Students first began arriving to our campus in Paderno del Grappa on September 1st — a refreshing sight after a long year of no full-time MBA classes due to the COVID-19 ongoing global pandemic.
The first group to arrive was composed of four students from the University of Arkansas and one Kansas University Student. This group went on a ten day trip across many of the major cities in Italy. The rest of the students arrived in the week that followed, and during their first days in town they worked on becoming accustomed to the area, people, and culture.
This extraordinary group is composed of twelve American students and four Italians. The American students come from different backgrounds and areas from Illinois, Texas, Arkansas and Iowa, among other places. The Italian students all reside within a sixty kilometer radius from campus. The mixture of cultures creates a unique group of individuals who are eager to learn and grow together.
After a profound start to the semester, we asked the students to share some of their thoughts and experiences so far. Here is what they said:
Brandon De Pinto - I have joyfully absorbed each moment to the fullest with the mindset of determination, growth, and positivity that stems from this special program.
Genna Foster - CIMBA is more than just earning three letters to put after your name. As Dr. Ringleb says, he’s not here just to teach us formulas, axioms and theories; rather this program is about growing into the best version of yourself in order to make a difference around you.
Luca Francheschetto - The most important thing I have learned so far is that Cash is King!
Letizia Gallo - So far CIMBA has been a formative experience from inside out. It not only challenges me academically by studying subjects which are new to me, additionally it has made us explore or “awaken” (as Dr. Al would say) that part of us which makes us go the extra mile past our comfort zone.
Evan Gonzales - CIMBA has been full of new friendships and valuable perspectives.
Gavin Magee - I’ve learned that delayed gratification comes with trusting the process….but! you only get out of the process as much as you put in.
Uriel Martinez - So far CIMBA has been a unique experience that has both challenged and captivated my mind.
Payton Moore - Because of CIMBA, I’ve learned that when I die what matters most is not the dates on my tombstone, but rather the dash or the time in between.
Daniele Rossi - To grow can be hard and painful at times, but the outcomes are lifelong benefits.
Alex Ruben - Struggle & Emerge and trust the process!
Trevor Smith - Commit to excellence and strive to achieve greatness.
Sara Sparling - Pizza, Prosecco, and personal & professional progress.
Zac Stockton - In one word: Solidarity. COVID-19 had made it difficult to fulfill our need to socialize. LIFE training pushed the class to become a team by practicing vulnerability. It was refreshing to connect with others authentically.
Cooper Trusdale - I have been very pleased thus far with the professors. CIMBA can get the best of the best because of the incentive for them to come to Italy to teach. Who would say no to that? It is also very evident how much they care about the success of the students they are teaching. The size of the MBA class also allows us to get to know the professor on a personal level and enjoy an Aperol spritz with them after class!
Agostino Ventura - It has been a challenge both for my brain and for my heart.
Marcella Williams - I’ve seen and experienced more growth in the past month than ever before. CIMBA is challenging and equally rewarding to those willing to take the leap and trust the process.