Peter B. Gustavson School of Business

09/04/2026

Gustavson MBA grad Chris Hunt has built a career supporting Indigenous economic growth across BC. Today, he brings that experience back to Gustavson as an accounting instructor in our MBA Advancing Reconciliation program.

“One of my goals with my MBA program was to see Indigenous communities participate more in the Canadian economy. It’s what brought me to UVic.”

As Director of Indigenous Commercial Financial Services at RBC, Chris works with Indigenous governments, communities and economic development corporations on projects ranging from grocery stores and real estate developments to business acquisitions and industry partnerships.

A member of the Kwagu’ł First Nation, Chris brings Indigenous perspectives on business, wealth and collective well-being into both his professional work and the classroom.

Read Chris’s story: https://ow.ly/cWsh50ZJyNK

09/02/2026

Meet Bruno Silvestre, Gustavson’s new dean.

Three things to know about Bruno:
🎓 Business education is about what comes next. For Bruno, that means keeping programs relevant and equipping students with future-ready skills for careers and entrepreneurship.

🌱 Sustainability is central to his work. His research focuses on sustainable supply chains, innovation and responsible management. That shared focus was part of what drew him to Gustavson.

🌊 He grew up in Rio de Janeiro. Bruno spent his childhood surfing and playing soccer on Rio’s beaches. Today, he enjoys bike rides with his three kids, movie nights, time by the sea and Brazilian BBQ.

Welcome to Gustavson, Bruno!

08/11/2026

UVic is at Ship Point this summer 🌊⚓️

Come say hi, check out what’s happening and enjoy a summer evening by the water.

Meet UVic at Ship Point this summer with Kidovate’s micro-market happening every Wednesday from 4–7 p.m.

See you down by the water!

08/07/2026

Creating content looks a little different when the office is the ocean. 🌊

Ella Svab, 3rd year BCom student, put her creative and digital marketing skills into practice during a work term with Victoria-based e-foil company Nuefoil.

As social media and digital marketing coordinator, Ella created video content, managed ad campaigns, analyzed performance and got behind—and in front of—the camera.

“I had the freedom to be creative and try new things with the content I created. I really enjoyed experimenting with different types of content and editing styles, while having the space to learn and grow in a digital marketing role.”

Read more about Ella’s work term experience: https://ow.ly/HYFG50ZssrN

07/29/2026

Some classmates instinctively chose the same seats they occupied 25 years ago. Then came a pop quiz filled with inside jokes, graduation gowns pulled out for one more wear and a reading of *Oh, the Places You’ll Go!* from a beloved professor celebrating his 90th birthday.

The MBA Class of 2001 brought plenty of stories and just as much energy back to their old classroom.

See what happened when they returned to where it all began: https://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/stories/alumni/the-mba-class-of-2001-celebrates-25-years-of-friendship.php

07/24/2026

07/17/2026

As a Gustavson alum, Jen Scharien, BCom ’07, enjoys sharing her experience with students as they prepare to launch their careers.

Jen is the founder of Finlotus, a business she built around helping people feel more confident with money.

Through budgeting, cash flow planning, financial goal setting and money mindset coaching, Jen supports clients as they build financial wellness.

“It’s really more about building a philosophy around money,” says Jen.

Her work grew out of what she saw in earlier roles across finance, accounting and operations: people were dealing with financial challenges, but not always getting the support they needed.

Jen now brings that experience back to Gustavson students, making time to speak with those preparing to graduate and offering perspective on career paths, business ownership and the flexibility a background in business and finance can create.

“Planning your career path can feel overwhelming, and some of the best advice comes from people already doing the work you hope to do one day.”

Read Jen’s story: https://ow.ly/JuLa50ZnBpa

Are you a Gustavson alum interested in connecting with students? Reach out to Anika Leist, our Connections Coordinator, at [email protected] to learn more.

07/10/2026

Michela Palmer, BCom ’11, is the co-owner of Esquimalt - Vermouth & Apéritifs, an internationally recognized business rooted on Vancouver Island.

Now based in Nanaimo, the business relies on local partnerships, from foraged island ingredients to citrus peels repurposed through a Nanaimo juicery. For Michela, working with other local vendors is part of building a business that stays connected to community and the local economy.

07/07/2026

Seeing more young people struggle to find summer work? There’s a reason for that.

Rick Cotton, associate professor at Gustavson, joined CFAX1070 to talk about what’s driving the shift and how young job seekers can navigate it.

His take: uncertainty is making businesses slower to hire, especially for entry-level roles. But young people still have options.

Start by knowing your strengths. Cast a wider net. Look beyond the obvious postings. Local programs, community services, volunteer roles, neighbourhood jobs and small business ideas can all help build experience, confidence and momentum.

🔉 Listen to the full interview: https://ow.ly/eUM750ZkUjs

07/03/2026

Symona likes to think a few steps ahead.

A third-year Bachelor of Commerce student from Ukraine, she is drawn to finance because of the way numbers, strategy and relationships come together to shape real-world decisions.

Before coming to Gustavson, Symona built entrepreneurial experience in her home country. Now, she’s creating a strong path in finance while staying open to where that path might lead.

The past few years have also meant adjusting to a new environment and rebuilding stability while the war in Ukraine continues to affect her home country and her family’s story.

When Symona received the BMO Alliance for Women in Business Award, the timing mattered.

“This award meant a lot to me on a personal level,” she shared. “It gave me a sense of encouragement and reassurance during a challenging time.”

The award also helped ease some of the financial stress that can sit in the background of student life, allowing Symona to focus more energy on her education, personal growth and new opportunities.

Next up, she’s heading on exchange to the Czech Republic while continuing to explore where finance might take her.

And as always, she’s already thinking a few moves ahead.