By Hanna Kim, Gustavson External Relations Co-op Student
As 2019 comes to a close and 2020 draws near, we took a moment to look back on our favourite moments of a transformational decade at Gustavson.
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Gustavson went carbon neutral
In 2016, to offset the frequent airplane travel that comes with being an internationally focused business school, Gustavson went carbon neutral, investing in three carbon offset projects in Uganda, Honduras and Thailand, and two environmental projects in BC.
In recognition of its global leadership in sustainable business education, Gustavson finished 13th in the 2019 annual Corporate Knights Better World ranking of MBA programs.
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We became the Gustavson School of Business
In 2010, local businessman and entrepreneur Peter Gustavson donated $10 million to the business school, and we became the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business.
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Gustavson launched PhD and Master of Global Business Programs
One amazing adventure: three countries and a global internship. Our Master of Global Business program launched in 2010. That same year, we also started our PhD in International Management and Organization.
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Meet the Gill Graduate School
In 2011, the Sardul S. Gill Graduate School became the first such institution in Canada to be named for a philanthropist of East Indian (South Asian) descent. Mr. Gill donated $5 million to support advanced business education.
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Aboriginal Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACE) programs flourish
The multi-award-winning Aboriginal Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACE) program began as the vision of Frank Parnell, CEO of Tribal Resources Investment Corporation. In 2013, Gustavson was invited to be the key education delivery partner for the program. As of mid-2019, the ACE program has graduated 24 cohorts with 352 graduates.
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The Davos dynasty
In 2015 and 2016, MBA students won first place in a renowned international sustainability business competition: Corporate Knights’ “Business for a Better World Case Competition.” The case competition is held annually at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
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Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation launched
The Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation (CSSI) formally launched in 2011 to facilitate our role as an international catalyst for sustainable change; and as a resource for transforming Gustavson into a sustainable organization. CSSI acts as a nexus for the leadership and research expertise that exists in our community.
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Gustavson Brand Trust Index determines Canada’s most trusted brands
Our annual Gustavson Brand Trust Index research study was established in 2015 with the aim of determining Canadians’ trust in consumer brands. The 2019 Gustavson Brand Trust Index measures opinions of over 7200 Canadian consumers on 313 national brands, across 26 different product categories.
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We turned 25 years old
We celebrated our 25th birthday in 2015 by selecting 25 alumni to watch, holding a birthday party on campus, shining a spotlight on our faculty researchers at a TED-talk style community event and gathering our global community together for a live-stream mentoring session to celebrate World Gustavson Day.
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Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Gala going strong
Each year we’re excited to celebrate our Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award honouree. Our 17th recipient will receive their award on May 27, 2020. We hope to see you there!
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Our students take on the MIIISion Impossible challenge
Each year since 2011, new BCom students tackle a business problem and pitch their socially responsible solution to a panel of judges. The problems are global – suggested by international exchange students studying at Gustavson – and the solutions help students realize that you can do business while doing good in the world, which is a theme they’ll see repeated throughout their program.
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First Victoria Forum
In 2017, the University of Victoria, in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and working with several prominent partners, launched the inaugural Victoria Forum to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary. The forum brought together policy makers, business leaders, academics, youth and leaders of civil society and discussed ideas for a better and more inclusive world. Our next Victoria Forum is Nov. 12-14, 2020. We hope to see you there.
