Alumni Profiles
From Classroom to complex systems: learning to make good decisions
25 Years, 25 Stories | Dean Dueck (CMU '11)
Dean Dueck (CMU ’11) completed a degree in Business and Organizational Administration. His CMU experience shaped how he approaches problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration—skills that continue to guide his work as Manager, Engineering – Electrical/Automation at Vidir Solutions.
Dean Dueck began his studies at CMU in 2009, transferring from Steinbach Bible College (SBC). "CMU had a really good relationship and good credit transfers between the two universities," he says. This allowed him to dive into a business program that was launching, gaining experiences that would shape his career and approach to problem-solving.
Being among the first students in what was then a fairly new business program at CMU came with unique opportunities. Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Business, Craig Martin, he explored courses such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, and business law.
"Those are courses that were really going to interest me. I tried to understand how the world works, and it really helped broaden my perspective around that and how money influences and changes the world."
Dueck's theology credits transferred over from SBC quite seamlessly, meaning he was able to focus most of his energies towards taking the courses he needed for his business and organizational administration degree, which he received in 2011.
Despite that, Dueck says, "I did have to take a few classes that weren't connected to my major. Within those classes, it was interesting to look at the world in a different way than I was expecting." This broader view taught him to question assumptions and think critically, lessons he describes as essential in his professional life.
Today, Dueck serves as the Manager, Engineering - Electrical/Automation at Vidir Solutions, which designs and manufactures vertical automated storage and retrieval systems.
Over the years, he has rotated through assembly, mill work, and digital operations. "It's been very fortunate to be connected to all the different elements of how our stuff comes together. Once you know the process, it's a lot easier to make sure your decisions are as good as they can be."
Community was another defining part of his CMU experience. "One of the big advantages to a place like CMU," Dueck says, "is you got much smaller classes, a much smaller program. Everything's far more relational."
Living in dorms the first year and in an apartment the second, Dean formed lasting friendships. "I knew everybody in my grad class within the business program, and the relationships I made have had pretty direct and major impacts on my life."
"One of the biggest things I learned [at CMU] was how to think about a problem, find the information, and make a decision even without having all the data," he says.
From small class sizes and personalized mentorship to interdisciplinary learning and a strong community, CMU offered an environment that encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful connections. "It really prepared me to engage with people meaningfully and approach problems thoughtfully."
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