Association of MBAs Presents 2004 Student of the Year Award

The Association of MBAs presented this yearís Student of the Year Award to Kevin Baughan from Tanaka Business School, Imperial College. The Award highlights the value of the MBA to both individuals and employers. The 2004 Student of the Year award was presented at the Associationís Gala Dinner in Whitehall on 11th November, courtesy of event sponsor, The Independent.

The MBA Student of the Year Award, which is now in its seventh consecutive year, recognises talented individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and who are likely to go on to make a real contribution to their particular field. 28 entries for the Award were received in total ñ all outstanding candidates from leading MBA programmes accredited by the Association of MBAs.

ìWith the media and others continuing to question the relevance of MBAs to organisational performance, this award highlights the stories of individuals who have shown outstanding strengths and qualities and who will be future ambassadors for the MBA.î commented Jeanette Purcell, Chief Executive of the Association of MBAs.

Kevin approached the Executive MBA with a determined goal in mind: to successfully take his learnings straight back into commercial experience and to help him grow and steer his technology start-up business. Kevin chose Imperial College to develop his entrepreneurial skills and re-engineer his focus. Kevin also helped his college to develop new business streams with a special emphasis on entrepreneurial specialisation. Kevin has already had significant breakthroughs with his networking technology start-up with interest from the US Air Force Research Labs and others.

Kevin found the MBA experience transformational, ìit makes you look deep within yourselfî and ìchallenges you in ways you cannot appreciate.î Tanaka Business School commented:

ìKevin operates as a bridge between the EMBA candidates and the academics and has been instrumental in nurturing a positive group dynamic. His contribution in the classroom and outside is always impressive and he commands a huge admiration and respect from all EMBA candidates and academic faculty.î

The judging panel was pleased to commend Kevin as a Finalist for MBA Student of the Year. He was their unanimous choice as 2004 MBA Student of the Year.The judging panel for the award comprised corporate representatives and a representative from the Association of MBAs. The winner received a cash prize of 1,000 and each of the three runners-up received a cash prize of 500. In addition, all the finalists will be receiving a yearís free membership of the Association of MBAs and media coverage in MBA Business magazine, The Independent and The Independent on Sunday.