À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

Submitted by: Judy Kruger (BSc ’93)

Serene sunsets, oyster shucking and sandy beaches.  

During March break, the three of us — Judy Kruger (BSc ’93), Roulla Essa (BSC ’93) and Heather Pritchard (BSc ’93) — had a gals’ getaway at Crescent Beach, Florida, filled with lifelong memories.

It was the first time in decades that we had reunited after meeting in the Health Sciences program at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ in the ’90s. Years melted away as we picked up conversation, almost as if time stood still. We remembered late-night study sessions, trips to Kinkos and countless Tim Hortons coffee breaks. We laughed hard reminiscing about our days as students — from going to hockey games, cramming for exams and spending nights at the Bombshelter pub.

Our reunion wasn’t just about nostalgia — it was a celebration of how far we've come, both personally and professionally. After earning our degrees, we went in different directions with our careers. Judy pursued a career in public health, Roulla worked in hospital administration and became a business owner and Heather opened a chiropractic clinic. We spent time reconnecting and marveling at how life had unfolded for each of us with families, careers and challenges in our fields.

Although we took different paths and landed in different cities, our friendship remains strong and there’s one thing we always share: a passion for helping others. Heather has had breakthroughs in patient care, Roulla advocated for her daughter, who is graduating this spring as a Physician Assistant, and Judy pursued field-based crisis management. We’ve all made a meaningful impact in our fields, motivated by our mentors from the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.  

It was difficult to part at the end of our trip, but as we said our goodbyes, we promised not to let decades pass before reuniting again.

If you’re looking to reunite with your classmates, come back to campus June 6 to 7 for Reunion! Rediscover campus with open houses, workshops and activities, and celebrate your graduation anniversary at the Forever Black and Gold Luncheon.