MBA class of 2004 reunites in Barcelona

Alumni from the full-time MBA class of 2004 recently came together in Barcelona to mark 20 years since graduating from Warwick Business School. Organised by a dedicated group of alumni, the reunion was a celebration of enduring friendships, shared memories, and the global connections forged during their time at the WBS.

Ian Haigh, one of the organisers, tells us more:

“In July 2005, approximately 100 members of the full-time MBA class of 2004 gathered for their formal degree ceremony. A diverse cohort from across five continents came together after spending a fairly intense year in each other’s company. Some had already begun the next phase in their careers, others were still securing that valuable next step. Who would have guessed that 20 years later we’d reunite and that it would feel like no more than a weekend had passed!”

Around 30 alumni gathered in Barcelona for a four-day celebration filled with social and cultural events. The reunion was a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and reflect on the journeys they’ve taken since their MBA days.

“The self-appointed ‘organising committee’ did a marvellous job of arranging a series of events that provided the perfect vehicle to get reacquainted and catch up on 20 years of lost time,” Ian shared.

The reunion was more than just a trip down memory lane, it was a testament to the strength of the bonds formed during their time at Warwick.

“You’d be right to imagine that the intervening period had seen many life changes for most of the group, way beyond any changes in waistline or hairline. Careers changed, relationships were forged and broken, families made and loved ones departed. A lifetime of stories to share.”

Despite the years, the connection between classmates remained strong.

“What remained clear was that there was an obvious bond between those who attended the full-time MBA. Those relationships formed in the atmosphere of challenge and shared endeavour at Warwick were genuine lifetime connections.”

For those unable to attend in person, the group arranged a virtual catch-up via Teams, allowing another 20 alumni to join the conversation remotely.

“Unfortunately, one of those forced to join remotely due to unforeseen cirumstances was Sonja Raja, whose tireless efforts in the early stages of planning the event were key to its success. Thanks, Sonja.”

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire to stay connected and not wait another two decades to reunite.

“The overarching conclusion was that we should not have left it so long and that we should definitely work to maintain the connections and not leave it so long before we gather again. So look out for a celebration of 25 years!”

Discover more about the WBS Global Alumni Networks.