From Springfield Gardens in Queens, New York to London town, Charles H. Wardlaw (Am’75) always knew he had the energy it took to make his mark on the world. Lovingly called Chuck by those closest to him, his journey to making an impact began with the Thouron Award in the late ’70s.
Currently retired as of 2023, Chuck had a 35-year career primarily in chemical, petrochemical and energy industries with DuPont, Tyco, and BP. His last big energy role was as a Vice President at BP. Once he left corporate, Chuck diverted his time to consultancy for 10 years, working with management consulting, private equity, and investment management firms.
But what was the chain reaction that sparked this life full of energy? One trigger in particular, the Thouron Award.
A Bond is Formed
“I was applying for another scholarship to study in the U.K. and was informed about the Thouron Award and encouraged to apply for it by the Office of International Studies,” Chuck shares. Prior to becoming a Thouron Scholar, he had only travelled throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Philadelphia, and brief trips to California, Washington D.C., and Tennessee. “This very generous award enabled me to study abroad and live outside of the USA for the first time — it was a ‘game-changer’ for me,” Chuck recalls.
With the freedom to live and study in London, he made sure to travel, too! Throughout the U.K., Europe, and North Africa — including England, Scotland, France, Spain, and Morocco. “I was exposed to and fascinated by different viewpoints, perspectives and ways of thinking,” Chuck states. Before embarking on his journey with the Award, Chuck studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1975. At Imperial College, London, Chuck studied Chemical Engineering as well, and completed his master’s degree in 1976.
“I was one of two Americans in my graduate program, and lived in the International Students House in the Regent’s Park area for the first seven months or so, and the remaining five months in South Kensington. Imperial College is a world-renowned academic institution located in one of the world’s most fascinating cities,” Chuck describes.
His academic career didn’t end there! Chuck went on to complete his MBA with a focus on Finance and International Business at Temple University in 1982.
Strengthening Old Bonds
The Thouron Award had a significant impact on his life after graduation. It impressed upon Chuck an intense desire to continue exploring the world and different cultures. It also helped him develop a strong affinity for London and the various cultures of the U.K. It is that experience that led Chuck to ensure he made an effort to attend Thouron Award events since his time as a Scholar.
“Fortunately, I have stayed connected with the Thouron community, including [at the] Thanksgiving dinner at Dr. Ian Davies in 1975 while studying in London; the 20th anniversary celebration in 1980; numerous Thouron holiday parties [and] welcoming parties for both U.K. and U.S. Thouron awardees since 1997; and the 60th anniversary celebration in Greenwich, followed by the trans-Atlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2 along with dozens of members of [the] Thouron community and their guests, family, and partners,” Chuck fondly recalls.
He has also served as a member of the U.S. Thouron Selection Committee between 1997 to 2022. “My life has been enriched by the relationships I’ve developed through the Thouron Award Alumni network and the Thouron family. It’s an extended family in a way — through shared experiences and values, reunions and reconnecting are always invigorating experiences,” Chuck shares.
That time spent in London as a graduate student, free from any financial pressures, allowed Chuck — and many other Scholars in our community — to learn who he really was as an individual and to appreciate how privileged he is to be a U.S. citizen. Many lessons are learned by our Scholars when their worldview is changed from their time spent abroad.
Potential Energy Transformed
Upon returning to the U.S., Chuck focused on establishing a programme that supports the success of minority students in Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences — which is now led by Dr. Laura Stabbs. “I spent the next 45 years working a variety of disciplines including engineering, manufacturing operations, planning, sales, marketing, and procurement/supply chain management,” Chuck states.
He has held roles such as executive, consultant, and manager, while working across more than 40 countries and 36 U.S. states. “A common thread was getting to know and understand people [in order] to work collaboratively to solve problems,” Chuck explains.
Now married for 47+ years to his best friend, Sonia Jaipaul, a father to two wonderful daughters, Rana and Aurora, and papa to two amazing granddaughters, Amirah and Yara, Chuck is happily retired. His energy led him to be a trailblazer who helped prepare others to become those worth following in business and life. “I’m a composite of the things I’ve done, the experiences I’ve had. I’ve achieved more than I could’ve dreamed of growing up in Springfield Gardens in the outskirts of Queens,” Chuck reminisces.
The Creation of New Bonds
Along with a beautiful family life, hobbies like travel and gardening, Chuck continues to put his energy to great use. The Louis August Jonas Foundation is one which he has supported as a Board Member since 2010. The foundation funds an international scholarship camp and related activities for teenagers from around the world.
Returning the energy Chuck began with, and maintains, to future Scholars is incredibly admirable. His years spent being a part of the Thouron selection process was one of his yearly highlights, meeting such fascinating applicants who aspired to have such a major impact on the world. The future of the Thouron Award is greatly important to Chuck as the energy of new Scholars inspires him and reminds him of the enthusiasm he felt in his 20s.
“I’ve been very pleased to see the growth and evolution of the Award over the past 25+ years that I have been involved. More awards are being granted, the applicants come from a broader background and are increasing in diversity — [plus] more recent grads are also applying,” Chuck states.
He would like to see even more people from the Penn community become aware of the Thouron Award, and understand the value and uniqueness of the fellowship programme because it is a life-changing opportunity worthy of their application.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Thouron Scholar?
Learn more about the Thouron Award — one of the most prestigious and generous academic scholarships in the world. Applications are accepted from July through October/November each year.