Six recipients of the Loran Scholars Foundation have travelled across Canada to pursue their academic careers at the University of Waterloo.
The Loran Scholars Foundation looks beyond marks when selecting their candidates—Loran Scholars are students who demonstrate integrity, courage, curiosity and a commitment to service.
Loran Scholars will receive awards worth up to $100,000 over four years to support their studies, as they continue to embrace the challenge of making the world a better place for all.
Shreya Jain is a first-year student in the Faculty of Mathematics.
Jain co-founded and led the debate team at Maple Ridge Secondary School in her hometown of Barrie, Ontario. In addition to working at her local library and volunteering in a community initiative to connect youth with seniors, she has helped develop and launch advertising campaigns for a non-profit. She also developed a comprehensive research project that aims to address flexible electricity demand.
Jain chose Waterloo because of the university’s opportunities for experiential learning.
“I’m excited to delve into the theory behind mathematical and computational modeling techniques,” Jain says. “And leverage them to tackle real-world sustainability challenges.”
For Jain, the Loran scholarship is a recognition of her passion for working with others in her community to improve the world around her.
“Being a Loran Scholar means the opportunity to embrace challenges, drive forward meaningful change and build community, while being backed by a network of unique, driven individuals,” Jain says.
Julien Côté is a first-year mathematical physics student.
For Julien Côté, being an active member of his community of Cold Lake, Alberta, happened naturally. He was the president of his student council at École Voyageur, is chair of the Cold Lake Youth Council and co-founded a non-profit organization, Snaque Attaque.
He also has an array of interests including playing piano in a music ensemble, acting as a house leader in the Parlement jeunesse de l’Alberta (PJA), and is a strong advocate for La Francophonie and cultural diversity.
Being a Loran Scholar means he will have the ability to get involved in his new community when he joins the Physics program at Waterloo this fall.
“Being a Loran Scholar gives me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and continue serving my community throughout my studies,” Côté says. “This award opens doors and encourages me to aim for excellence.”
He is also excited about starting at Waterloo this fall because of the stellar STEM reputation and the opportunity to explore his interests through co-op.
“I decided to go to Waterloo because it offers the best program for me — a combination of physics and math, with a co-op program,” he says. “I’m very excited to study at a university known for its STEM programs.”