From Student to Leader: Arden Labatt's Hill Levene Journey
Hill Levene School of Business student Arden Labatt has been awarded the Dean's Medal and the Leon Goldman Scholarship—two prestigious honours recognizing academic excellence and student achievement. But ask Arden what he's most proud of, and he'll tell you it wasn't just about earning top grades. It was about saying "yes" to opportunities.
We caught up with Arden to learn more about his journey and what advice he has for future Hill Levene students.
Q: Congratulations! What does receiving the Dean's Medal and the Leon Goldman Scholarship mean to you?
Arden: Receiving the Hill Levene School of Business Dean’s Medal and the Leon Goldman Scholarship is an incredible honour and something I am truly grateful for. To me, these awards represent the hard work I put into my degree, but also the support I received from professors, classmates, mentors, and student organizations throughout my time at Hill Levene.
Some of my most meaningful experiences came from getting involved outside the classroom through UR Investing, JDC West, and the Ski & Board Club, all of which helped shape my confidence, leadership skills, and career direction. Next, I plan to continue my educational journey as I pursue the CFA designation.
Q: How did your time at Hill Levene prepare you for what's next?
Arden: When I first arrived at the University of Regina, I viewed university largely as a means to an end, a structured path transitioning me from my youth into the professional world. My first year reflected this mindset. I focused on understanding the academic environment including how professors evaluated my work, how expectations were set, and how I could work to exceed them. Because of this narrow focus, I often found myself on the sidelines hearing about opportunities that seemed distant and almost mythical to a new student: the “elusive” JDC West case competition, UR Investing, and other clubs making meaningful community impact. These glimpses revealed that the University of Regina and Hill School of Business offered far more than academic achievement alone.
Entering my second and third years, curiosity became motivation to step beyond my comfort zone. I joined the Hill Case Competition after a professor mentioned it in class and was placed on a team with two JDC West members. I was immediately struck by their energy, ambition, and confidence. Watching them analyze complex problems and present ideas with clarity and conviction was eye-opening. From that experience I began to realize university was not only about earning strong grades, but about developing skills grounded in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership.
What stayed with me most from that competition was the generosity of those two students who welcomed me into an unfamiliar environment when I was unsure of myself and whether I truly belonged. By guiding and encouraging me to step beyond what I thought I was capable of, they embodied something that I came to understand as a central principle of university experience: the idea that growth happens not only through individual effort, but through communities of students who support, challenge, and elevate one another. From that moment forward, I approached my university experience with a renewed perspective, that strived not only for academic excellence, but to contribute to the same culture of mentorship, collaboration, and community that had shaped my own development.
Now, as I approach the end of my undergraduate journey, I find myself on the other side of the same experience that once shaped me during that first case competition. Whether through mentorship within the UR Investing Fund, community leadership in the Ski & Board Club, or simply offering guidance to peers I encounter around campus, I have tried to extend the same opportunities and support networks that I was fortunate enough to receive. What began as a straightforward pursuit of academic achievement ultimately evolved into something much greater: a commitment to leadership and community impact. This perspective has shaped how I approached my time at the University of Regina and will continue to guide how I contribute to the communities I am part of, and my pursuit for further education.
One day, I hope to return to the university environment as an educator, continuing the tradition of mentorship and paying forward the opportunities that shaped my own journey.
Q: What advice would you give future Hill Levene students?
Arden: Step outside your comfort zone.
Stepping outside your comfort zone is often where the most valuable and rewarding experiences begin, because it involves taking chances, accepting risk, and trying new things. I encourage all students, whether you are fresh out of high school or entering your final year, to get involved and challenge yourself. My time on JDC West was invaluable in developing my public speaking skills and my ability to manage pressure in time-constrained situations. Through UR Investing, I learned how to conduct in-depth analysis and translate it into a cohesive investment recommendation. Additionally, my experience with the Ski & Board Club allowed me to oversee the planning and logistics of a trip that brings over 112 students to Banff each February. These types of experiences go beyond what can be learned in a traditional classroom setting, which is what makes them so valuable for both personal and professional development.
Arden's journey reflects what we hope every student experiences at the Hill Levene School of Business. He embraced opportunities, challenged himself, supported his peers, and grew into a thoughtful leader. Arden's story reminds us that true success is also measured by the impact we have on those around us. We are incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished and look forward to seeing the difference he will make in the future."
— Dr. Erin Oldford, Dean, Hill Levene School of Business
More Than a Degree
Arden's story is a reminder that success at the Hill Levene School of Business isn't defined by grades alone. It's built through curiosity, involvement, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
Congratulations, Arden, on this well-deserved recognition. We can't wait to see where your journey takes you next.
Ready to become more than a business student?At the Hill Levene School of Business, you'll gain more than a degree. You'll build leadership skills through case competitions, student organizations, experiential learning, industry connections, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community that challenges you to grow.
If you're looking for a university experience that prepares you not only for your first job, but for a lifetime of leadership and impact, discover what the Hill Levene School of Business has to offer. Explore our programs, get involved from day one, and start building your own success story.