As a way to connect with and engage the Goodman community near and far during the pandemic, the business school hosted its inaugural State of the School event last week.

The online event took place Wednesday, June 2 and featured Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes in conversation with Mishka Balsom, CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC). The pair were joined digitally by more than 80 community members.

Balsom started the discussion by emphasizing the important role that both universities and business schools play as a local economic driver.

“The students of today are our future workforce,” she said, “which effectively makes Goodman Business School an integral community partner in regional economic prosperity.”

The conversation covered how Goodman is contributing to the sustainability conversation; prioritizing equity, diversity and inclusion; has pivoted in the pandemic, responding to environmental shifts; and is preparing to respond to future challenges.

Gaudes highlighted some of the School’s recent successes, including being recognized as No. 1 in Canada for class and faculty diversity in QS’s MBA 2021 MBA rankings, and covered some of the results of a recent BSIS report that noted the significant contributions of the School to the local economy.

“We as a business school and University have long been working towards creating a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment,” Gaudes said. “We’ve given a high level of regard to make sure everyone has a voice. Diversity is the first step to get to inclusiveness.”

Gaudes added that one of the silver linings of the pandemic has been the increased level of empathy he’s witnessed.

“There’s been a higher level of compassion that’s been generated within the community and workplace and the people we interact with,” he said.

The complete conversation is available here: