September 21, 2005 Source: St. Mary's University:
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2005/21-09-2005.html Sobey School of Business Unveils its Centre for Leadership Excellence Today marked yet another exciting step in the evolution of the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University. At a special ceremony held in downtown Halifax, officials from the University launched the Centre for Leadership Excellence, which will be the only centre of its kind in all of Atlantic Canada. This afternoon's event was held at the Windows Restaurant - located on the eighth floor of the World Trade and Convention Centre (WTCC) - and attracted a number of business executives from Halifax, as well as faculty, staff and students from the esteemed Sobey School of Business housed at one of Canada's oldest and leading institutions of higher learning. Those who were involved with this afternoon's unveiling included Dr. Richard Allon, Director of the Centre for Leadership Excellence, Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary's, and Dr. David Wicks, Acting Dean of the Sobey School of Business. "The Centre for Leadership Excellence will serve as a vital resource for business leaders' right here at home," said Dr. Allon. "Leadership is the fundamental ingredient that ensures the success of any business organization, and we will offer leaders the directions and approaches they need to obtain consistent success," he added. The Centre for Leadership Excellence will offer consulting services in the areas of leadership and organizational development. The Centre will be a major information resource for business leaders and will be of direct benefit for businesses here in Atlantic Canada. Dr. Dodds applauds the opening of the Centre at today's event, and stated: "Leadership is an issue that many businesses have to deal with all the time. The Centre will guarantee that leaders in our community receive the best consulting services available to them and which will allow businesses to thrive here in our region." Dr. Wicks indicated to the audience at this afternoon's launch that the "Centre will certainly play a major role in leadership development and will serve as a unique engine that will help our economy grow to new heights." Dr. Allon has a Ph.D. in psychology and over 25 years of experience as a consultant to the corporate and health care sectors. His work has focused on helping companies and organizations build a better workplace by maximizing the behavioural and personal effectiveness of executives, managers and employees. He has assisted a large number of leading businesses in identifying leadership potential and in developing leadership and management skills. He is well known for providing guidance in establishing strategies for improved communication, productivity and motivation to companies. His client list includes organizations in the financial services, manufacturing, IT, venture capital and health care sectors. He is a former president of the Ontario Psychological Association and a former co-chair of the Finance Committee of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Allon took the Director's post with the Centre for Leadership Excellence at the Saint Mary's Sobey School of Business on June 1, 2005. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a new Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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