, the eldest of whom is four.
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’85 Art MacNichol, BCom, of Calgary, Alberta, is the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Progress Energy Resources Corp. Art was recognized as the “Top Chief Financial Officer” by Alberta Oil magazine. The achievements of Alberta’s top-performing energy executives were celebrated at the 2nd Annual C-Suite Stars Awards Gala on February 2 held at the Westin Calgary. Art is featured in a photo with presenting sponsor Bruce Edgelow, ATB Corporate Financial Services.
’85 Jennifer Koury, BCom, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, accepted a position as Vice President, Human Resources, for BHP Billiton.
’85 Michèle Stanners, MBA, of Cambridge, Massachussets, graduated from Harvard Divinity School with a Masters in Theological Studies this year. Michèle writes: “Following a year as a Fellow here, I decided to return for a Masters in Theological Studies with a concentration in Buddhism. Meantime, I’ve founded an Arts and Leadership Initiative here with the Kennedy School – reconnecting the arts and humanities to leadership development, practice and process. Still in nascent stage so not yet sure where and what is next!”
’86 John Cameron, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta is a musician, entrepreneur and owner of a 3,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home that was recently featured in the Edmonton Journal. Cameron began playing piano at age five and attended the Central Tabernacle church, now demolished, where he was always in awe of The Singing Christmas Tree. Now the group’s conductor, John jumped at the chance to own a home that featured glass blocks and salvaged materials from the old church.
’86 Robert Moyles, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, accepted a position as Senior Director, Strategic Engagement and Outreach, Office of Advancement at the U of A. In this new role, he will develop and implement strategic communications strategies and develop marketing materials for the University's highest-priority initiatives and campaigns with a focus on individual, corporate and foundation donors, and prospective donors. He also will manage the Office of Advancement Events and Office of Stewardship. Prior to joining the U of A, Robert held the position of Director, Strategic Communications with the City of Edmonton. His work has been recognized with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Canada Award for Merit for the Edmonton Stories project, the IABC Canada Silver Leaf Award of Excellence for the Succeed Sooner campaign, and the Premier's Award of Excellence as part of the Water for Life team.
’87 Cidnee Stephen, BCom, of Calgary, Alberta, is the Founder and Owner of Strategies for Success. She recently held a workshop on effective networking and survival tactics for networking in 2012 and she also discussed how to effectively network through social media outlets such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google. The workshop took place on May 10 at the West Restaurant & Bar in Calgary. Cidnee also publishes a bi-weekly marketing e-zine called the Marketing Excelerator and will be launching a book in the next year.
’87 Megan Watson, BCom, of London, England, and her husband Wayne Lui attended the recent London alumni reception and wrote: “It was good to meet the MBA students and the other U of A Business grads living and working in London. We look forward to participating in more events with the U of A once we’re settled back in Calgary next year. It will be Wayne’s 30th anniversary of graduation from Engineering so I expect we will be at the homecoming in 2014 to celebrate that.”
’88 Darcy Amendt, BCom, of Drumheller, Alberta, is the President of Arctic Spas, a company that manufactures and sells spas and other related products. Arctic Spas paid $80,000 for the naming rights to the Thorsby recreation centre over a ten-year term. “The communities give us a lot. The decision to move here was a great decision,” said Darcy, adding in a market where some companies are struggling to find employees and others are having to lay them off, they have found a good fit in Thorsby. “The quality of the work is unbelievable.”
’88 Cheryl Lockhart, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, launched Omni Management Consulting Alliance, a collaborative consulting practice with four other consultants including Jeff Cullen, ‘02 MBA. They work with private businesses in a number of areas related to improving business performance and specialize in international business development. Cheryl, who has worked as an independent consultant since 2002, says: “This alliance will allow us to offer a broader suite of services to our clients as we all have complementary skills related to business growth and improvement.”
’89 Peter Dobbie, MBA, of Vegreville, Alberta, has been appointed the new Farmers’ Advocate for Alberta. The Farmers’ Advocate Office has the role of ensuring rural Albertans have consumer protection, rural opportunities, and fair process and also administers the Farm Implement Act, which provides consumer protection through warranty, parts availability, and licencing provisions for farm equipment.
