Dean's Message - Summer 2011

Much has changed since my update last spring. The labour market is now starting to show true signs of improvement—music to the ears of our staff in the Career Centre. Our executive development numbers are returning to growth—another solid sign of the recovery, and the gaping pit at Frontenac and Union streets has transformed into the structure that is the beginnings of the Goodes Hall Expansion.

While I don’t own a crystal ball, I do feel confident about making a few predictions about where Queen’s School of Business is headed.

I predict that by the spring of 2020, the potential of each Queen’s School of Business student will be fully realized through an exceptional, whole-student experience—both inside and outside the classroom. Case in point: the Career Development Fund will be in place, helping to prepare students to transition from life as a student to life as a business person.

I also see a strengthened international focus that exposes students, faculty and alumni to a diversity of experiences and cultures. In fact, we’re already helping to ensure that future alumni will be able to conduct business in an evolving global context, and I invite you to turn to page 21 for more on our latest international collaboration.

I predict the School will have achieved a level of thought leadership that entrenches its place as a global leader in business education and a driving force for business thinking and innovation.

Finally, I foresee an extraordinary landscape for learning—one that strengthens the School’s connected and collaborative environment for students, faculty and alumni. The 75,000-sq.-ft. expansion of Goodes Hall is front and centre of these exciting changes to our landscape.

So, what will it take to turn this vision into reality? Queen’s School of Business has always enjoyed strong support from its students and alumni, and it’s with your continued support that I know we can achieve this vision.

There are many ways you can stay connected to your alma mater. Sign up for Alumni Central, where you can learn about upcoming events and look up classmates; read QSB Magazine, in print and now online; or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.

Starting this year, we would like to invite you to help inaugurate a new tradition: the first annual Queen’s School of Business Open House on October 22. Join us for brunch, student-led tours of our new expansion and the Gaels football game! Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more information. All alumni are welcome to attend, especially those celebrating class anniversaries (years ending in ‘1 and ‘6 of all decades.)

While there are many changes on the horizon, there is also much that remains the same. Queen’s School of Business has always urged its students and alumni to dare to dream big dreams and not to set limits on their potential. Our alumni have founded companies in the carbon offset market, become bestselling authors (cover story, page 16) and lead major financial institutions. Our recent Dare to Dream winners profiled on page 8 will no doubt be following in their footsteps soon. The future is looking very bright!

Thank you for your continued interest, advice and support. Please stay in touch—and enjoy your summer.

David M. Saunders, PhD
Dean, Queen’s School of Business
dsaunders@business.queensu.ca