MBASA Opening Social 8.29.2012

The MBASA Opening Social is one of our biggest events of the year and this year did not disappoint. We had well over 100 spouses in attendance and several of our NAC Women spouses as well. We hope everyone who attended enjoyed their evening and are inspired to get more involved in MBASA this year--in whatever capacity you want. For those who were not able to join us, we hope that you will come out to one (or more) of our many, many MBASA activities this year. 

Our Opening Social was held at the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center, one of the newest buildings on campus.

The room was pretty packed.

Our evening began with a welcome from our MBASA President, Sarah Craig, and a delicious dinner catered by BYU Dining Services.

Centerpieces at the tables.

As always, dessert was the best part of the meal.

After introducing our presidency and board members, we were privileged to hear a special musical number from second year spouse and Education Committee head, Margot Belnap, and her fellow second year spouses, Brett Miller on the guitar and Emiko Dodson on the piano.

Margot and Brett performing "The Climb." They totally made me cry, so thanks for that ladies. :)

After their performance, we were introduced to the keynote speaker, Marilyn Rizley, who is serving as the NAC Women's president. The National Advisory Council (NAC) is a group of business men and women--and their spouses--who advise the Marriott School on the direction of the MBA program and are a great networking resource for students and spouses alike. Marilyn spoke of finding balance in our lives and letting the spirit guide us. She talked of the importance of expressing gratitude and equated etiquette with kindness. She also recommended that we also find opportunities to volunteer and serve others. 

Marilyn Rizley, President of NAC Women.

Marilyn also talked about some exciting things on the horizon: The NAC Women are putting together a NAC blog where MBASA spouses will be able to connect with NAC women and ask them for advice and information on a wide range of questions. The blog will be unveiled at the Marriott School NAC Women's Luncheon, which will be held on Friday, September 28 from 1:00-2:30 pm in the garden of the Former President's Home on campus during NAC Conference weekend. All MBASA spouses are invited to attend. More information should be forthcoming on that event.


Afterwards, spouses were invited to meet with the committee heads and join one (or more) of our nine committees. If you haven't had a chance yet, you can still sign up on our Virtual Committee Fair. You don't have to join a committee to participate in their activities; it just means that you are part of the planning committees and can offer your input and and ideas.

Committee tables.

Most of all, it was a great evening of meeting new spouses, reconnecting with old friends, and forging new friendships. MBASA is full of so many talented and interesting spouses and we know that it can often be overwhelming and intimidating for new spouses to jump in but we hope you'll find a place within MBASA and many friends as you continue to come to our activities and meet with other spouses. 

We hope all first and second year spouses will join us for our next big event, Back to School Night on Thursday, September 6th at 8pm in W408 Tanner Building on campus. We'll see you all there!