’89 Joseph Gebran, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, has recently been appointed Vice President, Corporate Affairs, at Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions.
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’89 Brian Olesky, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is a Forensic Investigator at the Law Society of Alberta. As a forensic investigator, it is his role to investigate a lawyer’s practice and scrutinize for potential problems. “It is a significant use of my skills and work” says Brian. After reciving his CA designation in 1993, he started working for the Law Society of Alberta and 20 years later he is still happy to be there. He was featured in the Spring issue of the Spotlight magazine published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.
’90 David Fildes, BCom, of Surrey, United Kingdom, is Co-Head of Commodity Trading – Europe, for Phibro in London. He recently attended our London alumni reception and wrote: “Was great to see the U of A Business enthusiasm from both past and present … the future certainly looks bright for the School.”
’90 Lavonne Herbst, MBA, of Edmonton, Alberta, is co-owner of the Alley Kat Brewing Co. Their recent expansion will boost annual capacity at the microbrewery from 1.47 million bottles of beer to more than three million bottles a year for sale across Alberta and South Korea.
’90 Pat Kiernan, BCom, of New York, New York, morning anchor on NY1 News, co-hosted Live! with Kelly in March 2012. Was it his dream job? “There’s no dissatisfaction with my current job, but this is one of those great jobs in television that it would be a privilege to do occasionally or a privilege to do regularly,” Pat told FishbowlNY.
’91 Leland Oberst, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is a new Managing Partner at Deloitte and the service leader of the Assurance and Advisory practice in the Rocky Mountain Region with offices in Edmonton, Langley, and Prince George. He is also the national leader of the “Private Enterprise GAAP vs. IFRS Choice for Private Enterprises” initiative for Deloitte. He is the Lead Client Service Partner for many of the Edmonton office’s significant private clients. Leland brings over sixteen years of public practice experience and two years of private industry experience to his clients.
’91 Rhoneil Velasco, BCom,of Calgary, Alberta, and business partners Tracy Marsden, ’83 BSc, ’86 BSc (second from left), and George Gillson, ’85 PhD (first from left) are celebrating their tenth year in business together as owners of Rocky Mountain Analytical (RMA). The Calgary-based company they founded in 2002 was named one of the fastest growing companies in Canada in 2011 and made the top 200 list in Profit magazine. RMA is accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta to conduct patient tests not covered by medicare and is the only accredited laboratory in Canada providing wellness-testing services specifically for practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine.
’93 Catherine Heggerud, MBA, ’90 BCom, of Calgary, Alberta, accepted a new position as Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Credit Union Engagement, at Credit Union Central Alberta Ltd. Catherine also ran as a Public School Board Trustee in the last Calgary election.
’93 Shaheel Hooda, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is Chief Executive at Element Industrial Solutions. Shaheel was interviewed recently by the Globe and Mail for a story about why large construction and engineering projects suffer delays due to “waiting time” with up to 15 percent of construction time wasted as workers wait around for parts to arrive or engineering drawings and ways to reduce wait time.
’94 Ross Phillips, MBA, of Toronto, Ontario, was appointed Vice President, Development, Potash Ridge Corporation. Most recently, Ross was Director of Business Development at Capital Power Corporation. Prior to Capital Power, he held various senior roles at Sherritt International Corporation.
’95 Eric Axford, MBA, of Calgary, Alberta, was recently promoted to the position of Executive Vice President, Business Services, Suncor Energy Inc Oil Sands. Eric is accountable for environment, health and safety, sustainability, and central technical services. His portfolio also includes responsibility for communications, stakeholder relations, supply chain management, and field logistics.
