GIA’s first two graduates of BBA program

The first two graduates of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Bachelor of Business Administration program have been granted their BBA degrees. They are Wade H. Clar, Jr. and Tyler Harden.

The BBA program provides a comprehensive business education with a specialized focused in the jewelry industry.

Clar, from Canandaigua, New York, received his BBA on December 21, 2007 and soon after gained a position as an Inventory Control Manager for the America’s Value Channel, a gems and jewelry shopping network. Clar’s role will include acting as a liaison with manufacturers and marketing services, both on a national and international level.

My experience with the BBA program completely exceeded my expectations, said Clar. Everything was first-rate – from the teaching and mentorship I received to being provided access to first-hand materials, all of which furthered and enriched my learning process.

GIA’s BBA degree completion program is offered through Distance Education or On Campus. The academic focus includes marketing, retail management, accounting and finance, entrepreneurship, and international law and trade specific to the jewelry industry.

The second graduate, Tyler Harden from Ontario, Canada, received his BBA March 28, 2008. Harden explained that he came from Canada to attend GIA in Carlsbad specifically to obtain this specialized BBA education. Harden’s immediate plans include working in his family’s commercial development business heading the leasing department and he believes the well-rounded classes the program provided him will be an asset to him wherever his career takes him.

Harden said, the concentrated focus the BBA classes provided, especially those courses related to retail and consumer behaviors, will serve as a strong asset to understanding business fundamentals across the board.

Dean of the School of Business, Dr. Mink Stavenga said, Wade and Tyler are excellent examples of how BBA students are able to apply the practical business applications learned in many different industries and job positions. We look forward to following their professional success down the road.

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