Vision and Challenge/Growth and Opportunity

By Kelly Millar

Steve Jones, author of “Vision and Challenge”, a book which depicts the history of the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), has expanded his work to incorporate perhaps the most influential and evolutionary years of the School. The second edition aptly name “Vision and Challenge/Growth and Opportunity” takes readers on a historical journey with some surprising revelations.

Divided into two sections, the first part builds on the previously documented history of the School then quickly changes course, exploring the trials and tribulations that understandably come with growth and opportunity.

SAF Manager of Marketing and Communications, Patty Mah describes the last decade as having been marked with an incredible number of developments, achievements, and progression, including: the ground-breaking partnership with the Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation, creating the Schools largest scholarship covering the entire cost of tuition for five students to date; the construction and completion of a new school building; and the re-development of the School’s curriculum to incorporate an innovative learning model , inevitably changing the way students learn, develop, and think.

In his book, Jones refers to the new learning model as a means of realigning the way students portray their courses, which currently stands as a simple “to-do list” checking off each course then forgetting about what they‘ve learned or experienced. However, the new learning model, which incorporates an integrative learning component, challenges students to apply the knowledge and competencies they’ve gained throughout the year and apply it to all their courses.

The obstacles of implementing a new curriculum is just one of the many twists and turns readers will encounter within the book.  Governor General and former Waterloo President, David Johnston writes a sentimental preface, reflecting on the School’s successes and the personal accomplishments of its graduates.  The book also reveals a surprising and unusual connection between the School of Accounting and Finance and former media mogul/publisher, Conrad Black.  

Jones attributes the successful completion of the book to the "committee” comprising of SAF Director Jim Barnett, Administrative Officer Donna Sutherland, and the Manager of Marketing and Communications Patty Mah.