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’95 Scott Gilmore, BCom, of Ottawa, Ontario, a social entrepreneur with experience in business, aid, and diplomacy, recently became president of Anchor Chain, a for-profit social enterprise that helps companies move from corporate social responsibility to creating shared value. He is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Peace Dividend Trust, a non-profit social enterprise that creates jobs and sustains peace in developing countries by championing local entrepreneurs and connecting them to global supply chains. In 2010, Peace Dividend Trust won the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship. Scott will also receive a Distinguished Alumni Award at Alumni Weekend 2012 this September, and will be one of three panelists at the 2012 BAA Dinner.
’96 Stephen Kerr, MBA, ’83 BCom, of Peoria, Illinois, was recently tenured and promoted to Associate Professor of Accounting at Bradley University in Peoria.
’96 Suzanne Scott, BCom, of Menlo Park, California, moved to the Valley after obtaining her MBA from Harvard. Suzanne has recently left e-Bay, where she was responsible for marketing of fashion and clothes. She is looking to build a new business: focusing on lighting fixtures and using the web to drive traffic and recoup revenues through third party sales.
’97 Bob Picken, MBA, of Sherwood Park, Alberta, has accepted a senior position with a multinational corporation with growing operations in North America, Europe and Asia, and will has left the University. During his time at the U of A as Manager of Insurance and Risk Assessment, Bob has established himself as decisive manager with outstanding knowledge of a complex field. Building numerous positive relationships with faculties, administrative units, staff associations and students, Bob has helped establish Risk Management Services as an organization committed to helping the University find ways to “say yes to risk” to meet its objectives.
’98 Joelle McLaren, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the Owner and operator of the California Closet Franchise for the Edmonton and Calgary locations. Joelle is enjoying life with husband Cameron Johnson and son Garrick.
’99 Stuart Cullum, MBA, of Sherwood Park, Alberta, accepted a new position as Vice President, Agriculture, at Northlands Park.
’99 Sushila Sahay, MBA, ’99 BCom, of San Francisco, California, is the Director of Account Management at Mashery Inc. Sushila and her husband Chris Ward attended the 2012 alumni wine tour in Sonoma, California, on April 21. Sushila appreciated the opportunity to meet Dr. Joseph Doucet, the new Interim Dean of the Alberta School of Business, and network with other graduates in the area.
’99 Aly Virani, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the new President of Hoxton Homes Inc. He attended the Eric Geddes Breakfast Lecture in late April with alumnus Bruce Rigal, Deputy COO, Corporate and Investment Banking, Deutsche Bank, London. Aly, with his extensive European experience, was interested in Bruce's presentation on the EU Crisis and its implications on HR - motivation, compensation, and implications.
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’99 Larry Yakiwczuk, MBA, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the owner of Larry Yakiwczuk Enterprises and Buckaru Auctions. Larry was one of the 30 applicants who participated in the Dragons’ Den auditions for a chance to pitche his next million-dollar idea to a panel of wealthy Canadian business moguls - the Dragons. The two CBC producers in attendance were tough in their evaluations of the innovative products and services that were being presented but also displayed a great sense of humour. The auditions were hosted by the Alberta School of Business in the Stollery Executive Development Centre on Saturday, March 10, 2012.
’00 Andrew Birkby, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is Vice President, Investment Banking for Canaccord Capital. Andrew spoke to an engaged group of MBA Students about his professional journey on February 16 at the Alberta School of Business.
’00 Aaron Rosland, MBA, , of New Delhi, India, has been appointed to a diplomatic role as the Ontario Representative to India in New Delhi. Aaron notes: “In this role, I raise Ontario’s profile in India and represent Ontario interests, industry and government in India.” Aaron encourages his classmates to come to New Delhi to visit anytime.
’00 Lisa Werstiuk, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, accepted a position as Marketing Manager at Grant Thornton LLP. “My role here is very similar to what I was doing with BDO except that I’m focusing only on northern Alberta rather than Alberta and interior British Columbia,” says Lisa. Grant Thornton LLP was recognized as one of Canada's best workplaces for their fourth consecutive year.
