Upper Canada College ~ McLeese Chair in Canadian Debating

McLeese Chair in Canadian Debating

Willis McLeese is committed to helping young people learn the craft of persuasive speaking.

In 2002 he generously endowed the Willis S. McLeese Chair in Canadian Debating, based here at Upper Canada College, and working with the Canadian Student Debating Federation, to bring young people across the country into this activity. McLeese believes that if students are given the skills and confidence to speak publicly and advocate positions, it will serve them well later in life. "Debating is a way to extend your influence,” he says, adding, “Canada will always need great leaders.”

Mr. McLeese's son Rob was a graduate of UCC in 1971. Rob's three sons, Paul 2001 and twins Geoff & Steve 2003, are also graduates of UCC. For a full biography on Willis McLeese visit www.mcleesedebate.com/willis.php

McLeese Chair in Canadian Debating - Theo Caldwell '91

The McLeese Chair is charged with finding opportunities to teach youth the art of argument.

As a student at Upper Canada College, Theo Caldwell was Head of Debating and won several Fulford Cups and other championships for the College. After UCC, Theo earned a BA in English at Trinity College, University of Toronto, as well as an M.Sc. in Public Policy and Management from the University of London, UK.

As an investment advisor in Canada and the United States for over 15 years, Theo has been a member of the New York Stock Exchange, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, The American Stock Exchange and the Kansas City Board of Trade. A frequent guest on television and radio, he is also a columnist for the National Post and Sun Media newspapers. Theo’s novel, Finn the half-Great, was released with M&S-Random House in October of 2009 and debuted as the #1 Teen Literature book in Canada.