Editor’s note – Jeremy and I
met several years ago – his enthusiasm and drive are hard
to match – he is a shining example of the importance of
supporting organizations like ACE and the young people who are
part of this new culture. Jeremy has recently taken on the role
of National Manager for CACEE –
The Canadian Association for Career Educators, another important
organization to keep in your network. Jeremy is on a ConnectUs
opportunity team and his insight will be invaluable.
Four years ago, entrepreneurship was a taboo subject in the
Wilfrid Laurier University School of Business and Economics.
Classes on entrepreneurship were considered fringe and celebrating
entrepreneurship as a career option was almost non-existent.
Jump forward to today and WLU's student's and SBE are at the
forefront in Canada, for creating a campus culture of entrepreneurship.
On May 11th, ACE (Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship) Laurier
was awarded it's second consecutive national title as Canada's
"Most Enterprising Campus". The award was presented
to the ACE team, following a two-day showcase of the projects
they had presented over the previous year. The judging panel
for the preliminary and final round of the showcase consisted
of over 150 of Canada's business leaders. More information on
ACE Canada's national exposition can be found at www.acecanada.ca.
Since it's inception four years ago, ACE Laurier has
had exceptional growth. In its first year, it grew from three
student members to over 130--current membership stands at over
200, receiving recognition as WLU's most active campus-club
for 2003-2004.
The Schlegel
Centre for Entrepreneurship, now in it's second
year of operation, represents the shift in focus for WLU's business
faculty. Lead by former business owner Steve Farlow, The Schlegel
Centre has helped entrench a culture of entrepreneurship in
a school traditionally focused on corporate management. More
information on the Schlegel Centre can be found at www.schlegelcentre.ca.
In institutions across Canada, entrepreneurship has gained a
foothold, both culturally and as a desired career for young
people.
Jeremy O'Krafka is the National Manager for Canadian Association
of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) He can be reached
at jeremy@cacee.com The website for information on the CACEE
conference being held in Winnipeg is at www.cacee.com
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