If you're reading this and you're a part of the newly arrived Class of 2009...well done! Not only did you make it to the preeminent business school in Australia, you managed to find the AGSM student headquarters online...

So, here you are at the AGSM. When you decided to join this program, you made an important, courageous and life changing decision. You pulled yourself away from the workplace and a steady income, invested time and money into a degree, and many of you left the comforts of home to do so. While there is no guarantee of what lies on the other side for you, I can tell you that along the way you are in for an adventure; one that is full of self discovery, learning, and personal growth. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, you'll feel challenged. And yes, you'll nail down a great job afterwards.

The golden rule, however, is that business school down under is supposed to be a good time. We still know how to balance work with life, and to take advantage of the fact that we're based in one of the most beautiful, dynamic and fun loving cities in the world. So, my personal appeal to each of you is that while you're here you make the most of it. Get out and explore. Join a club. Take up a new sport. Drink that extra beer. Do whatever it takes to remind yourself that your time here will be brief, and when it’s over you will inevitably find yourself wishing you could have done more.

Our class has had an incredible ride. We worked hard and we played hard, and a host of accomplishments, lasting memories, and life long friendships has been the result. My hope for each of you is that you have as much fun as we did, and that you feel equally satisfied at the conclusion of your time here. You are carrying forward an important legacy 30 years in the making, and our hope is that you will raise the bar even higher for the class that follows.

Good luck, and enjoy!

Danny Van Clief
President, Class of 2008