UMD’s Smith School Graduates
Tenth Executive MBA Cohort in College Park
On July 28, 2011, the 10th cohort of executive MBA students celebrated the end
of their 19-month journey at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School
of Business. The 35 executives joined in Van Munching Hall’s Frank Auditorium with
family, friends and members of the Smith School community for a recognition ceremony
to honor their accomplishments.
Smith School Dean G. “Anand” Anandalingam, who has taught in the Smith EMBA program,
said the program is a great learning experience not just for the students but also
for the faculty members because of the quality of exchange that takes place in the
classroom. He urged the new alumni to continue to focus on issues surrounding globalization,
entrepreneurship/innovation and social value creation in their professional and
personal lives. Don’t just do your job, give back to the community, he said.
Adored by the students, cohort director Progyan Basu addressed the class in a
heartfelt salute, honoring them for their dedication and perseverance. “It seems
like a long 19 months,” said Basu. “But it also seems like it was just the other
day that you started. Well, which is it?” He asked. All of the students chimed in:
“It depends!” If there is one thing a Smith EMBA student learns from Basu, a Tyser
Teaching Fellow of Accounting, it’s that the answer is always, “it depends!”
Josh Weiner, student speaker, gave a humorous and entertaining presentation that
helped encapsulate the Smith EMBA experience in a PowerPoint slideshow, using the
“B-School Translator 12” for the non-business minds in the audience.
Greg Hanifee, assistant dean of executive programs, closed out the ceremony by
encouraging students to stay connected with each other and the Smith School. “My
connection to you is special and I believe in the power of music to translate and
transcend emotions,” said Hanifee, who also has an MBA from the Smith School. He
recited these words from the REM song “I Believe,” with great impact:
Trust in your calling, make sure your calling's true
Think of others, the others think of you
Silly rule golden words make, practice, practice makes perfect,
Perfect is a fault, and fault lines change
The students had just finished up a weeklong capstone
business simulation project prior to their ceremony. Adam Bell, the
president of one of the winning teams in the competition said, “Special thanks
to all of the faculty, staff, executive coaches, and all those who helped design
and execute the best EMBA program in the region. Additionally, thanks to Cohort
X for making the learning experience so valuable through their contributions and
perspectives.” Bell also gave some words of wisdom to prospective EMBA students:
“Immerse yourself in the program and enjoy the ride. Use the program to really
expand yourself professionally and personally. You truly do get out of the
program what you put in,” said Bell.
The Smith School launched its Executive MBA program in the U.S. and Beijing,
China, in 2003. The Smith School also partners with SAIC to offer an executive MBA
program for its employees. For more information about the Smith EMBA program, visit:
www.rhsmith.umd.edu/emba.
Alissa Arford, EMBA ’10, Office of Marketing Communications
