Celebrating 25 years of IGNITE

“We don’t wait for change; we make it.”
– Ercole Perrone, Chief Executive Officer, IGNITE

Whether you’ve danced at an IGNITE concert, caught a nap in the Sleep Lounge or grabbed a bite from Soupbar, chances are you’ve already experienced its impact firsthand.

But it wasn’t always like this. About 25 years ago, student life at Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber looked very different, with fewer events, fewer services and limited spaces where students felt truly seen and supported.

That all started to shift when IGNITE, then known as the Humber Students’ Federation, officially became a student-led, independently incorporated non-profit.

Now, in 2025, IGNITE isn’t just running events. It’s shaping the future of student life. From our Time is Money advocacy campaign to health and dental insurance, it’s building programs that reflect what students actually need.

So, how did we get here? What’s changed in the last 25 years? And what’s next?

I sat down with Ercole Perrone, IGNITE’s CEO, to reflect on the journey and look ahead at what’s still to come.

Humble beginnings and a bold vision

A group of people is standing in front of the HSF stall, holding snacks and posing. — *Image via IGNITE*

Student centre at Humber with a motto on a wall which says, "We Help" — *Image via IGNITE*

Like many student organizations, IGNITE began as a collaborative working group between college administration and students.

But in 2000, a pivotal change occurred; it officially became an independently incorporated non-profit, giving students a stronger voice and real decision-making power.

“That shift gave students autonomy and helped us stop just representing them and start empowering them,” Perrone said.

With this new independence came new possibilities. IGNITE became a hub of student empowerment, leadership and support.

From the start, the organization has always believed in meeting students where they are and helping them rise.

Leading with purpose

A woman is standing behind a counter, explaining a game to a group of students. — *Image via IGNITE*

While many student unions focus solely on policy and administration, IGNITE took a different approach.

Over the years, it has evolved into a student life organization, one that balances governance with meaningful programming, advocacy and support.

“We’ve moved away from the traditional model to something more dynamic, something that speaks to every part of the student experience,” Perrone explained.

Today, IGNITE plays a role in almost every aspect of student life.

From our free Tax Clinic and scholarships, to leadership opportunities and exciting social events, it’s about giving students what they need and creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong.

“We build services with students, not just for them. It’s their input, their ideas and their energy that shape what IGNITE becomes,” Perrone said.

Initiatives that leaves a mark

A group of people is standing around outdoors. — *Image via IGNITE*

A group of people wearing orange t-shirts are gathered around a counter. — *Image via IGNITE*

One of IGNITE’s most defining qualities? Its commitment to doing things differently and doing them first.

“We don’t innovate for the sake of it. We innovate to solve real problems and improve real lives,” Perrone said.

That mindset has led to some of IGNITE’s most well-known programs, including Soupbar, Sleep Lounge, Zen Zone and equity-focused bursaries and scholarships.

“We’re here to set the standard. It’s about building services that reflect the world students are actually living in, not just what’s always been done,” Perrone added. “

From using tech to streamline support to partnering with students on every new idea, IGNITE is all about making things easier, more accessible and more inclusive.

Driven by students, powered by community

Two people are talking to students while holding a poster from "Time Is Money" campaign. — *Image via IGNITE*

Behind every successful initiative are the students and staff who made it happen. And according to Perrone, that’s the secret ingredient.

“The reason we’ve lasted and thrived for 25 years is simple: the people. Student leaders, staff and partners who believe in what we do and push us to do it better,” he said.

For Alexandra Rodgers, Chair of the IGNITE Board of Directors, IGNITE’s 25th anniversary is a celebration of the power of student voice and the incredible community that has grown from it.

“For 25 years now students have come together to advocate, create and build something that goes far beyond just events and services, but a place where students feel seen, heard and supported,” she said.

She credits IGNITE’s success to the dedication of both students and staff.

“This milestone is a tribute to everyone who has contributed to IGNITE’s story over the years and I’m humbled to be part of a legacy that continues to evolve with each new generation,” Rodgers said.

Continuing the legacy of change

A group of people is gathered around a cake, celebrating together. — *Image via IGNITE*

As IGNITE looks ahead to the next 25 years, the vision remains bold but focused.

“We’ll continue earning our name, one idea, one breakthrough and one student life at a time,” Perrone affirmed.

That means IGNITE will continue driving real change by challenging broken systems, creating inclusive spaces and ensuring every student is seen, supported and valued. It also means staying committed to growth, innovation and always putting student voices first.

“We want students to look back and say: ‘I felt heard. I felt like I mattered. IGNITE made my experience better.’ That’s the legacy we want to leave,” he said.

From humble beginnings to game-changing campaigns, IGNITE has spent 25 years showing that student life can be the start of something bigger. And it’s just the beginning.

Here’s to moving forward and making many more unforgettable memories together!

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE

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