Pearson College has received a gift from a U.S. philanthropist who will match up to $1 million US in funds donated to the Metchosin school.
Shelby M.C. Davis, a retired mutual fund manager based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and his wife, Gale, donated a total of $15 million US to be spread among all 15 institutions that are a part of the United World Colleges organization, of which Pearson College is Canada’s lone representative.
The funding will go toward scholarships for new students attending Pearson College, now home to 160 students from 80 countries.
“We believe in the potential of UWC students and we believe in the power of leading by example — thus our decision to step up for UWC at this time,” Davis said in a statement. “We hope many others will join us to provide more UWC scholarships for aspiring youth from all parts of the world.”
The gift was announced Sunday during the school’s Founders’ Day Celebration, which paid tribute to those who laid the groundwork for the school, which opened in 1974. The school was named for Lester B. Pearson, the former prime minister credited as the driving force behind its conception.
“Everyone was already gathered for the celebration,” said Danielle Pope, media relations officer for Pearson College. “By chance, we received this amazing gift.”
Sir John Daniel, chairman of the United World College International Board, was on hand to announce the funding.
The contribution from Davis is retroactive to Aug. 1, Pope said.
