Exchange

Dean ' s C olumn Editorial board Charles Crespy Dean cresp1ct@cmich.edu Daniel Vetter Senior Associate Dean vette1de@cmich.edu Jay Lanctot Senior Director of Development lanct1jj@cmich.edu Production CMU University Communications Editor: Sarah Chuby, '03 Writers: Sarah Chuby, '03, Daniel J. Digmann, Heather Smith, '02 Designer: Amanda St. Juliana, '06 Photographers: Robert Barclay, Peggy Brisbane Associate Vice President: Renée Walker, '00 Director of Creative Services: Deana Monahan, '93 Printing: Exchange is printed at CMU Printing Services. It is printed with vegetable-based inks on Sustainable Forestry Initiative® certifi ed paper. Dean Charles Crespy Dear Friends, Walk the halls of Grawn Hall and you will observe the unbridled energy of more than 3,000 business majors. The buzz is palpable. Whether it's managing our almost $1,000,000 student portfolio, prepping for a study abroad experience, team building for our New Venture Competition, or simply working toward professional certifi cation and ultimately a degree – our students create a fl urry of energy that inspires anyone who stops for a moment to watch. The CBA Reality Turning ideas into careers That's a tall order in today's economy but it's a challenge we at the College accept with enthusiasm and hope. I look forward to sharing with you in the years ahead what transpires in these halls. I'm proud to join the ranks of the many dedicated people who are committed to making CMU a stimulating, nurturing institution and to helping our students fulfi ll their potential. If you've not been to Mount Pleasant recently, do think about coming back to be a part of this exceptional learning environment. We welcome your contributions in whatever form. I look forward to meeting you in the weeks and months ahead. It is what makes my colleagues and me proud of the decision we made to link our careers to Central Michigan University. 2 CMU, an AA/EO in sti tu tion, strong ly and ac tive ly strives to in crease diversity within its com mu ni ty (see cmich.edu/aaeo). UComm 8457-28,700 (2/11) CBA: Learning Centered. Business Connected. Behind each and every face there is a story and in every heart there is a dream. Our goal at the College of Business Administration is to make the dreams and aspirations of our students a reality. And mark April 8 on your calendar. It is the day dozens of teams of students will compete for $45,000 of prizes in our New Venture Competition. Campus will be humming with excitement, and you can watch our best and brightest pitch their business ideas to panels of angel investors and business executives. See you on campus or at an alumni event near you. Fire-up Chips! Chuck Crespy Dean

• Cover