In early March, the conference was held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where the Asper School of Business’s 2021-22 Commerce Students’ Association (CSA) was named the Most Outstanding Business Student Association. This distinguished award recognizes a student association and its executive team that has made the biggest strides in their management and execution of operations in the current year.

“I’m profoundly proud of the professionalism and hard-work demonstrated by this team. It’s inspiring to work with such dedicated group of students,” said Dr. Bruno Silvestre, Acting Dean and CPA Manitoba Chair of the Asper School of Business. “The Asper School of Business extends a warm congratulations to the CSA.”

Despite all the challenges brought by the pandemic, the CSA demonstrated thoughtful leadership and led a variety of initiatives this past year.

The association provided free laptop rentals to students in need for remote learning, and awarded $10,000 in scholarships to their international student body. In addition, the CSA launched a complimentary ticket program for students in financial need, reserving five to 10 per cent of the tickets for events like the Business Banquet and Graduation Dinners for students who would otherwise not attend due to financial hardship. They also raised $11,271.95 in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada during the annual Shinerama charity campaign and over $7,000 to-date in their current campaign in support of Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) Winnipeg, a local charity that provides resources and programs for youth experiencing homelessness.

On the events side, the CSA hosted several networking events and received the first in-person conference in the CABS network since March 2020. The 29th annual National Business School Conference brought together more than 20 Canadian Business Schools. On top of that, the CSA continues to provide professional development opportunities for students with initiatives like the Mock Interview and Take-a-Student-to-Eat (TASTE) Programs.

“We continued to strengthen our relationship with the business community and organizations like The Associates and Young Associates. The Asper School is so lucky to have an organization like The Associates that continues to provide support to our students in our events and initiatives,” said Connor Egan, CSA’s President. “We also worked closely with the faculty throughout the year, during a period where the environment was rapidly changing around us.”

The Asper Commerce Students’ Association continues to serve as a link between the Asper student body, the faculty of the Asper School of Business and the broader business community.

2021-2022 CSA Executive team:

• Connor Egan, President
• Kyla Mae Dacanay, Vice President Internal
• Adrian Socha, Vice President Finance
• Alexandra Blake, Vice President Corporate Relations
• Amanda Cerqueti, Vice President Professional Events
• Haris Qamar, Vice President Academic Events
• Cole Hutchison, Vice President Social Events

“After nearly two years of planning, the JDC West 2022 Organizing Committee was all set to welcome delegates to the first-ever JDC West business competition in Winnipeg in January of 2022. However, with less than 3 weeks to go, the decision was made to cancel the in-person competition for the sake of everyone’s health and safety, which remains our top priority,” said Stephanie Kalo, JDC West Co-Chair.

Kalo noted that switching formats for a competition of this size in a matter of weeks was no easy task.

“Even in a typical year, it is a significant undertaking that requires a team of over 40 people, 300 volunteers, and half a million dollars to execute. However, we know that the JDC West experience is the highlight of any business student’s undergraduate degree and are dedicated to ensuring that JDC West 2022 is an unforgettable experience for all involved.”

This year’s theme, “The Human Advantage” speaks to the need to understand, anticipate, and manage the individual and social consequences of economic, technical, political, social, and environmental change in an ethical and environmentally sensitive manner. Students will confront the human dimensions of today’s world, considering the individual, group, social, ethical and economic consequences that emerge from changes to organizations, industries, and economies.

“This virtual format represents a unique opportunity to explore this year’s JDC West event theme by reinforcing our human ability to adapt to uncertainties in our environment,” said Dr. Bruno Silvestre, Acting Dean and CPA Manitoba Chair of the Asper School of Business. “The need to manage under high-uncertainty will better prepare Canadian business students to become the agile, ethical and environmentally responsible leaders that society needs to prosper.”

For more information, visit https://www.jdcwest.org/ and follow @jdcwest on Instagram.

The JDC West organizing committee comprised of students, Asper alumni and the local business community hosted the very first virtual JDC West Competition that welcomed over 600 students from 12 of the premier post-secondary institutions in Western Canada. This competition, with a reputation as one of the most prestigious undergraduate business competitions in Canada, allows business school students to represent their schools in academic, debate, and out-of-the-box social competitions.

Over the course of the three-day event, student delegates were treated to a series of engaging networking opportunities and professional development sessions hosted by several key corporate partners. These “info sessions” covered a broad spectrum of topics, including the pursuit of specific professional designations, managing financial health, embracing diversity in the workplace, future proofing  your career, key issues in various industries, and job opportunities post-graduation.  

Many of these info sessions were hosted by this year’s JDC West partners and sponsors  that included: Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA), The Associates, The Asper School of Business, RBC Royal Bank, Canadian Western Bank, CFA Societies Canada, Raymond James, EMILI, CMC-Canada, Integrationworx, Daemon Defense Systems, Bison Transport, Red Bull, Emco, Telus, UMSU, TableSpace, PitBlado Law and Inland AV.

