The Story

You can view the pictures from the event in our Gallery.

The concept behind Entrepreneur Night was to have another installment in the tradition and vision of the Management Society to encourage its members to dream big and prepare for success. The plan was to build a connection with faculty and alumni, where their individual experience and passions, though varied, would enlighten and inspire all. As an event in its planning stage, there were many hurdles and challenges to be overcome…bureaucracy at its finest. However, the final product, (from my perspective at least), was a resounding success!! And in the end, the “flaw” that I observed to be most noticeable was the fact that my name tag refused to stay stuck to my jacket.

For me, having been a member of the Management Society for two years, and a member of the e-board for just two semesters, Entrepreneur Night 2008 can be considered my most rewarding experience within the organization to date. But it’s not just because of the wealth of information that I was able to receive from very excellent speakers, or the business cards I collected that may lead to interesting opportunities later on, or the extra credit that may or may not come along with my attendance as a member of one business-related class or another. It’s not because of the recognition and congratulations received for, or personal satisfaction obtained from, being a member of the team that put together what turned out to be a great event. (Actually, there are many lessons to be learnt and areas for improvement that may or may not have been apparent to observers). It’s not even the fact that I had a great time and enjoyed much of the refreshments left over at the end. No. So why was this event so rewarding? The answer is PEOPLE!!

In a world where business can seem so cut-throat, where one person’s gain can sometimes mean another person’s loss, where someone’s value can often seem to be measured in terms of their contribution, or potential contribution, it was refreshing to be reminded that above all else, it is people that make it special. I met with great people who willingly and continuously donate their time and energy to help those who are walking the path they walked not too long before. I shook hands with professors and administrators who inspire me to be the best I can be. I had meaningful and interesting conversations with classmates with whom I had spent an entire semester, but hadn’t shared much more than a passing glance, or a courteous nod, prior to that night.

But added to that, I saw the bonds of friendship, trust and respect grow among my fellow Management Society members; not just the e-board who labored relentlessly to put things together, but also the members who came early to help with set-up, or gladly offered up their seats to guests who came in after we were at capacity, or stayed back afterward just in case there was anything else to be done. All of this gives me reason to believe in people, and in the continued success of the Society, as a team and as individual members. It makes me grateful to be surrounded by caring mentors and friends. It challenges me to think of ways I can assist in creating other opportunities for personal and professional development, as a member of the Management Society, for the benefit of everyone. And it makes it IMPOSSIBLE to ignore all the ways that we are blessed through the people around us. We are truly blessed!!

As a first-time “blogger”, I hope you can pardon what turned out to be a very lengthy discourse, and I invite you to add your own reflections on Entrepreneur Night 2008 in whatever form you are most comfortable. Share with everyone what you liked, what you didn’t like, what you would have liked to see happen…or any other random thoughts related to the event. Take care!

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