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Alumni Notes

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2002

Faizal Hasham (EMBA) recently founded a boutique construction firm, Edge Construction Inc., which specializes in hotel renovations. The company is currently working on a renovation at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa. “I dusted off a few MBA blue binders when preparing the strategy and business plan,” reports Faizal.
Published in: Winter 2015
Luciana Perri (EMBA) passed away on July 1, aged 48, while scuba diving near Brockville, Ont. Wife of Steve Long, daughter of Luigi and Ellen Perri and daughter-in-law of Evelyn and the late Philip Long. Sister of Teresa Perri (Mitch Ma) and sister-in-law of Jason Long (Maryann) and Matthew Long. Luciana will be remembered by her many friends and colleagues.
Published in: Winter 2015
jeannot_rakotomalala_emba
Jeannot Rakotomalala (EMBA) is living in Brussels and serving as Ambassador and Head of Mission of Madagascar to the European Union. He is also Madagascar’s Ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Email: rakotomalala@travel-net.com
Published in: Winter 2012
david_hart_emba
David Hart (EMBA), head-hunted from Milwaukee, WI, has been appointed the new Managing Director of Fronius Australia, Solar Electronic Division, located in Melbourne. Fronius, a global company, manufactures solar inverters. David comments, “Over the last few months, we have invested a great deal of energy in the renovation of our new branch. I’m delighted that we’re now really getting started!” David’s wife Marilyn (PhD) has been appointed Immunology Manager at the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories. Email: kwdhart@yahoo.com  
Published in: Winter 2012
carolyn_rogers_emba
Carolyn Rogers (EMBA) is another of the three QSB grads who was chosen by Caldwell Partners as one of 2008’s “Top 40 Under 40” – young “business leaders of today and tomorrow.” After working in banks, credit unions and management consulting, she took her new MBA to a new job as President and CEO of Hydroxyl, a waste-water treatment company based in Victoria, BC. Growing her staff from nine to 38, she has won Hydroxyl international recognition for water treatment systems that reduce the environmental impact of various industries, cruise ships and municipalities. For more on Carolyn’s career, go to the website for “Top 40 Under 40” and follow the links to her.
Published in: Winter 2009
James Brennan (EMBA) relocated to Barrie, ON, this fall, along with his wife Vicki and daughter Nathalie.
Published in: Winter 2009
jeffrey_veffer_mba
Jeffrey Veffer (MBA) has taken on a new position with the Toronto Board of Trade as Director, Product Innovation. He is responsible for the innovation and development of an exciting suite of non-technology and technology-based products that will have a meaningful impact on the way the membership of the Board of Trade does business.
Published in: Winter 2012
Jeffrey Veffer (MBA) recently joined LoyaltyOne (Air Miles) in Corporate Development as Senior Manager, Product Development and Innovation. In this role, Jeffrey explores new corporate development and product opportunities for the Toronto-based company.
Published in: Winter 2011
Mark, left, with Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak
Mark Bain (MBA) won the Progressive Conservative nomination to represent his home riding of Kingston and the Islands in the next provincial election. Mark can be reached at www.markbain.ca
Published in: Summer 2013
Ramana (Ram) Balachandra
Ramana (Ram) Balachandra passed away tragically on April 26, 2014 in his hometown of Winnipeg. Ram graduated with first class honours in Commerce in 2002, after which he received his CA and CBV designations. In addition to being a loving brother, son and uncle, Ram was a beloved friend to countless people at Queen’s. He had a beaming smile and infectious laugh that drew people in. His intellect was unmatched and his huge heart endeared him to all who knew him. Ram lived at “The Theme”, a house with an eclectic decor that served as a hub where he and his roommates’ friends could gather. Ram always knew how to get the party started – no one was left out when he was in the room. He brought out the best in the people around him. After graduation, Ram met up regularly with his Commerce pals, attending the weddings of Keith Mills and Jeremy Chan in Toronto. He was to be a groomsman at Scott Dalgleish’s wedding this August in Muskoka. Ram travelled through various parts of Canada with his good buds and Com’02 classmates Christian (Cbass) Rankin and Scott Dalgleish several times over the years. Together they traversed the salty cliffs of Cape Breton Island and hiked the Rocky Mountains. These epic trips provided a lifetime of memories for the three friends. Ram had a sharp analytical mind, but he truly loved music, the arts and film in particular. His depth of character and affectionate personality left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Donations in Ram’s memory can be made to the Psychiatry Unit of Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg (vgh.mb.ca/foundation).
Published in: Summer 2014