Smiths Commitment to Diversity
Highlighted at Kaleidoscope Event
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|
A panel
composed of Smith alumni and
current students share their MBA
experiences and offer
suggestions on how to pursue an
MBA during "The Real Deal"
discussion. |
On Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 the Smith
School hosted its Sixth Annual
Kaleidoscope: Women & Diversity at Smith
event. Kaleidoscope provided a unique
opportunity to expose prospective
members of underrepresented groups to
the rich diversity of the Smith MBA
community and culture, and experience at
large. The event was co-hosted by the
school's Black MBA Association, the
Hispanic MBA Association, the Smith
Association of Women MBAs, and the Smith
Pride Alliance.
The day began with a warm welcome
from G. John Bullock, MBA candidate '08
and VP of Student Affairs for the MBA
Association, and Assistant Dean
Christine La Cola. In her remarks, La
Cola specifically mentioned how future
business leaders cant successfully
market a product or service without
having a diverse group of perspectives
and experiences.
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|
Dargeelyn
Loftin '80, MBA '90, president
of Loftin Management Consulting,
discusses the impact that the
Smith MBA had on her career as
part of her keynote address. |
During the general morning session,
students were treated to keynote remarks
from Dargeelyn Loftin '80, MBA 90,
president of Loftin Management
Consulting, and Miguel Dieguez, MBA
candidate 08. Loftin vividly discussed
her post-MBA experiences managing her
own unit at GE and her decision to form
her own successful strategic management
consulting firm. The Smith MBA program
is what you make of it, stated Loftin.
You cant be complacent you have to take
the onus yourself. Dieguez spoke about
how Smith provides a safe environment
for students to take chances and
experiment. He went on to advise
students to never fall into the trap of
trying to fit into a mold or conform to
a particular way of thinking."
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|
Sam Kang,
associate director of
recruiting, reviews admissions
criteria with prospective
full-time MBA students during
the morning breakout session. |
Following the keynote speakers, the
prospective students had their choice of
breakout workshops, which included
admissions information sessions for
full-time and part-time applicants, a
tour of Van Munching Hall, and a GMAT
overview session conducted by Camille F.
Leverett, director of Diversity
Initiatives for GMAC.
After lunch, students were treated to
a presentation from LaVern Chapman,
director of MBA career programs, on
career exploration and resources; an
engaging discussion of the Smith
academic experience led by Professors
Hank Boyd and Judy Frels; and "The Real
Deal" panel discussion featuring current
MBA students and alumni. At the end of
the day, the prospective students
departed with a significant wealth of
insight into the important role of
diversity at Smith and the MBA
experience at large.
For more information about Diversity
at Smith, visit:
http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/about/diversity.html.
▓ Pete
Baird, MBA Candidate 2009
