WINNIPEG, MB – Sixteen adult learners who work full-time as managers will graduate tomorrow, Thursday, June 4, 2009 from The University of Winnipeg with a hard-earned Bachelor of Business Administration degree because of an innovative pilot program. This unique initiative between industry partners including Boeing Canada Technology, Manitoba Hydro, and StandardAero Limited and The University of Winnipeg allowed managers to transfer credit from their Certificate in Management (CIM) program towards a business degree. This educational step provides managers an opportunity to obtain a postsecondary degree with a “head start” based on their CIM. The sixteen managers began their studies at UWinnipeg in 2005.
Nick Bevilacqua, Senior Engineering Manager with Boeing Canada, is one of the students who is graduating tomorrow with a BBA. “When we first started the program it seemed like a long journey to the end. It has gone by very fast and The University of Winnipeg, especially Michael Benarroch (Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics) has helped make the experience an enjoyable one. I believe that success in life comes from the aspirations people have and lifelong learning helps people achieve their goals. The University of Winnipeg has helped the students fulfill this aspiration with the CIM to BBA degree.”
The University of Winnipeg created this pilot program to meet the industry’s current needs and give managers new tools to become industry leaders. Today’s successful managers must have more than business savvy to be able to cultivate new global opportunities.
With UWinnipeg’s interdisciplinary approach, the sixteen managers were exposed to courses in History, Religion, Economics, Mathematics and Marketing combined with courses in Conflict Resolution, Ethics in Management, Academic Writing, and Human Resources. This added to their on-the-job-expertise.
“This program could not have been a success if it wasn’t for the drive and determination of the students,” said Benarroch, “Their commitment has made it easier for The University of Winnipeg to help them obtain their goals and forge a stronger connection with the Winnipeg business community.”
