An accomplished academic and CEO with a commitment to education and youth development, Les McCabe is this year’s recipient of the School of Social Ecology’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Les credits his time as an undergraduate at UC Irvine as the first of many life-changing experiences. He was drawn to social ecology’s multidisciplinary approach to issues such as criminal justice, the environment and human behavior. He gained valuable lessons in leadership and mentorship through his relationships with UC Irvine faculty and staff, including Bob Gentry, then dean of students; Randy Lewis, assistant dean of students; and Sally Peterson, assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social ecology in 1980, Les would go on to earn a master of social work (community organization, children, youth and families) from the University of Washington; a master of public administration from Seattle University; and a Ph.D. in administrative and policy studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

Les has drawn on his commitment to interdisciplinary and socially conscious education to fuel his work training the next generation of leaders through empowerment and education. After working with youth and families through Casey Family Programs, Les experienced another profound set of life-changing moments through his work with the Institute for Shipboard Education, where he managed the Semester at Sea program in leadership roles for 27 years, ultimately serving as president and CEO.

In addition to providing transformational experiences for students around the world, he had the opportunity to interact with world leaders, including meeting with Fidel Castro in Cuba in 1999 and fostering a lasting friendship with the late Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Les currently serves as president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southern California, inspiring and equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence for economic success. He extends this commitment to the region’s economic growth as a member of the board of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation.