Learning a matter for life say graduates
After his second year in Commerce and Business Administration, Michael Giligson was determined to obtain a rare double degree in finance and marketing which required taking extra credits in the summer.
"I was uncertain about what I really wanted, but I knew I loved both fields. And I had the drive," says Giligson.
His drive certainly paid off. Giligson is now considering an offer from the TD Bank as a commercial account manager dealing with the problems of small business entrepreneurs.
Giligson says he was motivated by his Commerce professors' knowledge and business experience. He also enjoyed the friendly competitiveness among his fellow students.
"We helped each other out but there was a competitive edge to it, unlike some Commerce faculties where people are often single-minded and out for themselves. It wasn't like that at UBC," he says.
Giligson's friendly, outgoing personality made him dozens of friends across the campus. He also played intramural hockey.
Giligson also had a major role in restructuring the Commerce Undergraduate Society. His biggest contribution however, has been the development of the Faculty's Peer Mentor Centre.
"I saw the posting asking for someone to organize it and I knew I just had to do it," he says.
With funding for computers and office furnishings provided by donations from fourth-year students, the Peer Mentor Centre will open this fall. Students will be able to receive advice on academic problems and career planning from their more experienced classmates.
"Few students leave a legacy, but Mike has left one that will benefit the Faculty for years to come," says Erica Mills, associate director of the Commerce Undergraduate Program.
Giligson looks forward to entering the business world but hopes to return to UBC to take a Master of Science in Business Administration.
"My UBC experience has developed my interpersonal and analytical skills much further than I ever expected," Giligson says. "I still haven't experienced all that I could have. It's going to be hard to leave. I had a really great time."