Very few events scale and compare to the annual BASS Banquet. This is organized by the students and has our students, alumni, administration and professionals attend and we celebrate our successes. It is one of my most favorite events (has to be as it was my 9th). Over the last 8 years, I have attended and parental leave was not going to prevent me from making a guest appearance. From being my first ever SFU Business event 8 years ago and meeting students for the first time, to the celebration today, I walk away with pride at what we have been able to create.
When you try and meet and speak with all the attendees, the evening is reminiscent of being on a cruise ship or all inclusive buffet. You walk in and awe at the large selection (those being the guests…the plate becomes my time at the event). You can’t have it all but you try to walk around and get the best of the best and experience as much as you can. I got to see and meet so many amazing and wonderful people. Apart from the usual suspects like Shawn Smith, Sean Peters, Terry Beech and many, many more, there is an opportunity to connect with the young minds. I had some lovely conversations. Saying that, this is not the place to enjoy the conversations of just one person. Like a buffet, you don’t take your plate and only scoop one type of food. Being away since Feb 10th, I greatly enjoyed being in the company of so many amazing people.
The event also recognizes two leaders. One is a student and the other is a corporate leader. This year, Janet Austin, CEO YWCA was recognized as a corporate leader and I am so glad to see her as the recipient because she has made such a profound impact in the community and there are a great many people who are better off because of the path she took. The other recipient was Stephanie Wong. I have spoken about her in the past and she is a most deserving student. With her many honours and awards, she is someone who appreciates the experiences she has gained over the award itself and is an amazing role model.
My final shout-out goes to Winnie Jung. I never really knew her before the BASS Banquet but had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to her on many occasions. She greatly impressed me because as BASS Banquet Chair, no matter how challenging things got, she just worked that much harder and I have a new friend. I think the phrase that applies to her comes from the movie Apollo 13 – “Failure is NOT an option!” To all her team and volunteers…take a bow. BASS Banquet is over and you all did a great job.
I think for BASS Banquet #10…for me, I should just bring my own platter instead of a plate so I can enjoy the company of as many people as possible ?