UWC - Presidents and Patrons

About UWC > UWC International > Presidents and Patrons

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, President Her Majesty Queen Noor became President of the United World Colleges in 1995. Since then she has visited many UWC Colleges and National Committees, attended UWC meetings and events and met with UWC students, graduates, staff and leaders throughout the world. Her Majesty's commitment to international understanding and in particular to peace-building initiatives is an inspirational example to members of the UWC international movement. "The goal of our educational movement is not simply to produce educated young people but also to nurture activists for peace and future leaders who can help resolve the challenges within their own societies and contribute to building bridges between communities and cultures within their regions and throughout the world."
Nelson Mandela, Honorary President Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President of the United World Colleges International Council in 1995 and became Honorary President in 1999. Mr Mandela has a long and personal connection with the UWC movement since his children and grandchildren attended Waterford KaMhlaba UWC of Southern Africa. Through his life-long defence of freedom and justice, Nelson Mandela encapsulates many of the ideals which UWC strives to achieve and provides great inspiration for students and Graduates. "Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor; that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine; that the child of farm workers can become the President of a great nation."
Lord Richard Attenborough, International Patron Lord Attenborough has been an active member of the Governing Council of Waterford KaMhlaba UWC of Southern Africa for many years and was formerly a member of the UWC International Board. Through his extraordinary career and esteem as an actor and film-maker, including as director of films such as Gandhi and Cry Freedom, Lord Attenborough has taken every opportunity to work for peace and justice and in support of disadvantaged people in every walk of life.
Hon W Galen Weston, International Patron Galen Weston was formerly Chairperson of Lester B Pearson UWC of the Pacific, and served on the UWC International Board for many years, including as Vice-Chair. Mr Weston is Chairman of George Weston Limited, a Canadian food processing and food distribution company. He is also President of the W Garfield Weston Foundation, which focuses on education and the environment.
Shelby MC Davis, International Patron After a highly successful investment career, Shelby Davis established the Davis United World Colleges Scholarship Programme. This provides 100 full scholarships per year for American students to attend one of the ten UWCs, and financial aid to UWC graduates attending over 70 American Colleges and Universities. Currently the scholarship programme meets the financial needs of over 1000 college students from over 100 countries.
Lu Pat Ng, International Patron Lu Pat Ng (AC 65-67) served as Chair of Atlantic College from 1999-2004 and was a very committed member of the International Board during this period. Lu Pat's commitment to Atlantic College and the wider UWC movement has been underpinned by his own exceptional genorosity and also by his ability to encourage others to give. He is currently playing a leading role in the project to establish a new UWC in Kenya.
Antonin Besse, International Patron Antonin Besse has been a passionate supporter of UWC since before the founding of Atlantic College – he donated St Donat's Castle as the College's home. Antonin has continued to be active in his suport ever since with long periods of service on the International Board, including as Vice Chairman, and with the French National Committee. He played an important role in the founding of the UWC of the Adriatic and more recently was part of the founding team of the UWC-IB Initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Former Presidents

Lord Mountbatten

HRH The Prince of Wales

Former International Patron

Dr Thor Heyerdahl

Honorary Vice-Presidents

The United World Colleges (International) has five Honorary Vice-Presidents who have distinguished themselves through service to the UWC international movement:

M Antonin Besse

Sir Ian Gourlay

Mr Mark Hoffman

Sir Albert Sloman

Professor Thomas HB Symons

UWC Founder's Medals

Throughout the history of the United World Colleges, it has been the vision and determination of individuals committed to UWC's ideals which has enabled each new College to become a reality. The UWC Founder's Medals were initiated in 1995 to enable the international movement to recognise and honour such individuals.

Below each name is the Founder's Medal inscription:

Corrado Belci

In recognition of his irreplaceable contribution to the United World College of the Adriatic.

Roy Bennett (deceased)

For his inspirational leadership, perseverance and vision in founding and establishing the United World College of South East Asia.

Antonin Besse

In recognition of his visionary act of faith.

Tom Gresvig (AC 66-68)

In recognition of turning a Dream into a Reality.

Naomi Hoare

To whom, with Desmond, we owe the birth of Atlantic College and of the United World Colleges.

Lee Quo-Wei

To whose energy, determination, vision and leadership we owe the Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong.

Harish Mahindra (deceased)

To whose courage, idealism and leadership we owe the Mahindra United World College of India.

Luis Marcano Coello

In recognition of his vision, determination and energy in establishing Simón Bolívar United World College of Agriculture.

Jack Matthews (deceased)
In recognition of his critical role in the establishment and development of Lester B Pearson UWC of the Pacific

John Nichol

In recognition of his extraordinary personal commitment and leadership in establishing the Lester B Pearson United World College of the Pacific.

Michael Stern (deceased)

In recognition of his visionary courage in founding Waterford KaMhlaba United World College of Southern Africa.

David Sutcliffe
In recognition of his pivotal role in the creation of UWC in Mostar and a lifelong commitment to UWC