Students, BSC and Canadian officials, along with invited guests at the Can/Am Exchange

Posing with students at the Cam/Am Exchange are Professor Anthony Cicerone (far right) and, next to him, Bob Good, '71, founder and CEO, Good Leads.

Northern Exposure

Posted on October 13, 2009 - Permalink
Audiences: Alumni Current Students Faculty and Staff HomePage Research Trustees

Nine BSC students attended the Can/Am Exchange seminar, held Wednesday Sept. 30, at Boston's Four Seasons Hotel, for a day of discussions focused on Canadian-U.S. relations.

The day was filled with seminars and breakout sessions on a variety of topics, all related to business or economic development. Cross-border investing, product development and outsourcing in Ontario were just some of the topics covered.

"The event provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to meet and network with high-level business leaders in the financial sector from both Massachusetts and Ontario, Canada," said Professor Anthony Cicerone, director of BSC's Canadian Studies Program. "The Bridgewater students did an excellent job representing the school. At least one student has been given a contact with a Boston firm, which he intends to pursue."

Indeed, students say they enjoyed multiple opportunities to network with professionals from a diverse range of fields and form connections that could help them in the future.

"I wish more students would take these opportunities to network," said senior Sarah Chiuppi. "I learned valuable skills directly from the people who will be interviewing us."

Program organizers pointed out that in a tough economy, students need that extra edge to compete with those already working in their chosen field. Networking at these professional meetings has become a key aspect of events like the Can/Am Exchange, they said.

In her address, Lynne Patterson, senior vice president and chief financial officer at John Hancock Financial Services, spoke at some length about the work being done by the Canadian Studies Program at Bridgewater State College. The program, founded in 1973, has become a model for similar programs across the country, she said.

"This program offers an in-depth exploration of the Canadian economy, bringing Canadian business and government experts to the college where they underscore the importance of understanding culture, economics and business practices in order to achieve successful international relations," she said. "As a result, the program fosters reciprocal understanding between students in the U.S. and Canada. Most importantly, the curriculum inspires students of both countries to combine their knowledge and talents to collaborate on issues not only in Canada and the United States, but worldwide."

She particularly singled out Dr. Cicerone for his role in maintaining and expanding BSC's Canadian Studies Program, as well as for his work with the New England-Canada Business Council, of which he has served as president and CEO.

Internationally known Canadian author, Nino Ricci, the Killam Visiting Professor in Canadian Studies at BSC, was an honored guest at the event. (Story by John Winters and Shaun Mullins, '10, Office of Institutional Communications; photos submitted)