Mission-Inspired Alumni and their Work

I’m writing because I want to share what was apparent beyond the affection - that not only were these highly successful entrepreneurs and professionals pursuing their businesses interests with ambition and determination, they were also manifesting a genuine commitment to the UWC Mission and values of the College in all that they did. 

One employer, responsible of tens of thousands of workers in the textile industry, made it a point to provide medical insurance and to pay for employees’ children to be educated, at a time when this was neither normal or expected. Another was working to provide power to remote villages. When seeking to buy land for the power lines, he made it a personal, ethical priority to spend time with the communities, ensuring they had an understanding of the projects alongside the commercial transaction.

I was also delighted to connect two alumi: one developing programmes for families living in severe poverty, and another who had built a school for the underprivileged and was growing it from 100 to 700 students. Another alumna, having started up a finance company with a pledge to donate a proportion of her income, was seeking advice as to where to direct the funds. Two others were buying large tracts of land rich in biodiversity to preserve them and use them for education. Another was winning awards for providing cheap, clean and safe sanitation, especially for women, to reduce disease and danger.

I could go on, but you get the idea.

Every single one of these alumni pointed to their UWCSEA experience as formative in their success, and how their time with us played a defining role in how they look at the world. Many spoke of their acute awareness of their positions and their determination to use them for good.  

I was going to write about what a humbling experience I found this trip to be. But actually, I realise it is not quite that—it is an immense sense of pride that the work we do together bears fruit over the decades. The students we are privileged to teach often go on to positions of power and influence. Impacting them today so that they work for a better future is the work of our College, and we do it well.

Many of you will have heard me use the saying the meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you will never sit. I left India knowing that we have planted many seeds that have grown into trees, and which are providing shade to a multitude who need it. 

I do not exaggerate when I say I found  it genuinely inspiring, and I wanted to share this with you all as you consider the extraordinary adults—successful, ethical, and impactful—that our students are becoming.

Learn more: 

UWCSEA Foundation             UWCSEA Alumni Services