We caught up with friends from the MSE Class of 1T0 to reminisce about their favourite memories—and to find out why they think you should join the celebration at Reunion!
Alumni Reunion 2025 (May 28 – June 1) promises to be filled with laughter, traditions and the people who made Skule™ unforgettable. Whether you’re a recent grad or a seasoned alum, it’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect, share stories and create new memories with a community that feels like home.
We asked three alumni—Bosco Yu (MSE 1T0, MASc 1T2), Jonathan Hoo (MSE1T0, MEng 1T5) and Joelle Javier (MSE 1T0)—to share their experiences. Their message? Don’t miss Reunion!
What’s your favorite memory from your time at U of T?
Bosco: All the MSE and Skule™ social events—the summer BBQ, Dinner Dance, Utigard’s ping pong tournament, and the chariot race.
Another memorable moment was seeing half the class laughing (and half crying) during MSE335, all clueless about the ghost lattice question—a sweet memory in hindsight!
Jonathan: Graduation—closing that chapter with my friends. But I also loved our late-night study sessions in the library and MSE computer lab.
Joelle: So many! Some are moments of shared misery—brutal problem sets and late-night cramming. But the best ones? Hanging out in the MSE Common Room, playing ping pong, and having deep, philosophical debates about everything under the sun.
If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
Bosco: Stress less about GPA, try to memorize less—focus more on becoming a better learner and engineer.
Jonathan: Explore more things – clubs, teams, etc. Get out and socialize more.
Joelle: Have more fun, take more pictures and build lasting connections —don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Also, find a mentor early on. Looking back, I realize my professors were around my age now, getting to know them better would have been a huge plus.
Which spot on campus do you wish you could transport yourself to right now?
Bosco: Robarts Library—and all those food trucks!
Jonathan: Probably MB212 – I have some fond memories there.
Joelle: The MSE Common Room or Professor Hibbard’s lab. Spent a huge chunk of fourth year there working on research (and probably running on caffeine). Lots of great memories.
What’s a campus tradition or event that you’ll never forget?
Bosco: There are a few! Jimmy Lu and making him jump up and down, purple faces and all the wild antics.
Jonathan: The cannon firing and the sea of purple from frosh week.
Joelle: The chariot race during Godiva Week—pure creativity and friendly competition. Also, the iron ring ceremony. Every time I see my ring, I’m transported back to that day.
Why is staying connected with Skule™mates so important?
Bosco: Who else will understand our quirky struggle and all our inside jokes? Also, shoutout to https://courses.skule.ca/
Jonathan: University is where friends for life are made, so staying in touch with them is important. It’s also a great way to start and maintain a professional network.
Joelle: Our shared experiences tie us together. Talking to like-minded people with different perspectives keeps me grounded and reminds me of my journey—where I started, how I got here and where I want to go.
What are you most looking forward to at Alumni Reunion?
Bosco: Catching up on life after university—what matters most, where everyone’s headed and how their journeys are unfolding.
Jonathan: Seeing friends and classmates who I have not seen in a long time!
Joelle: Catching up with old friends I haven’t seen in a while! Also meeting alumni from different generations—hearing both their Skule™ stories and where life has taken them since.
What would you say to someone who’s unsure about coming back for their reunion?
Bosco: Imagine this: you get to pretend to be a stress-free student for one day. What’s there to lose?
Jonathan: No assignments. No deadlines. Why not?
Joelle: Just come! You never know who you’ll run into, what memories will resurface or what connections you might make.
If your U of T experience were a movie, what would the title be?
Bosco: Life at Those Purple Onions: Work Hard, Play Harder
Jonathan: The Longest Day
Joelle: Shear Stress & Sweet Success