Ronaldo Lobo Gonzalez - A finalist for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University in Canada

WSB University graduate, Ronaldo Lobo Gonzalez (BS’21), is a finalist for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University in Canada.

The scholarships are the result of a landmark C$200 million (around 649 million zł) gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the second-largest single donation in Canadian history.

Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program. McGill University was named Canada’s best university by QS World University Rankings in June 2022, and 31st in the world.

Ronaldo is among 35 international finalists from 31 universities around the world. Finalists were chosen after a first round of online regional interviews, based on their character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

He will attend the final round of interviews in Montréal, Canada from March 8 to 12, meeting with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector.

Up to 10 international McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. If not selected as a scholar, he is eligible to receive a $20,000 Finalist Award for studies at McGill.

Ronaldo works as a sales operations specialist at a fintech company. He currently volunteers as a public relations coordinator and as a project proposals manager for Fundación Barranquilla+20, a non-governmental organization in his home country, Colombia. He has been involved with this organization for over a decade. Prior to entering the workforce, Ronaldo studied international relations at WSB University with a full scholarship. He founded and led the school’s first Latino student association and co-founded a club to discuss global education issues. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in political science.

“When I was informed I had made it to final interviews, I was truly speechless,” said Ronaldo. “I couldn’t believe it, and I couldn’t be more happy and proud.”

He remains thankful for his time at WSB University. “Education remained a launching pad for my childhood dreams through scholarships. Not only did I acquire important academic knowledge and skills internationally, but I also grew as a person by interacting with other cultures, opinions and lifestyles.”

Looking forward to final interviews, he said, “I’m super excited to see Canada. Just thinking that I will be visiting such a vivid and international city like Montréal is a dream come true.”

Travel costs for final interviews are covered by the scholarship program.

“McGill, Montréal, Québec, and Canada attract talented students from all over the world,” said John McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “Our aim is to provide a life-changing opportunity for students who have a genuine desire to learn and make a positive impact in society.”

“Our committees were delighted to receive great interest from all corners of the world,” said Natasha Sawh, Dean of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “More than 280 volunteers were involved in assessing candidates. They looked not only for academic strength, but for qualities like integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage.”

Applications will open in June 2023 for September 2024 admission.