UWC-USA’s 2019 graduation was held on May 25, 2019 and featured 105 students from 75 different countries participating in the ceremony. Of the students graduating almost 95 percent are continuing their educations on scholarships, and 50 percent received full rides. The impressive list of school acceptances includes Duke, Wellesley, Cornell, Yale, University of California Berkeley, Princeton, New York University, Brown, Columbia and more.
Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, chairwoman of the United World College International Board and globally recognized for initiatives that advance health, development, and human rights, was the keynote speaker.
Kanyoro served as the president and chief executive officer of the Global Fund for Women, a foundation that invests in and advocates for women and girls. With more than 30 years of experience mobilizing and managing international non-governmental organizations at both the global and grassroots levels, Kanyoro’s early work focused on the self-determination of African peoples and the abolition of apartheid in South Africa. Kanyoro has doctorates in linguistics from the University of Texas, Austin, and feminist theology from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Len Necefer, the recipient of the 2019 Giulio Regeni Alumni Impact Award, also addressed attendees. A 2007 UWC-USA graduate, Necefer advocates for native nations and the environment. He is an assistant professor with joint appointments with the American Indian Studies Program and the Udall Center for Public Policy.
The Giulio Regeni Alumni Impact Award is given annually to a UWC-USA alumnus or alumna who has made substantial contributions and created impact in the local, national, or global community, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and professional career honor the UWC mission.