From Old Vic to Orbit: Mark Pathy Returns for Vic One

^{One of only 11 Canadians to have travelled into orbit, Mark Pathy Vic 9T3 shared his journey from Burwash Hall to the International Space Station with students and alumni at the Isabel Bader Theatre in September. (Photo by Neil Gaikwad)}

By Samantha Chater

Only 11 Canadians have ever travelled into orbit. One of them began his journey at Victoria College. Mark Pathy Vic 9T3 returned to campus this September to share his story—from Burwash Hall to the International Space Station—with current students and alumni. 

Part of the Vic One Plenary Series that connects alumni and public figures with first-year students, the conversation was moderated by third-year economics student Arshpreet Sini. Her questions highlighted Pathy’s belief that collaboration matters everywhere—in the boardroom, in orbit and at Vic. 

Pathy has built a career marked by leadership and impact as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and investor. He is CEO of Mavrik Corp and chair of Stingray Group and also serves on the boards of the Pathy Family Foundation and the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation.  

His success in business and philanthropy gave him the chance to pursue what had always felt like a childhood fantasy—the possibility of travelling to space. This possibility became a reality in 2019, when he learned about Axiom Space. The Houston-based company, which is building the world’s first commercial space station, was planning a private mission to the International Space Station. Pathy phoned the company after a friend mentioned it and, to his surprise, realized “these guys are really doing this.” He hesitated at first, weighing the risks and the impact on his young family, but ultimately called the decision a turning point in his life. 

In 2022, he launched aboard the Axiom AX-1 mission, spending 15 days on the International Space Station and a total of 17 days in space. There, he helped test health science experiments in microgravity, observed Earth’s environment from orbit and connected with students on the ground to share the experience of spaceflight. 

“It strengthened my resolve to do whatever I can to help protect our planet,” he said. 

Preparing for the mission meant training through pandemic restrictions and learning to manage risk in an unfamiliar environment. “Just as in business”, Pathy said, “success in space depends on resilience and on trusting the people around you.” 

“The difference between success and failure isn’t about avoiding mistakes,” he said. “It’s about how quickly you recover and move forward.” 

He also reflected on the values that carried him from Vic’s campus to orbit: risk-taking, perseverance and connection. Pathy credited his time at Vic with shaping his outlook, recalling residence life, sports and student government as formative experiences. 

“Getting involved made my world bigger and opened doors I never imagined,” he said.