Connections

When it comes to informed, experienced and educated business graduates, Humber's Business School sets the standard for excellence.

This fact is celebrated at the Honour Pin reception, where students with an overall average above 80 percent in any of the year's three semesters gather to celebrate their success with families and faculty. "We feel this excellence needs to be encouraged, recognized and celebrated," says Acting Associate Dean Avril Carnovale. "Our students are busy juggling jobs, family and a social life with their schooling. We have to let them know that we appreciate what they are accomplishing."

"These students don't know how wonderful they are," says Business Administration and Business Management Program Coordinator Pierre-Pascal Gendron. He gives his Honour students a letter to include in their portfolio, both to show to prospective employers and to remind the students of their achievement.

"The teachers recognized how hard I worked," says Sania Durvesh, who received pins throughout her three years at Humber and is now working on a degree in Global Politics at York University. "They encouraged me to exploit my potential. The Honour Pin helped me get accepted into York."

First-year Business Management student Andrew Warkus agrees that the teachers appreciate his efforts. "I am going to study more so that I can come again next year."

Flanked by two proud daughters and her husband, final-year Accounting student Gentjana Caka is setting the benchmark for her children. She went back to school after many years away from the classroom. "I never thought I would pass, never mind get honours," she says.

First-year Accounting student Karolina Wyroba feels the same way, especially after she took three years away from academia to learn what she wanted to do in the workforce. "This honour gives me the confidence to know that I'm doing well. It sets the bar high."

Program Coordinators, the Dean, faculty and support staff from the Business School, and industry professionals mingled and networked with families and students in front of a laden buffet table while a steel band played in the background.

Speaking to the students from a podium at the front of the Seventh Semester room at North Campus, Avril pointed out the opportunities of the Honour Pin reception. "The faculty you are getting to know may help you with a reference letter or a job lead. The people on either side of you will be your colleagues in the workplace. They have the same commitment and passion to succeed that you have."