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The Directors College 2021 Annual Graduation & Alumni Event Recap
October 7, 2021
The Directors College was pleased to celebrate its Chartered Director program graduates and recognize their achievement at the virtual 2021 Annual Graduation & Alumni Event on October 6.
The 2021 Chartered Director program graduates in attendance were happy to connect with peers and receive their university accredited C.Dir. designations from The Directors College, an executive program of the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University.
The evening began with opening remarks and recognition that this group of graduates has succeeded on an unprecedented and demanding journey through the Chartered Director program with the addition of virtual modules and were congratulated by Michael Hartmann, Principal of The Directors College for their commitment and tenacity.
President of McMaster University, Dr. David Ferrar offered his congratulations. “Now more than ever, we need leaders who can embrace change, difficult conversations and complex situations with courage and with a spirit of inquiry and innovation,” Dr. Farrar said. “I’m confident that you will make an impact in your boardrooms and in the World around you.”
New Dean of the DeGroote School of Business, Khaled Hassanein reminded graduates that “In the years ahead, you will find that you are part of an international network of forward-thinking professionals committed to transforming business and society for the better“, in his congratulations and welcome into the wider alumni community at McMaster University.
Following the official convocation with some reflections on the graduates contributions to the program, Dr. Hartmann made the announcement of the 2021 Gil Bennett Award recipient, presented to a graduate who has received a top grade on the Chartered Director exam and has demonstrated, over the course of the program, the technical and personal characteristics needed to be an effective board director. This year’s recipient is Gia M. DeJulio, who thanked her peers for inspiring her and called the program “an excellent experience”.
The Directors College was honoured to welcome Canadian First Nations advocate and former National Chief of the the Assembly of First Nations, Perry Bellegarde, C. Dir. (2012) as guest keynote speaker for Event. Chief Bellegarde shared his insights into how organizations can begin to recognize and address their responsibility and role to indigenous communities and to the earth and waters we are share.
Dr. Hartmann concluded the event with a toast to the graduates, “Apply yourself. Get all the education you can, but then – do something. Don’t just stand there, make it happen. That’s what we are counting on…use what you’ve learned, use your networks and let’s make a difference, because it’s needed out there.”
Our thanks to everyone in attendance, to the faculty and staff of The Directors College, and to the alumni and keynote speaker for a truly enjoyable, virtual evening.