’01 Amanda Babichuk, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, has joined the Focus Communications team as Director of Marketing and Business Development, from her most recent endeavour as owner and Creative Warrior of d’Lish Urban Kitchen & Wine Bar. Focus Communications is a boutique public relations, social media, and marketing firm in its tenth year of operation. The firm has a staff of nine serving clients in all three sectors.
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’01 Binh Huynh, BCom, of Los Angeles, California, writes: “I have been living in Los Angeles for close to seven years now where I enjoy skiing, surfing, and playing tennis year round. I currently work in the International Theatrical Finance Group at Sony Pictures Entertainment in Culver City, California. Working here has numerous perks on top of the daily job, including attending various movie premieres and award ceremonies, primarily the Emmys and Oscars.”
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’02 Chris Burrows, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the Chief Financial Officer of K-Bro Linen Systems Inc., the largest owner and operator of laundry and linen processing facilities in Canada. He is also the Chair of the ICAA working group for Early Career Chartered Accountants and a Director of Goodwill Industries of Alberta. Chris has been re-appointed to the Board of NorQuest College.
’02 Ivor Lee, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the Director of Accounting, North Region, for Flint Energy Services. Ivor will be volunteering at Business Alumni Association’s 2012 CMA Cup Golf Tournament in September that will be held at the Windermere Golf and Country Club in Edmonton.
’02 Anahita Rahimi, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is a Senior Buyer at Enbridge Pipelines. She recently joined the Board of Directors of the Edmonton Women’s Shelter, most commonly known as WIN House, a non-profit agency operating two shelters in Edmonton. Anahita helped organize the 22nd Annual Win FORE WIN women's golf tournament held on May 28 at the Highlands Golf Club.
’03 Kurtis Schultz, BCom, of St. Albert, Alberta, is a partner at Nobrega Financial Inc. Kurtis had been awarded the 2010 Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) Dunstall Award for the Province of Alberta. The Institute for Advanced Financial Education presents this award annually to the individual with the highest mark of all CLU students in Alberta. A notice of this achievement was published in the May issue of FORUM magazine and the award was subsequently presented at a meeting of the Financial Advisors Association of Canada chapter in Edmonton.
’04 Kristen Clark, BCom, of Leduc, Alberta, is the Manager, Marketing and Communications, at the Bissell Centre, an inner city agency with a vision to eliminate poverty in the community.
’05 Cameron John, MBA, of Edmonton, Alberta, rejoined Deloitte Corporate Finance as Vice President and Director, coming from his time with a boutique energy services merger and acquisition advisory firm. Cameron’s professional experience over the last dozen years is specialized in merger and acquisitions and corporate finance projects. He has served a number of companies in the areas of strategic planning, growth initiatives and restructuring. Cameron is currently a member of the Board of Governors for NorQuest College, and over the last decade he has served in a number of capacities with the United Way. He has also been active as a guest speaker with the University of Alberta School of Business.
’05 Lesley Scorgie, BCom,of Calgary, Alberta, is a best-selling author and a professional speaker. She was the featured speaker in the U of A’s Educated Wallet speaker series on April 25 at the U of A Calgary Centre where she shared her guide to financial success.
’05 Holly Mah, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the owner of Bubble Buzz. Even though the business opened its doors in the summer of 2011, Holly maintains her career in public practice, working at Kingston, Ross Pasnak (KRP) in the firm’s Internal Audit and Consulting Department. Working at KRP has given Holly the opportunity to apply to her own business what she has learned through providing advisory services to clients on so many different issues. Holly holds a Chartered Accountant designation and was featured in the spring 2012 issue of Spotlight Magazine published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.
’06 Alissa Belseck-Mushaluk, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, Manager at Mowbrey Gil Chartered Accountants and Consultants, was interviewed in the Spring issue of Spotlight magazine published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA). In the spring 2010 issue of Spotlight, Alissa was introduced as one of the four 2010 graduates, members of the ICAA’s Centennial Class. Spotlight revisits the four each year as they progress in their personal and professional journeys.
’06 Cheng-Hsin Chang, MBA,of Edmonton, Alberta, is a Financial Security Advisor at Freedom 55 Financial. Cheng and wife Penny welcomed their first child Philip Edward born on March 6 at 9:49 am weighing 5 lbs 10 oz.
