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Désirée McGraw named president of Pearson College

Concordia alumna becomes first female president in school’s 40-year history
May 4, 2015
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By Salim Valji


Désirée McGraw, BA (economics) 93, has been named president of Pearson College UWC in Victoria. She was appointed to the position in April, becoming the school’s first female president.

Désirée McGraw The Financial Post named Désirée McGraw one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Influential Women in 2014. | Photo courtesy of Pearson College

McGraw will move to Pearson College following a prestigious 25-year career as an educator, advisor and advocate focused on youth engagement in global issues. She most recently was executive director and president of the Jeanne Sauvé Foundation in Montreal.

In 2010 she was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and in 2014 was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Influential Women by the Financial Post.

“Pearson College is more important than ever before, and I’m excited to work with students, alumni, staff, faculty, volunteers and partners in fulfilling its mission,” McGraw said.

“The world needs a new generation of change agents, undaunted by complexity, to tackle national and global issues. There is an unparalleled sense of commitment, community, empathy and intellectual curiosity here at Pearson. It’s a great place to learn together, and to learn to lead in uncertain times.”

Pearson College UWC is one of 14 United World Colleges around the world. The two-year college is a pre-university school for up to 160 students from more than 100 countries who live, study and learn together pursuing the International Baccalaureate.

McGraw will begin her term on August 1.



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