Success Stories: Christopher Grzecki
Preparing 21st century leaders
It was more than 115 years ago, when four students, at Dartmouth University, became the first graduates of a graduate business degree which set the foundation for the modern Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Since that first graduating class, the MBA has grown exponentially as the essential credentials for professionals within the business world. Further, this growth has been fueled by a dynamic and inter-connected global economy.
More recently, headlines in leading business publications echo the importance and value of earning an MBA. Two of the more recent headlines heralded “MBA graduates entering best job market in decades,” and “MBA graduates earning higher salaries.” These successes do not come easily, and prospective graduate students must identify an MBA program that seeks candidates who are intelligent, highly driven professionals, who are attentive to organizational goals, and strive to reflect global leaders within a challenging and dynamic business environment.
At Lourdes University, the College of Business & Leadership educates these types of business leaders who view business as a noble vocation and take seriously their role in being agents of change. “Our MBA candidates experience a personalized program of study that expands their knowledge, and enables the mastery of 21st century skills and techniques, while strengthening their confidence and courage to become a different kind of business leader. From the moment an MBA candidate first sets foot in our interactive classrooms, he or she is tasked with the responsibility to become the catalyst for transformation, to rise to the occasion in business, and in society when others won’t – to serve our world, rooted in a Franciscan tradition. The focus of the Lourdes MBA program is preparing 21st century leaders to reflect business as a noble vocation,” says Ryan Butt, Dean of the College of Business and Leadership.
A 21st century leader
One of those leaders is MBA alumnus Christopher Grzecki, branch manager of Allied Building Products, an Oldcastle® company specializing in residential and commercial roofing, siding, windows and doors. Prior to his current position, Christopher had served in the U.S. Army receiving several distinguished medals for meritorious service overseas and at home including a Bronze Star with Valor. While in the service, he worked as a team leader, platoon sergeant, and training manager. One of his duties included leading the recreation and strategic vision and mission of the Fire Support career field at the doctrinal level of the Department of Defense.
After eight years of service in the U.S. Army, Christopher worked as a military trainer for Northrop Grumman and an account manager for Kellermeyer Company before he was encouraged to join the Allied Building Products team. His educational path led from earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from New Mexico State University to a Master of Business Administration from Lourdes University.
“More than anything, the Lourdes MBA program helped me grow my skill set across the entire spectrum of business. I have a deeper understanding of the intricacies of different business functions, and am able to quickly react – ultimately leading to a ‘winning record,’” says Christopher.
His advice for those considering a MBA program is to take advantage of the professors, their peers, and any challenges they may face. “The Lourdes MBA program has a great staff with a ton of real world experience. They’ve seen it all and are excited to help students grow. With smaller class sizes, there are plenty of opportunities for one-on-one help, both academically and professionally. The setting also feels more like business than it does school, and everyone is eager to share their experiences – good and bad.”