The event success is a result of the culmination of nearly a year and a half of planning under the leadership of JDC West Co-Chairs Daniel Molinski and Stephanie Kalo, the support of Senior Scholar and Advisor Mary Brabston, and the 40-person organizing committee comprised of students, alumni, and professors.

“Our goal was to transform the competition in a way that would not only make it virtual, but also unforgettable,” said Kalo. “From helping us put together our original bid, to planning an in-person competition, and then pivoting halfway through the year to build this weekend entirely from the ground up, our organizing committee are the real heroes of the weekend. Together, our team has a combined 90 years of competition experience and we truly couldn’t have pulled this off without the dedication, passion and true love for JDC West that they showcased every single day.”

The event was initially set to take place in person with the opportunity for the Asper School of Business to showcase its school to all the attendees and volunteers.  However, the pandemic forced the team to pivot to the virtual format in the spring.

“I am proud of how our students, alumni and community members represented our School by hosting an outstanding virtual JDC West Event,” said Dr. Gady Jacoby, Asper School of Business Dean and CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership. “The ability to quickly adapt and excel in the virtual format demonstrates the resilience the Asper community has repeatedly displayed through the pandemic. I am proud of the team and look forward to next year, when we have the opportunity to host JDC West 2022 in person at the Drake Centre.”

While the organizing team, presenting partners, alumni and community members supported a well-run event, JDC West Team Toba debated, performed and presented their way to one of the School’s best-ever results. 

Team Toba won awards in a range of categories and the achievements listed below are in addition to the huge philanthropic and voluntary contributions made by the team members.

Asper placed third overall as School of the Year and as Academic School of the Year.

Our individual academic teams also had a number of top podium finishes, including:

• 1st place in Operations Management
• 2nd place in Business Strategy
• 3^rd place in International Business
• 3rd place in Finance
• 3rd place in Marketing
• 3rd place Business Technology Management
• 3rd place Entrepreneurship

In addition, Asper placed in a number of non-academic categories, including:

• 1st place in Participation – Reflecting the team’s professionalism, energy, quality, and other key values.
• 3rd place in Skit Night performance – Based on creativity, costumes, organization and enthusiasm.

Students Josef Quintana and Howard Monson also received the Executive of the Year Award – David Huynh Legacy Award.

The team’s success can also be attributed support from Faculty Advisors Lukas Neville and Howard Harmatz and from Case Competition Coach Judy Jayasuriya.

Lisa Wang, a fourth-year BComm Student majoring in actuarial mathematics was a member of the winning Team Toba Operations Management team commented on the team’s preparation in five months leading up to the event.

Asper BComm Student Lisa Wang

“It was exciting to see how well Team Toba did as a whole and witness everyone’s hard work pay off which represented Asper so well,” said Wang. “It was a surreal experience competing in a virtual setting. We truly could not have done it without the guidance of our amazing coaches and the countless hours they spent with us each week. Overall, the dedication of my teammates, coaches, and support from the team allowed us to achieve these fantastic results.”

To read more about the event and to learn about JDC West 2022 please www.jdcwest.org.

Students at many Canadian business schools have expressed discomfort with the ongoing management of, as well as the response to, issues concerning Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). It would be naïve to think that the Asper School of Business is immune to this issue; recently, we have received some helpful feedback from students and from alumni, regarding discriminatory incidences experienced on and off campus.

We, as a community, can do better. To support our commitment to this issue, the School has formed an EDI taskforce, which aims at proactively addressing discrimination head-on.

Through the EDI task force, we endeavor to foster a more inclusive learning environment for every single student that attends and/or interacts with the Asper School of Business. The taskforce will launch a series of workshops and online tools, designed to promote equal opportunity practices; host EDI training for all faculty, staff, and students; and create new EDI contact points for all Asper stakeholders, including a recently launched dedicated messaging option.

We recognize and thank the individuals who have come forward to share their experiences, as well as those people who have provided ideas for positive change. Please do not hesitate to contact the dedicated e-mail, provided above, to recount incidences, provide recommendations and help us improve.

We, at the Asper School, are extremely committed to welcoming, involving and mutually learning from, as well as with, all members of our community: we take great pride in the diversity of our students, our faculty and our staff. Together, with the help of our community – our friends – we move forward, better than we were before.

Gady Jacoby, Ph.D.
Dean and CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership
I.H. Asper School of Business

Stephanie Kalo, President
Commerce Students’ Association

Abhas Deodhiya and Tyler Phill, Co-Presidents
Asper MBA Student Association

Xinran Wang, President
Asper Master of Finance Association of Students

Zulfiquer Ali Haider, President
Asper MSc & PhD Student Association

As part of this celebration of excellence we recognize our Asper BComm. (Hons.) medal winners, Riley Dirks and Peirce Dickson. These two outstanding students have been recognized as completing the Bachelor of Commerce Program with the highest standing for Spring 2020 Graduation.

