Message from the Dean | Annual Report 2019

Dear DeGroote students, staff, and faculty,

As I write this today, we are in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis that has turned our world upside down. Over the past few months I have found myself repeatedly saying that I am amazed at the extraordinary achievements of our students, staff, and faculty since COVID-19 appeared on our doorstep. Moving all our programs and services to online delivery within five business days — while taking care of each other and our communities reveals to all of us who we are.

However, the truth is that the evidence of our capacity for achievement has been with us all along.

Looking back on 2019, I can see that DeGroote very much led with action and delivered on our promise to build a community with purpose. Our purpose is the fundamental goal of the process — to transform the world through our values of innovation, collaboration, and generosity. These values are at the core of what we do and have done for decades at DeGroote.

2019 was a truly exceptional year. It’s clear that it was one full of change and progress. We began the work of rethinking business education with the BCom redesign, hired five new faculty members, published in major journals including the Financial Times’ Top 50 Journals list, transformed student and community engagement through the ambassador program, and built partnerships with organizations like WestJet to have a lasting and positive impact.

We live in times of rapid change, and this school will not stand still. Our curriculum, research, thought leadership, and students are revolutionizing the future of business.

It is now more evident than ever that we understand what matters. It is vital to surround yourself with those on the same mission as you. I am very proud of the DeGroote students, faculty, and staff, and their willingness to transfigure a brighter world. They reflect our mission, vision, and values. It does take a community to change the world.

I see my legacy as affecting the corporate mindset of a new and forward-thinking enterprise. Our exciting programs, students’ expanding competencies and skills, and talented faculty and staff will continue to drive us forward. I see our mission of transforming business and society as a fortifying approach to being a more diverse and inclusive place where individuals and groups value tolerance and respect each other. Whom we choose to be from this moment on will be critical to our future.

I encourage all of you to read through the 2019 Annual Report and learn more about how our community is changing the world.

Warm regards,
Leonard Waverman
Dean, DeGroote School of Business