Welcome to the Alumni-in-Residence Program at Pearson College UWC

Since April 2016, with the arrival of Dani McArthur (Year 6/1981) and her "Tiny House", we have been piloting our first Alumni-in-Residence program here at Pearson College UWC. The program fits into our philosophy and education model by engaging our alumni in life and learning on our experiential education campus and by also enriching campus life and learning for current students, faculty and staff. Alumni are invited to bring their own expertise and passions and work collaboratively with us to offer new activities or learning opportunities based on their work, world experience, or passions.

The program was kick-started by Dani when she responded to President and Head of College Desiree McGraw's challenge
to all Pearson alumni, to find creative ways to dedicate time and talent to the College's UWC mission: "To make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures, for peace and a sustainable future". Dani was enthusiastic about the invitation, and her proposal to live on campus and volunteer her expansive experience teaching English as a second language was something we were absolutely thrilled to take her up on! The added bonus was that she was bringing her house with her - a Tiny House at that!


Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at Pearson College. The Tiny House, and living “small”, is another example of how we can contribute to the conversation about reducing our global footprint. The 250-square foot house on wheels is part of a growing trend of micro-homes that residents are choosing to move into as the impact of sustainable living and the high cost of owning a home become more evident. Read more about the Tiny House in the Pearson Times or Goldstream News Gazette.

Dani has definitely made an impact here on campus. She holds regular tutoring hours for students needing extra time and practice in English, she is now the part-time librarian and has spent an incredible amount of energy bringing the library into the 21st century (including a soon-to-arrive digital catalog system!), and co-developed and co-facilitated the pilot Summer Program for English Language Learning (SPELL) with faculty member, Dr. Kim Meredith.

Now that winter has arrived, Dani is off to a warmer climate, Malawi, to work with Malawi Girls on the Move. In her absence, she has graciously invited alumni to take her place, and we have the exciting opportunity to welcome three more alumni to campus as part of the Alumni-in-Residence program!

Charlotte will be joining us early in the new year, from January 16 to 29. Emmy will then take her place from January 30 until February 12. Finally, Trevor arrives on February 13 and will stay until March 27. Read more about our Alumni-in-Residence here.

Welcome Charlotte, Emmy and Trevor — what an exciting addition to our Pearson College community each of you will make!