The University of British Columbia recently hosted a reunion for Engineering Physics alumni from the 2004 and 2005 cohorts, marking their 20-year anniversary. These graduates, who were the first to participate in the ENPH 253 robotics competition, gathered to reminisce and witness the program's evolution.
The event began at Hebb Theatre, where the alumni watched the 24th run of the ENPH 253 robotics competition. Led by Engineering Physics Director Andre Marziali, the competition showcased impressive advancements since the alumni's time. They were amazed by the upgrades in hardware and the increased challenge since the inaugural run of this course.
A tour of the Engineering Physics project lab, led by Miti Isbasescu, highlighted the progress within the program. The alumni were introduced to advanced projects in robotic control, AI integration, space propulsion, and wireless power transmission being developed by the students. The visit also included a nostalgic stop at the Engineering Physics Student Society penthouse, a favorite hangout spot during their student years. The penthouse had been a hub for brainstorming, socializing, and building lifelong friendships.
The reunion concluded with a dinner attended by alumni and Dr. Marziali. Many attendees had not met for 20 years, making it a special occasion to reconnect and reflect on their careers. The shared stories highlighted how the Engineering Physics program had equipped them for success in various fields. One alum remarked, "It was incredible to see how far the program has come and how much we've all grown in our careers. The advancements in the curriculum and the projects students are working on today are truly inspiring."
Submitted by Justin Ho, BASc '04
