Inside Ivey
Step into the world of Ivey Business School through the eyes of its students. Whether navigating the program, embracing leadership opportunities, or forging lifelong connections across the globe, these firsthand stories showcase the ambition and impact of Ivey students. Real voices, real experiences, and real insights into life at one of the world’s leading business schools.
Step behind the scenes of Ivey’s atmosphere-shaping O-Week through the fresh perspectives of its lead architects, Stefano Ruggieri, HBA '26 candidate (Vice President, Student Events, HBA Association), and Sarah Jiang, HBA '26 candidate (Head Orientation Week Leader). In this Q&A, they trace their journey from being new students experiencing their own O-Week – nervous yet hopeful – to designing a transformative experience for 780 new HBA1s. Through intentional planning, inclusive programming, and meaningful bonding, Ruggieri and Jiang reveal how they set the tone for the year ahead – helping new students feel seen, supported, and inspired from the very first moment.
Q&A with Sarah Jiang and Stefano Ruggieri
1. Why were you interested in contributing to the design of this year’s O-Week?
(Stefano) After experiencing O-Week in HBA1, contributing to this year’s planning felt like a full-circle moment. Shaping that experience for the incoming class was a dream opportunity. I wanted to create the same welcoming, exciting, and memorable environment and help 780 new students feel like they belonged before classes even began.
(Sarah) As a transfer student from McGill University, O-Week was essential to my transition. The Orientation Week Leaders (OWLs) and my classmates helped not only to make that transition seamless, but also to make me feel at home. I was motivated to get involved so I could help new students feel included and excited for the year ahead.
2. What were your top goals for the week?
(Joint) Our top goals were to establish a strong sense of Ivey’s culture – collaboration, leadership, and inclusion – and to set the tone for the year ahead. We wanted students to form meaningful connections, gain clarity on academic expectations, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
3. How did you work to balance academic preparation with social activities?
(Joint) We recognized early on that O-Week is meant to be more than just fun – it also prepares students for Ivey’s academic rigour and builds community. To strike this balance, we integrated academic programming with a full Bootcamp Day so students could experience the classroom and prepare for the year to come. Our goal was to highlight academics without overwhelming the students, while also giving them space to connect with peers in a more casual setting.
4. Can you walk us through how the theme and structure of O-Week evolved from past years? What was kept the same and what changed?
(Joint) One of the biggest changes was a stronger focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). We wanted every student to feel represented, respected, and welcomed in our communications, programming, and leadership approach. Drawing on the concept of universal design from our HBA1 experience, we worked with the EDI team and past OWLs to create a more inclusive experience. At the same time, we preserved Ivey traditions like the Opening Gala, section reveals, and the Ivey Cup.
5. Which activity were you personally most excited about – and why?
(Stefano) I was especially excited about the Opening Gala. I remember how nervous I was last year, waiting for my section to be revealed. Walking back with my new section mates and realizing everyone was just as excited (and nervous) as I was created a connection. By the end of the night, I already felt I belonged. I was excited to see this year’s cohort experience that same transformation.
(Sarah) I was most excited about Olympics Day because it’s when sectional pride comes alive. Classmates cheer each other on, celebrate wins, and bond through challenges. Those shared moments create connections that last long after O-Week.
6. What was the biggest logistical or creative challenge you faced while organizing O-Week, and how did your team solve it?
(Joint) Coordinating so many moving parts – executive portfolios, sponsors, vendors, faculty, student leaders, and students – while also keeping the overall vision aligned, was the biggest challenge. To solve this, we built a central communication system, held weekly syncs, and clarified responsibilities. More than the systems, trust was key. Supporting one another made it possible to overcome obstacles together.
7. O-Week involves so many moving parts – what’s one behind-the-scenes moment that most people don’t see, but was critical to its success?
(Joint) Our Executive OWL Getaway weekend was a turning point. We spent time at a cottage, unplugged from the day-to-day noise, and focused on building our team dynamic while mapping out big-picture ideas for O-Week. The trust and camaraderie that formed during that weekend shaped how we approached every decision afterward. It was the kind of behind-the-scenes moment that doesn't show up on a schedule but is absolutely critical to a team’s success.
8. In what ways did you hope this year’s O-Week would set the tone for the new HBA1 cohort’s experience at Ivey?
(Joint) We hope this year’s O-Week made students feel seen, supported, and inspired. By showcasing Ivey’s values – collaboration, leadership through action, continuous personal growth, and courage – we aimed to spark friendships, open minds, and build confidence. If we succeeded, then we did more than just plan a fun week – we’ve set the tone for a meaningful year.
9. What advice would you give to next year’s O-Week organizers?
(Joint) Start early, and focus on building strong relationships within your team. Trust makes the process smoother when challenges arise. Surround yourself with people who care as much as you do, lean on them, and celebrate the small wins throughout the process. Those little moments of progress, connection, and collaboration make the whole journey worthwhile.
10. Now that O-Week has wrapped up, what’s one moment, outcome, or message that made all the effort worthwhile for you and your team?
Watching the HBA1s connect from day one – forming friendships, creating section culture, and cheering each other on – was unforgettable. The spirit at Bootcamp and the bonds formed over something as simple as beach games made it clear these moments will shape their Ivey experience.
Just as meaningful was seeing the executive team and Orientation Leaders’ hard work materialize seamlessly. It was a reminder of why we dedicated so much time to the planning. Every detail – from logistics to safety – allowed the week to run smoothly and ensured students could focus on building connections. Our Orientation Leaders shared how rewarding the experience was. Knowing O-Week was unforgettable for both the new class and the leaders who organized it made it all feel purposeful. O-Week wasn’t just an event – it was the beginning of something bigger, and watching that take shape was unforgettable.
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