Back where it began: The MBA class of 2001 celebrates 25 years of friendship

By Jennifer Ivanov

“What do you remember most?” Patrice Eze-Ohaka asks the question as members of Gustavson’s MBA Class of 2001 settle into one of their old classrooms, many instinctively choosing the same seats they occupied a quarter of a century ago.

The former classmates begin calling out answers that include everything from golf lessons, to class projects, a professor who regularly wore a bow tie, and of course late-night gatherings. But amid the laughter and reminiscing, one answer rises to the top almost instantly: the people.

Twenty-five years after graduating, the class returned to the University of Victoria for a reunion that was about more than just nostalgia. It was a chance to reconnect with the people who had challenged them, supported them, celebrated their successes, and helped shape one of the most transformative chapters of their lives.

“One of our profs always emphasized that the MBA was as much about the journey as it was about what we learned,” recalls Eze-Ohaka, who travelled from the Cayman Islands for the reunion. “Those shared experiences turned into lifelong friendships for our class. Everyone has taken a different path in life. None of us knew where that path would take us, but somehow the friendships stayed the same.”

Those friendships are what brought them back to their former classroom, travelling from across town, provinces, countries, and even continents. They returned from successful careers in business, government, teaching, entrepreneurship and consulting. Their lives had unfolded in remarkably different ways, yet they all found themselves back in the same classroom where so much of it began.

For many, this reunion had been years in the making. Conversations that started with emails, social media messages, and coffee chats gradually grew into something more meaningful: an opportunity to see each other and celebrate a connection that stood the test of time.

“There's not a single person here that I don't want to just go up to and give a big hug,” shares Glen Allen, one of the event organizers. “Our cohort was just so tight, we really supported one another. I think it’s the key ingredient behind what’s kept so many of us connected.”

The impact of the MBA program

Tasos Anastasiou won a Commonwealth Scholarship to study at UVic all those years ago and describes the MBA program as “transformative.”

“I was a young 25-year-old from Cyprus,” he reflects. “I didn’t know anything about Victoria. I remember one of the founders of Westjet speaking to us in class one day and thinking ‘this is amazing,’ where else would I have the opportunity to hear directly from entrepreneurs. I wanted to learn as much as I could. The instructors were great and our cohort had great chemistry, that’s why we all wanted to come back this weekend.”

“The MBA opened doors for me to senior positions,” shares Allen. “I’ve spent the past 15 years teaching business at Camosun College, before that I was managing the International Centre at the University of Lethbridge and had a position with Royal Roads. I don’t think those roles would have been available to me without the MBA.”

The class took time to recognize the faculty members who had challenged them to think differently and helped shape their careers. Among them was former statistics professor Christian Janssen, who happened to be celebrating his 90th birthday. As he had done in countless MBA classes, he read Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss; a story with a simple message about navigating life’s ups and downs that stayed with the students long after graduation.

Remembering classmates and mentors

The class shared a heartfelt tribute to students and faculty members who had passed away since the Class of 2001 crossed the stage. Their friendships and contributions remain a special part of their shared story.

Darius Naigamwalla reflected on the life of classmate James Mossey, who died of colorectal cancer in 2016 at the age of 40. In his memory, family, friends and MBA classmates established an endowment that has raised more than $150,000. Last year alone, four MBA students received scholarships through the fund, which has now become a legacy of James's impact.

David Jara honoured Sergei Bouslov, an international student from Russia whose friendship left a lasting impression on the classmates. The group went on to also remember Ian Stuart, former MBA Program Director and professor of Supply Chain and Operations Management, for his guidance, encouragement, and leadership.

“I think that everyone genuinely cared for one another,” reflects Kam Dhillon-Josh. “You felt like you were amongst a group of peers who really cared about you and who had your best interest at heart. There was no animosity. There was no competition. We were all there to learn and make the most of every experience.”

“I truly made friends for life in this program,” reflects Eze-Ohaka. “We’ve celebrated each other at weddings, welcomed children into the world, and honoured classmates we’ve lost along the way. Through it all, the connection between us has never broken. It speaks to the power of this program and the growth we all experienced. My time here transformed how I saw the world. I came to Gustavson to expand my education, and it’s the place where I think I really figured out who I was and what strengths I had.”

Throughout the weekend, conversations flowed as though they had never been interrupted. Stories were retold, laughter filled the room, and new memories were made. The MBA Class of 2001 fittingly chose the theme Legacy in Progress, reminding everyone that legacy is not only found in the accomplishments of the past, but in the relationships we continue to nurture, the communities we strengthen, and the impact we choose to make together for the future.