It’s a new year and we’d like to share with you a few exciting changes around our campus. Yes, we’re saying a few goodbyes and best wishes and welcoming new folks to power our Alumni Engagement, Advancement and Sustainability initiatives as we head into our 50th anniversary celebrations.
First off, please welcome Phoebe Mason, our new Alumni Engagement Manager, who joins us from the UWC National Committee of Canada, where she was the go-getter Operations and Engagement Coordinator for that volunteer-powered committee heavily supported by Pearson and UWC alumni. With this background, and as a graduate of Mahindra UWC India (MUWCI), Phoebe brings a depth of knowledge of, and a passion for, the United World College experience and mission.
Originally from Canada’s Maritimes on the Atlantic coast, Phoebe graduated from Minerva University in 2022 with a B.A. in History and Philosophy, spent three years working on community engagement, fundraising and social media with the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation and as a tutor and mentor for international students with a UWC-founded tutoring agency and EducationUSA.
“My passion for experiential learning and community development started at MUWCI,” said Phoebe. “And I look forward to continuing that journey with Pearson, especially welcoming alumni to on-campus reunions during the 50th-anniversary celebration summers in 2024 and 25.” She’s keen to remind everyone that it’s easy to register for these special reunions right here.
The Alumni Engagement baton was passed to Phoebe from Daniela Lara, who recently accepted a position with a Victoria-area post-secondary institution. Daniela brought energy and an infectious, positive spirit to alumni reunions in the summer of ’23.
Over on the Advancement side, we are also extending best wishes to Theron Shaw (YR 16/1991, USA), who, together with his family, will soon be returning to his former home of Vashon Island, “a 20-minute ferry ride from Seattle.” As Campaign Director for the historic $40 million Renew and Re-found initiative, Theron met hundreds of Pearson alumni in person and virtually since moving to campus in 2017. As a Houseparent for part of his time with the College, he helped guide many future alumni as they navigated life in residence.
With the campaign coming to a successful conclusion (more on that soon!), Theron will be transitioning to a new role as Executive Director for the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust. “My time at Pearson has stirred a deep desire in me to be more involved in the work of addressing climate change, and this new role will be an opportunity to do some very exciting work at the intersections of climate, conservation and community.”
Speaking of sustainability, we are excited to welcome Johnny Mills (YR 42/2017, Canada – ON) as the campus’ new Sustainability Coordinator. As well as an alumnus of Pearson, Johnny is currently a Houseparent for ŦÁ¸WEN House and brings to his new role a background that includes working with a national organization on sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Johnny will lead the Sustainability Committee and work closely with students, alumni, other schools/UWCs and the entire Pearson community to support sustainability programs, reduce carbon emissions and promote effective sustainability initiatives to reduce the College’s impact on the