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’06 Michael Richard, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is an Investment Advisor with Canaccord Wealth Management. He recently relocated to the Calgary branch of Canaccord.
’07 Cam Linke, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, along with Sam Jenkins, ’05 BCom, and Ken Bautista, ’99 Ed, are on the leadership team of Startup Edmonton, a nonprofit with a goal of making Edmonton a hotbed for creativity and entrepreneurship. Recently, the group officially opened a space in the Mercer Building on 104th Street and Stony Plain Road, revitalizing the warehouse into an area where young companies can apply for shared office space, meeting room access, and the mentorship of Startup executives. Their goal is to help launch 500 creative entrepreneurs over the next five years.
’07 Lisa Squire, BCom, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has accepted an appointment as Director of Marketing at Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Lisa is based out of the network's Winnipeg head office. She is a First Nations citizen of Alberta's Saddle Lake Cree Nation.
’07 Damian Zapisocky, MBA, 00 BCom, of Red Deer, Alberta, is the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Studon Electric and Controls Inc. Studon has been recognized as one of the 2011 Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies.
’09 Jason Acker, MBA, and David Alton, ’95 MBA, of Aquila Diagnostic Systems, will soon start market testing the Domino - a small plastic chip containing a gel that can identify cancer or blood-borne diseases in half an hour. When blood enters the chip, it flows into 20 separate gel compartments. The chip gets put in a small, automated, portable lab that runs a different molecular test on each compartment after putting it through a process that multiplies the scraps of genetic material in the sample. Though its applications are vast, the Domino’s first commercial test will come in the area of livestock management.
’09 Nithya Ramachandran, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, writes that she is on an internship through the International Association of Students in Economics and Business Management. She is working as a Communications Associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers in London, England.
’09 Mohamed Walid Ibrahim, MBA, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the Director of Al-Halim Enterprise Ltd. He was selected by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce as one of the 2012 Alberta Business Award of Distinction finalists under the Youth Entrepreneur category. Also, his company Al-Halim Enterprise was nominated for the Alberta Premier’s Award of Distinction.
’10 Raj Dhunna, MBA, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the Chief Operating Officer for Regency Development. Raj was featured in the January issue of Alberta Venture magazine regarding the official launch of the Pearl – a 35-storey building set to soar above Jasper Avenue and 119 Street by 2014, making it Edmonton’s tallest and most luxurious residential tower.
’10 Jessica Leung, BCom, of Toronto, Ontario, is Assistant Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble and was chosen as one of five National Finalists at the 2012 Cannes Lions Young Marketer of the Year competition, selected out of 90 competitors across Canada. Selection was based on developing a communications brief (in 24 hours) for a not for profit, the YMCA of Greater Toronto, and was evaluated based on breakthrough insights and big ideas that can inspire great results. Invited to the Globe and Mail headquarters to present to a judging panel, Jessica’s team won Silver.
’10 Chris Lynch, MBA, ’03 BCom, of Sherwood Park, Alberta, is the Director of the MBA program at the Alberta School of Business. Chris was interviewed recently by the Globe and Mail for a story about the new ways of thinking in MBA programs. “Yes, there’s certainly something to be said for ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it’,” said Chris, but he adds the school is always looking at teaching methods and techniques that are going to keep students up to date with the latest in business.
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’10 Sikandar Atiq, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the Vice President, Portfolio Development, Next Equities. Alberta’s newest private equity firm launched in front of about 100 guests at Edmonton’s Union Bank Inn on March 7 with a keynote address from Interim Dean Joseph Doucet, Alberta School of Business. New Equities is an Edmonton-based private equity firm that targets promising companies looking for funding and complementary expertise to accelerate growth and profitability.
’10 Angelo Talamayan, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, is the owner and Vice President, Marketing and Communications, RUZE. The official launch of his new eco-fashion business was held in February at Lucid Lifestyle in Edmonton. The company diverts old billboards from the landfills by reusing these discarded materials and transforming them into unique products.
