Image by Tony Austin, Metchosin Day 2025
In celebration of the generosity led by alumni and donors this academic year, we extend a special message of gratitude for those whose lives have been touched by Larry Huddart, his legacy as a one of Pearson’s first teachers and houseparents, and gifts made in his memory over the past forty years.
Donations made to the Larry Huddart Scholarship are having a profound impact on Gracia, Year 51/2026, from Togo. We are pleased to share Gracia’s UWC experience at Pearson College and how your generosity has encouraged her to learn and lead with empathy.
“To Carol Huddart, Pearson alumni and all of the donors who are making this experience possible, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Gracia, YR51/2026 from Togo.
Gracia arrived at Pearson with a quiet determination and a dream long in the making.
From a young age, she imagined studying in Canada because she felt it was the path to deeper learning and a brighter future. Thanks to the Larry Huddart donors, receiving a scholarship from to Pearson has allowed her to begin that journey, opening doors to academic opportunity, personal independence, and the chance to live and learn within a globally diverse community.
In her first year at Pearson, Gracia embraced the challenges and joys of stepping far outside her comfort zone. Adjusting to life in a fully English-speaking environment was daunting at first, but she tackled the language barrier with steady perseverance. Now, as a confident second year student, Gracia has assisted many first years in her house with their struggles when they arrived on campus.
“I used to think in one direction. Now, I’ve learned to think critically…This scholarship gave me the chance to live a life I never imagined, one where I am learning, growing, and discovering the other side of myself.”
Gracia is pursuing the IB diploma with plans to study engineering. She is consistently commended on her commitment to learning, especially in Economics, where she brings thoughtful insights to class discussions and demonstrates a strong grasp of economic theory. For her Extended Essay, she has explored the cultural and feminist themes in Hidden Figures, combining her interest in literature with a growing curiosity about social history.
“I actually want to do something that people think women cannot do…I want to be that engineer that builds something in her community.”
Beyond the classroom, Gracia has performed in the Afro-Carib show, leading the Togolese dance, and is an active member of the Pearson Singers. She also received leadership recognition through the Afro-Carib and Language Buddies for passing down her traditions. Gracia’s favourite activity is running. With her team, she completed a 10KM race and even won a medal, an achievement she never imagined possible before coming to the College.
At Pearson, Gracia has learned to swim: one of the most surprising and meaningful experiences of her first year, symbolizing how far she’s come in building confidence and embracing new challenges. This year, Gracia joined the Big Canoes activity practicing capsizing and recovering the canoe to further overcome her fear of water.
The Interview – MEET GRACIA
Larry Huddart Endowed Scholarship Fund
Donors to the Larry Huddart Scholarship are transforming the lives of French-speaking students from West Africa like Gracia who will go on to help shape a more compassionate and connected world.
Since the creation of this scholarship, more than $929,000 CAD has been contributed by 145 alumni and donors who wished to honour his life and memory. In addition to funding the annual scholarship costs of many African students, it has grown to have a current estimated value of $1,289,000 CAD.
A fully endowed Larry Huddart Scholarship, necessary to cover tuition, food, and accommodations indefinitely for future Larry Huddart scholars, is currently valued at $1.75 million CAD. We are almost three quarters of the way to completing this amount.
We invite everyone who knew Larry to help us collectively raise the $439,300 needed to reach this goal with a special one-time gift, sign up for a recurring gift or make a gift of securities.
Image by Tony Austin, Metchosin Day 2025
Endowment gifts make a lasting impact. The endowment plays a critical role in supplementing operating costs to keep a UWC education accessible while building resilience in the face of fluctuating economic conditions.
Our endowment – managed by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors which currently stands at about $57 million – is on track to cross the $60 million threshold as part of our strategic goal for 2030. Larger distributions made possible by this growth will help us close the gap between need and scholarships available.
Thanks to the collective generosity honouring Larry Huddart’s legacy, lives will continue to be transformed at Pearson College UWC. Your gifts to this scholarship made in his name will ensure that future generations of students can explore pathways toward peace.
To learn more about the Pearson College UWC Endowment or contribute to the Larry Huddart Scholarship, please reach out to Jineane Eason, Senior Manager, Donor Engagement & Gift Planning at jeason@pearsoncollege.ca.
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