This tight-knit group of engineers hopes the next generation is able to experience all that university has to offer
At their 40th reunion, Maurice Duteau, president of the Mechanical Engineering class of 1984, stood and announced to the group, “many of us have been quite successful and it’s time to pay it back.”
Back in the early 1980s, this group of hopeful Mechanical Engineers didn’t know what lay ahead of them. For many, like Ivo Kokan, their undergraduate experience was punctuated with clubs and social activities. Others, like Michele Hemphill, had to work to help pay for their education and had less free time. After graduation, they all entered a difficult job market during a “bust” time in the natural resources industry.
A lot has changed since the ’80s, but many students still face the same challenge: getting the most out of their undergraduate experience while preparing themselves for a tumultuous job market.
Since graduation, a large portion of the class of 1984 has remained friends. They get together often and plan gatherings and reunions for the larger group. Many have had long, successful careers in engineering and education. After Maurice’s request at the reunion, the class embraced the call and developed a plan to give back to Mechanical Engineering students at UBC.
Maurice and classmate Peter Blundell started things off by each contributing $50,000 so the award was quickly taking form.
“We went around the room and soon had another $30,000 or so promised on the spot,” says Maurice. “And there are more classmates planning to donate down the road.”
In the spirit of collaboration that the group embraces, it became clear that the award meant a little something different to each of them. Many in the class benefited hugely from the social aspects of university culture, while others didn’t have the time due to work, athletics or other obligations.
One thing was clear, however. They wanted future students to have the opportunity to participate, have fun, put in their best work and make the most out of their time at UBC. That meant giving back to students who are struggling financially.
“That’s why awards like these are really important,” says Ken Wiecke, who took on organizing the award. “Lots of working students don't have time to do other things.”
For Ivo, the events he participated in and the groups that he joined shaped his university experience and the person he would be after graduation.
“After UBC, I was a totally different person,” says Ivo. “It changed me. Yes, of course it's important to go to class and so on, but what you learn outside the class is as important.”
Whether it was preparing elaborate decorations for the Engineers Ball or participating in some elusive and not-talked-about stunts, Ivo and other engineers gained communication and social skills that not only changed them personally but helped boost their careers as they entered a challenging economic period post-graduation.
“They’re important skills,” says Ivo. “When you start working with other people, you have to be able to communicate. After your first job, they don't really look at your marks. They want your references.”
These lessons didn’t just come from clubs and activities. It came from a team culture within their cohort, where people helped each other out through academic challenges.
"If someone was having a life challenge and didn't get their project finished, there was always somebody who would sit down and help them get it done,” says Michele.
Michele recalled how one of the top students in their class, Tony, would go over the content for an exceptionally difficult class with many of them to help them understand it. That student later became a professor at UBC.
Today, the award strengthens that bond and draws a connection between the life of a UBC engineer in 1984 and one in 2025. It allows for more Mech students to be free of some financial burdens so that they can have time to study, join clubs and participate outside of the classroom.
“Experience it all, the whole thing that UBC has to offer,” advises Ken. “If it’s clubs or it’s athletics, participate in everything because that’s all part of your education.”
In a way, the students who receive the award will become honourary members of this special group, carrying on the class of 1984’s memories of great times and hard work that formed their life-long friendships.
“You’re going to get lots of great advice,” says Ken to future recipients. “And some of it may even be useful.”
The Mechanical Engineering class of 1984 is still looking to grow the fund further. The award is now at the level where they can give $4,000 each year. But knowing the tenacious helpfulness and can-do attitude of this alumni group, it won’t stop there.
“It’s a good feeling to help out like this,” says Maurice. “There’s already talk of making that fund grow and perhaps adding another student in the coming years. If you are an alum reading this, talk about it at your next get-together.”
If you want to give back to UBC students, like the Mechanical Engineering class of 1984, and help grow the award fund, you can make a gift online.
If your alumni group is looking to establish its own unique award, visit this webpage to learn more.
Closing words from the class of 1984:
“The Mech Class of 1984 had a wonderful time at UBC where ‘Work Hard Play Hard’ would be a good class description. We slogged it out in lectures, partied, excelled at projects, studied/crammed, partied some more, almost got into trouble (some did get in trouble), had fantastic class trips, and made friends that have lasted a lifetime. Our time as UBC Mechanical Engineering students prepared us for the ups and downs of our professional and personal lives. Who would have guessed we did well enough to start the Mech 84 Bursary so others can gain the high-quality education, experiences and relationships that made, and continue to make, our lives better.”
