We acknowledge that we live, learn and work on the unceded territory of the Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation.

eNEWS 2024 | September

Celebrating 50 Years with a Memorable Gala

A grand event hosted at Government House earlier this month celebrated 50 years of Pearson College and the UWC movement in Canada. The event featured student performances, notable speakers, and a keynote address by Ambassador Bob Rae.

This year offers us a chance to reflect on where we started, celebrate all we’ve accomplished, and look ahead together to where we’re going.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our entire Pearson community – students, alumni, families, faculty, staff, supporters, Patrons, host families, and friends – who have shared in our journey, milestones, and memories. Please join us on our journey and explore ways you can support our anniversary's call to action: Unite. Inspire. Act.

Share the impact UWC has on your life, or make a tribute to a fellow alum or faculty member on our 50th Anniversary virtual storyboard.

Tell Your Friends who are passionate about education, peace, and sustainability about your UWC experience and what Pearson College means to you.

Volunteer on behalf of the movement, whether for your national committee, on campus or as a host family – or volunteer with a mission-aligned local charity.

Mentor current and recent student graduates by sharing your skills and knowledge and networking with them.

Host a gathering of local alumni and supporters where you live, bringing together a group of mission-aligned people to learn about the College. Email alumni@pearsoncollege.ca to learn more.

Visit the College to reconnect with us and attend an upcoming reunion or event near you.

Give a gift to Pearson College UWC to invest in student scholarships, priority projects, or the endowment.

Keep in touch and share your ideas about how Pearson College UWC can best serve the world in the next 50 years.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

ALUMNI NEWS & LATEST STORIES

Alumnus Completes Coast-to-Coast Bike Journey

A remarkable cross-country cycling adventure ends on campus, with Aengus Finnan (YR 15/1990, Canada-ON) celebrating a journey of endurance, music, and memories.

Back to Back Celebrations to Remember

Both 10 and 40-year reunions brought together generations of alumni, some who haven't connected in decades!

Together at last!

Find out two alumni Nathalie Meijer (YR 11/1986, Netherlands) and Juan Lucio (YR 10/1985, Columbia) reconnected during their reunion weekend and rekindled their bond.

To enjoy all of these stories and celebrations, visit our anniversary page

It All Winds Up Here!

Learn more about how alumnus Lye (Year 18/1993, Malaysia) donated to upgrade our aging wastewater treatment plant. Recognized with a special plaque, his gift highlights the importance of supporting essential campus infrastructure and he hopes his contribution will inspire more support for future renewal projects. Read more

 

We are grateful to donors like Lye, who are helping to cross items off our maintenance to-do list. If you would like to learn more about projects underway on campus to better understand how you can help make these possible, please contact Carly Milloy at advancement@pearsoncollege.ca or visit our website for more information.

Message from the Head of College

As some may be aware, the faculty at Pearson voted to unionize in June 2023. The process of negotiating a first collective agreement takes time, and the process has been underway since November 2023. As part of that process, we are currently engaged in mediation with the assistance of the Labour Relations Board. Through a collaborative approach, we have been able to find common ground on a significant proportion of the agreement items already, and we remain committed to negotiating in good faith as we create a contract that addresses the needs of our faculty while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of our College.

Last week, the union informed us they had conducted a pre-strike vote. This step is one of several required by a union before employees can lawfully go on strike and is a common feature of collective bargaining in BC. It does not mean that a strike is imminent. Strikes are not legally permitted until the current mediation process is concluded, which will not happen before the end of October.

Our students and the entire Pearson community remain our priority. As a result, while we hope the parties will reach an agreement with the mediator's assistance, we are actively working on plans to minimize any potential impact should the situation change in the coming months.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

UWC Day Led by Student Activism

On September 21st, Pearson students dedicated their time and energy to making a positive impact in local communities. Through various student-led initiatives—such as Kelp Huggers, Student Alliance, Butterfly Project, Metchosin House, Period Pixies, KULE, and Hearth—students spent the day engaged in meaningful projects, from land restoration to community support, making a lasting impact.

Student Shines at International Economics Olympiad

Our second-year student Chau Anh (Year 50/2025, Vietnam) earned a bronze medal at the International Economics Olympiad this summer, showcasing academic excellence. Congratulations! 

Marine Science Conference Hosted at Pearson

Visiting marine scientists across the Cascadia loved their time on campus during this year’s Ripple Effect 2024, fostering learning and collaboration. Watch the video recap here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER:

30th- National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

OCTOBER:

7th-11th- Action, Academic & Wellness Week

14th- Thanksgiving (no classes)

20th- Host Family Brunch

31st- Halloween

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING A NEW GENERATION OF GLOBAL LEADERS

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