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