Archived News
June 10, 2008
Graduates Finally Meet Face to Face
Aaron Gordon said he was proud to collect his master's in business administration degree at Lansbridge University's weekend graduation ceremony because the local school offers a unique educational experience.
The North Bay, Ont., resident had never met any of his fellow classmates or professors until it was time to graduate, but he said the Fredericton-based online university gives students the chance to learn in a tailored learning environment.
"The interesting thing about Lansbridge is that you're working with students and colleagues every single week online, (through) e-mails, and virtual classrooms but you never see their faces," he said.
"To have the opportunity to meet them face-to-face is really an honour. It's a real special thing especially after coming out of other undergraduate programs where it's the typical classroom environment. This graduate program is quite unique."
Gordon gave the graduate address during the Saturday afternoon ceremony at the Fredericton Inn.
Lansbridge president Barry Miller said he was proud to see the 24 students from Saudi Arabia, Thailand, across Canada and right here in New Brunswick share the stage.
He said despite the physical distances separating many students and faculty members, great relationships are forged through the school's programs.
"These are executives," he said. "They've been in management, now they're in senior management. They've gotten their education online, but yet there's a relationship.
"There is a community here and I always say that Lansbridge University is located in Fredericton but the Lansbridge nation is everywhere."
Miller said the school is entering a period of new partnerships and he's hoping it brings a realm of new possibilities.
"There are a few new ideas that have come up and we're poised now for exciting new growth and development," he said.
"We're talking about memorandums of understanding that have already been signed with Hong Kong Institute of International Business and we also have a memorandum of understanding with a university in Buenos Aires, Argentina."
MP Andy Scott said Lansbridge University is another example of the region's fine educational opportunities.
"There has to be so many different ways to learn available to people who have to earn while they learn," he said.
"We also have to take advantage of expertise that exists all over the place. There's no reason now that people have to be limited by physical space. So this is another way in which we in the region can play a leadership role in providing quality education."
Daily Gleaner - By Adam Bowie