Canisius MBA

Chris Collins really put on an exceptional presentation for the MBAA Event.  Being at the Buffalo Club with the MBA Alumni was a really great opportunity.  Chris Collins spoke about running the city as a business; it was a great opportunity to understand his “Six-Sigma” approach to municipal operations and financial management. A lot of the obstacles he discussed had to do with something many of are used to, human imperfection.
It seems that the best plans still require the faith of those executing it.  It is something I feel most of will or have encountered in our life.  It all seems to work out on paper, hours have gone into drawing what seems to be a precise road map; however when it comes time to follow the map it is hard to get everyone on the same page.  Though each of us in our MBA learn how to become “aggregate planners” the most important skill of all is to get it done.  Human behavior resists change, and though it seems simple, appears to be the County Executives greatest obstacle.  He is definitely open minded,  and open to change which is what this region, as well as many other around the country, is in desperate need of.  It was good to hear his embrace of a new beginning as well as a hopeful vision of the future where we serve an incoming population.  I cant wait to see how his leadership will unfold over the next few years.

Clark

Whew,

For all the students who have taken a full course load and worked full time, bless you! Though this was one of the hardest semesters I have been through as an evening student it was a remarkable experience.  As the dust settles and my eyes turn toward the mess on my desk I cannot help but be amazed by how much actually happened and how impressive the people around me are.  It is really hard to grasp while time is flying by but as the books close on another semester I find myself being really amazed by the people and faculty in our program.  When you are trying to keep your head above water it can be hard to notice. In retrospect all the students in Dr. Shambu’s Global Supply Chain Management class knocked my socks off.  Each student had to give a presentation on research for the class.  I am saving everyone of the powerpoints for reference later in my professional life.  The ability to hear 40 professional adults from a alll different walks of life discuss their research with one another was an irreplaceable experience.  Dr. Gress who teaches Financial Accounting, giving the opening remarks at the UN meeting on education in NYC.  And Paula Fox constantly beating the curve in his class as he pushed us toward excellence.  Paula Fox is definitely impressive, if anyone ever has a class with her, she’s the person to study with.  One of the most amazing experiences I can speak of is being able to see Bob Wilmers of M&T speak.  Prof Piemonte was able to get our whole Financial Markets and Institutions class sponsored as guests of Rand Capital.  Personally I was able to present a business concept to 114 attendees of this Bob Wilmers event after he had spoke (what a trip). So now we look toward the holiday season as a chance to recharge and refresh our minds so as to be prepared for what lies ahead next time the books open.  I would truly like to take this space to again mention how impressed I am by our faculty and students.  It seems everyone I speak to amazes me.  Thank you all for helping one another and creating an atmosphere of excellence in our program.  Now its time to party!!!!   ….  See everyone at the Happy Hour at SoHo this Friday 5:30 !!!!

Clark Banach