Last week, MBA students of the 2012 graduating class gathered with faculty and alumni to celebrate the inaugural presentation of the new DeGroote MBA rings.

The rings were presented to graduating students for the successful completion of the DeGroote MBA program. Similar to the iron ring engineers wear, the MBA ring is intended to be a reminder of commitment to principles of ethics and integrity upon graduation.

Students of the DeGroote MBA Association (MBAA) introduced the ring as a new tradition this year. The notion of initiating such a tradition had been raised many times throughout the MBA programs history. Following the 2009 Canadian MBA Leadership Conference, Ryan Moran, the MBAAs Director of External Relations, and MBAA President Geoff Reiner decided it was time to officially implement the idea.

Moran describes the new tradition as an effort to infuse DeGroote’s MBA program with a greater sense of character and history – one that truly reflects both the McMaster and DeGroote reputation.

“As MBA students of the DeGroote School of Business, the importance of ethics and unwavering principles are impressed upon us in what we learn and reinforced in what we do,” said Moran. He believes the ring will also enhance the program’s reputation of day to day interactions of alumni.

Milena Head, director of the MBA program at DeGroote, believes the MBA ring is the start of a great and meaningful tradition.

“The ring announces the pride of our DeGroote MBA ambassadors who are ready to make positive and significant impacts on the world. It also serves as a reminder to keep the connections and friendships developed at DeGroote strong in the years to come,” she said.

The release of the new MBA ring also shares a special milestone with DeGroote, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the MBA program. If you are an alumnus or alumna of the MBA program and are interested in receiving an MBA ring, please contact Ryan Moran for more details at Moran.RP@gmail.com.