MBASA Opening Social 2013

On September 4th, MBASA members new and old gathered at the Hinckley Alumni Building for our Opening Social. There was lots of chatting as everyone had time at the beginning to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. We were privileged to have some of the MBA and Marriot School Administration members with us, too. These ladies help us out SO much and we are grateful for all that they do in our behalf.

Lori Frandsen introduced the theme for the year: Embrace. Enrich. Elevate. She talked about how in MBASA we embrace each other and each person's unique contribution. Everyone is welcome! We are united in purpose, which is to enrich each other's lives. By giving of our time and talents, we create a wonderful experience for all who participate. We want each person to grow in every aspect of their lives. It requires the effort of all to continue the excellence that MBASA is known for. Being lifted up, or elevated, in any circumstance in our lives happens when we fully engage, without fear or self-doubt. This can be a time of amazing growth and opportunity for all of us as we rely on and serve the Lord, our families, and each other.  She extended several challenges which included 1) being the first one to introduce yourself to others at activities, 2) choosing what you participate in purposefully, and 3) pondering on what this time of life will require of you and seeking for the joy in it. 

We got to hear from each of our wonderful committee heads, who talked about what their committee's purpose was and listed some examples of activities they were hoping to do. Remember, getting involved with committees is the best way to make this a meaningful year and to make friends quickly! 

Abby Smith sang an amazing rendition of "You Raise Me Up" (Josh Groban) with Taunya Perry accompanying and Rebekah Sanders on the violin. It was a beautiful and uplifting reminder that we are strong and truly elevated when we rely on the Lord. 

Finally, we were blessed to have Sister Mary N. Cook address us. She was recently released as a member of the YW General Presidency, and it was easy to feel of her spiritual strength and testimony as she spoke with us. She also talked about our theme and challenged each person to ponder on the questions, "Who needs me? Who can I help elevate?". She spoke to us about the need to embrace our role as LDS women in the latter days. She said that life is both grand and challenging. We should remember that part of our role is to be an influencer and a nurturer. The only way to do this well is to become pure women and to preserve the sanctity and integrity of our homes. Sister Cook said that spiritual fitness requires 4 things: 1) Read the Book of Mormon every day, 2) Pray sincerely for worthiness to be guided daily, 3) Be obedient, and 4) Smile. She reminded us that we have every reason in the world to be happy and that we need to be ready and worthy to act when the Lord needs us. One of her concluding thoughts was about adjusting to new situations (which applies to first years who are adjusting to MBA life and second years who will soon have to adjust to a busy post-graduation life). She said, "Give it a year, but don't sit around." She acknowledged that some new situations are incredibly stressful, but we can alleviate that stress by finding things to be involved in and ways to grow and learn. (Perfect, because we have MBASA which will help us do both of those things!)

It was an incredible evening filled with the Spirit and excitement for another amazing school year ahead of us. After the closing prayer, MBASA members were able to mingle, meet the committee heads in person and sign up for committees. A huge THANK-YOU to all who participated and worked to make it a successful event. 

First Year Opening Social

The MBAA and MBASA welcomed the First Year Students with a yummy dinner at Lions Park. We all had a great time meeting new friends and getting to know each other better.

Looking forward to another great year

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!