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’10 Guillaume Tardif, MBA, of Edmonton, Alberta, is an Associate Professor of Violin at the U of A. He is also teaching a course in arts management, the first of its kind in Western Canada. The Rozsa Foundation, a philanthropic organization that promotes the value of the arts, teamed up with the Alberta School of Business to offer the class, which is built on the belief that business and the arts can learn a great deal from one another. The course started up in January for MBA students who can use it toward a degree specialization in sustainability. Arts students also have the opportunity to learn about the business end of things. Topics include design, adapting technologies for music and business, the impact of copyright and digital technology, and the importance of looking at business problems in creative ways.
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’11 Maya Cieszynska, BCom, of Toronto, Ontario, works for Tostitos PepsiCo Foods Canada in Toronto as Assistant Marketing Manager. Maya likes to stay connected with the School and has agreed to help with a fundraising project for new grads and current students. Together with Jessica Leung, ’10 BCom, who has also agreed to help with this project, the concept is to build giving habits of young professionals in their 20s and start their philanthropic support through social media assistance.
’11 Ashley Davis, MBA, of Edmonton, Alberta, joined the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the U of A as a Corporate Relations Officer. Ashley will manage a portfolio of corporate relationships and be responsible for resource development for Alumni Affairs programming including expanding existing affinity partnerships and selling sponsorship inventory. She will also work on sponsorships for key U of A events and provide guidance and expertise to the various units involved in sponsorships. Ashley started her career working for Alberta Children and Youth Services before joining the world of advancement as a Development Officer at NAIT. Most recently, Ashley has been working as a Special Consultant for Canada West Military Museums, a non-profit organization created by HCol (R) Stanley Milner, OC.
’11 Danielle Wiebe, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, accepted a marketing position at Kinnikinnick Foods Inc.
’12 Thibault Golfetto, MBA , of Paris, France, writes: “I am finally done with my studies and I will soon receive my degrees both from EDHEC and the University of Alberta. The NREE Program really encouraged me to work in the energy industry. I am now back in France working for a consulting company called Sia Conseil as an Energy Consultant. I am currently on a mission for the semi-public company ErDF that manages the public electricity distribution network in France.”
’70 Tom Devaney, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, Director, Video News Inc., is being honoured as a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants of Alberta for his extensive service to the profession as an educator to post-secondary students, developing CAs, and seasoned professional accountants.
’82 Terry Freeman, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, Managing Director, Northern Plains Investment Counsel, is being honoured as a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants of Alberta for his success in the Alberta business sector, his contributions to the development of young Chartered Accountants, his leadership in corporate governance education, and service to the community.
’94 Jane Halford, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta, is being honoured as a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants of Alberta for her exceptional leadership of the Alberta CA profession as well as her record of community involvement including roles with the Alberta Economic Development Authority and the University of Alberta Alumni Association.
’90 Richard Iwaniuk, BCom, of St Albert, Alberta, Senior Director, BioWare Label, EA Inc., is being honoured with a Distinguished Service Award for his volunteer service in the Edmonton Community including his 30-season membership of the Hockey Alberta Referee Council.
’99 Pei San Chan, BCom, of Edmonton, Alberta, Partner, Donnelly and Co. LLP, is being honoured with an Early Achievement Award for her professional achievements and her extensive volunteer commitments including her work with the Edmonton Chinese Lions Club.
’04 Ian MacDonald, BCom, of St Albert, Alberta, is being honoured with an Early Achievement Award for his volunteer work with the Compassion House Foundation and Edmonton Opera’s encore! group and, in his professional life, where he is a Partner—and student mentor—at MNP.
<’95 Barbara Engelbart, BComm was recently promoted to Vice President, Reputation & Relationships for Goodwill Industries of Alberta. In this position she will support the strategic direction and development of the marketing, communications, fund development and business development activities of the organization. Barbara has been with Goodwill four years and formerly held the title of Executive Director, Marketing and Communications.