Riley Dirks – Gold Medalist   

Riley Dirks

Riley graduates from the Asper School of Business with majors in Finance and Actuarial Mathematics. While studying at Asper he was a member of the University of Manitoba Actuarial Club and a Manager of Corporate Relations for Shinerama. Riley has also completed a range of impressive actuarial internships at organizations such as the New York Life Insurance Company and Munich Re Canada. He is currently an Associate Actuary at Munich Re Canada and looks forward to moving to Toronto in the near future.

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Which of the experiential/active learning opportunities offered at Asper did you pursue?

Riley – The Munich Re Cup case competition was my first exposure to real-life actuarial and business concepts. I enjoyed it so much that three years later I’m starting my career at the host company. Through the co-op program I experienced the differences in work environments across companies and cities I joined JDC West in my final semester and the team taught me a lot about what it takes to form a culture that improves a group’s performance.

What takeaway from Asper are you leaning on for what’s next?

Riley – The skills that led to success at Asper change over the course of the degree. The takeaway I’m leaning on as I dive into my career is that it’s important to adapt to your current role.

 What does being part of the Asper community mean to you?

Riley – I deeply respect the past and present students I’ve met at Asper. Plenty of interesting people who are always down to volunteer their time for each other. I’m thankful that the community’s excitement to contribute has rubbed off on me and helped me develop into a better friend.

What was one of your biggest accomplishments while at the Asper School?

Riley – My proudest accomplishment was achieving my Fellowship with the Society of Actuaries. It was a three-year journey that I wouldn’t have even started without guidance from student mentors, professors, and friends.

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Peirce Dickson –  Bronze Medalist

Peirce Dickson

Peirce graduates with a major in Finance, Logistics and Supply Chain Management. While studying at Asper he was the Vice-President of Programming and Academic Case Competition Chair for the Commerce Students’​ Association and is currently working as the Communications and Program Coordinator for the Associates. Peirce will be embarking on his law degree this fall at the University of Calgary

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Which of the experiential/active learning opportunities offered at Asper did you pursue?

Peirce – I had many great experiences with the CSA, especially as VP Programming two years ago. My time with case competitions and JDCW was a highlight of my degree, and I enjoyed the adventure that came with my exchange to Warsaw and participation in the Arni Thorsteinson Israel Exchange Program.

What takeaway from Asper are you leaning on for what’s next?

Peirce – I’m going to law school next – so likely the case competitions and classes will have helped prepare me most.

What does being part of the Asper community mean to you?

Peirce – The Asper community can keep me connected with so many great and talented people throughout my career and personal life. I’ve experienced lots of support within the community from both my peers and faculty, and will always think about my BComm with fond memories.

What was one of your biggest accomplishments while at the Asper School?

Peirce – Being able to graduate and have friends from the program that will last a lifetime!

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Watch for Riley and Peirce along with all UM graduates at the UM Virtual Convocation on Monday, June 29.

In his fourth year at the Asper School of Business, double-majoring in Logistics & Supply Chain Management and Marketing, Quach commented on what it means to receive the award, “I am honoured to have been able to lead this fantastic executive and general council team and to have been recognized and awarded by my peers from across Canada.”

The CSA Executive Team at the Business Students’ Association’s Roundtable Conference. From left to right: Stephanie Kalo, Emily Battistoni, Tony Quach, Trent Favoni-Grossart, Madi Kurth, Sidhant Sharma, Cora Hildebrandt, Brynn Todd.

The CSA has had a successful year executing their annual program with improvements and expansions to their events and initiatives. With a strong history of dedication to charitable initiatives, the association raised over $20,000 for both Shinerama and 5 Days for the Homeless. They also grew and expanded the second annual Student Appreciation Week and the Asper Fitness Challenge, which had record 123 participants.

Brynn Todd, Vice President, Corporate Relations

Other members of the CSA also received awards at the conference. Brynn Todd, Vice President, Corporate Relations, was awarded the All-Star Exec of the Year Award, given to a Business Student Association executive who best exemplifies passion, dedication and going above and beyond their typical role for the betterment of their respective business school student communities.

The following CSA campaigns were also recognized:

Best Charity Initiative – Shinetoba

• Awarded to the CABS Member Society that made the biggest strides with respect to their management and execution of their operations in the current operating year.

Best Wellness Initiative – Asper Fitness Challenge

• Awarded to the CABS Member Society judged to create the meaningful initiative that promotes wellness to students that brought the most incremental value to its business school student community.

Associate Club of the Year Award: Asper Network of Empowered Women (ANEW)

• Awarded to the top associate and subsidiary club of CABS Member Society as nominated by their parent association.

Canadian Association of Business Students awards are given out based on member-initiated nominations and votes.

To learn more about the CSA and the range of annual events and initiatives please visit: https://www.aspercsa.com/