The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business full-time MBA Class of 2013 filled the grand atrium in Van Munching Hall to kick off this year’s MBA Orientation. The weeklong orientation began on August 18, 2011, with a breakfast for the new students, followed by a welcome from Dean G. “Anand” Anandalingam, Associate Dean of MBA and MS Programs Bob Krapfel and a few members of the MBA Association (MBAA).
“Welcome to Smith. We are one really close-knit family,” the dean addressed the MBAs. “No matter where you went for your undergraduate degree, you are all Terps now! … There have been a lot of changes at the university, including a new president, a new football coach and a new basketball coach. It is a really exciting time to be a Terp. So, welcome to Smith and welcome to the University of Maryland.”
The dean talked about the mission of the Smith School and his hopes for the MBA students as they embark on their two-year journey: “We want our MBAs to help bring about positive change in the world. … With an MBA degree, you can really make a big difference. The world is full of people who want to do good but that is not enough. You really need to have the skills, knowledge and thought leadership that the MBA program teaches to make positive changes and be able to sustain them. If there is one thing you take away from this session with me, it should be the thought ‘How can I make a clear, significant difference in this world?’”
The incoming class of MBAs is made up of 23 percent female students, 45 percent international students and 18 percent minority students. The class has an average GMAT score of 670, a 3.34 average undergraduate GPA and an average of four years of work experience.
Cara Weikel, the MBAA president, and Santosh Chavan, the MBAA vice president of student affairs, also welcomed the incoming class.
“Today you are joining the Smith family and a family of Terps,” Weikel said, adding that she had been excited to meet the new cohort for almost nine months now. “I am really passionate about the program at Smith and I hope you will be, too.”
Chavan gave the new class a piece of advice as they start their journey: “Make the most of you opportunities at Smith. There are ample opportunities, so make them count.”
The day continued with ice breakers and team-building activities, launching the weeklong orientation and welcome program for the newest cohort of the Smith MBA program.
Stay up-to-date with orientation news on Twitter: #SmithMBAOrientation.
Jessica Bauer, Writer and Editor, Office of Marketing Communications
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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.