Pearson Stories - Alumni

When I was 16 I truly wanted to experience life at a higher level, more challenging, more interesting, more rewarding. I wanted to see the world, meet people, improve my English - and I knew my personality, my behavior and my talents were being baked in the oven at the greatest heat they had ever been. I was hungry for new experiences. For a new me.

Corey Bradshaw currently holds the Professorial Chair of Ecological Modelling at the University of Adelaide’s Environment Institute in South Australia, and he has a co-appointment with the South Australian Research and Development Institute. Previously, he held an Associate Professor position at Charles Darwin University in northern Australia, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Tasmania. Corey has completed 3 tertiary degrees in mathematical ecology (BSc, MSc, PhD) from universities in Canada and New Zealand.

Lily Hua Fang came to Pearson College from China in 1992 as the first winner of Pearson’s McConnell Scholarship sponsored by Drs. Fleming and Aileen McConnell, long term supporters of China’s connection with the rest of the world.

An overwhelming theme amongst alumni is the close bonds formed with fellow students during their time at Pearson College.

Douglas Alexander is Secretary of State for International Development in the British government of Gordon Brown. Douglas is the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South.

Miriam Orellana Peña is Manager of Civil Society and Citizen Participation for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Bolivia, working on projects to strengthen capacities and build communities throughout Bolivia.

“Pearson College was the perfect place to come up with basic ideas and to build relationships,” says Miriam. “Whether it was a particular project, or getting a group of people to work together, we had the sense that anything was possible. More often than not, real life is more difficult – but it was a great way to learn and to live. “

Fionnuala Ni Aolain is Professor of Law and Director of the Transitional Justice Institute at the University of Ulster in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and concurrently Dorsey & Whitney Chair in Law at the University of Minnesota Law School. She is also co-founder of the Transitional Justice Institute. She holds a dual academic appointment split between the University of Ulster and the University of Minnesota Law School.

How did you hear about UWC?

Coming to Pearson has been a dream that I never imagined would come true. Just a year ago, I was studying at my normal school in Jordan when I heard about UWCs from people at school. I did some research to find out more and I was just amazed.

In 2006 Chloë Dear launched her own outdoor theatre company, Iron-Oxide which performed in Edinburgh, UK at the New Year celebrations 2009/10. She specializes in mid-large scale outdoor / street productions with a particular fondness of international co-productions, aerial spectaculars, multi-layered story telling, beaches and woodlands, fire, performing equines, film integrated with live action and touring in Europe.

William started his career as a Teaching Fellow in Biology with the University of Papua New Guinea(1982-1986) then as a Conservation Scientist with the Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Papua New Guinea( 1987-1992) then left to served as an Environmental Programs Coordinator with the United Nations Development Program in Papua New Guinea(1993-1997) and later returned to the University of Papua New Guinea to teach Conservation Strategies in the Environment Science Program(1993-1999).

Scott Campbell is CEO of Medusa Medical Technologies in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

How did you hear about UWC?

I heard about UWC through my sister’s mother-in-law. She saw the ads in the local newspaper and encouraged me to apply. I then researched about UWC, being particularly interested in Pearson College.