It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed Founder, Dr. Robert Cluett. On this occasion, the entire Loran community is reflecting on Bob’s broad and lasting contributions to Canada’s leadership ecosystem with profound gratitude.

In 1989, Dr. Robert Cluett took early retirement from his role as Chair of York University’s Graduate English department to become the founding Chairman and CEO of the Loran Scholars Foundation (then known as the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation). Over the subsequent three decades, Bob’s unconventional philosophy of looking beyond grades to identify individuals with a unique strength of character, which he believed was a better marker of future potential, has had a transformative impact on the lives of thousands of young Canadians.

During his time as a university professor at York University, Bob grew concerned watching that many talented young Canadians were being attracted to the States for post-secondary. He became determined to create a scholarship that would incentivize Canadians to study on Canadian university campuses. Furthermore, Bob recognized a significant gap in the Canadian system of financial assistance for university students (such funding tended to be directed to only two groups: those with exceptionally high academic averages and those with phenomenal athletic abilities).

Bob was committed, instead, to actively seeking out and providing financial support and mentorship to exceptional young Canadians who showed strength of character, the drive to leave their communities better than they found them, and sparks of exceptional leadership potential. An early proponent of merit-based selection, Bob believed that character is demonstrated by what students do with the opportunities they are given—within the context of their backgrounds and upbringings. He insisted that “breadth, openness to challenge, and willingness to take risk are many times more important than any quantitative measure of promise.” This created an opportunity for students from all regions and socio-economic statuses across Canada.

Loran became the country’s first national organization of its kind. Bob built the Foundation on a vision that was unique, ambitious, and optimistic: to find, equip, and empower Canada’s next generation of young people who are driven by integrity, curiosity, courage, grit, and a high level of inner-directedness. Bob believed that Canada would prosper if we ensured that these high-potential students were given the opportunity to imagine, explore, and create the future.

Founded in 1988, Bob brought his vision to life through an ambitious and deeply collaborative community project: he rallied a small group of committed trustees (David Bell, David Crombie OC, Doug Grant, Kim Echlin, Dick Helmstadter, Karen McCrae, Mary Turner, Frank Vasilkioti, and Karen Wilson) to help build something entirely new. Together, they pioneered an innovative co-investment model: securing commitments from five founding university partners – McMaster, McGill, the University of Toronto, Waterloo, and York – to leverage donor contributions by providing matching tuition waivers for Loran Scholars.

“Bob Cluett built something that is genuinely rare: a vision compelling enough that an entire community of volunteers, donors, universities, and young people has chosen to protect and carry forward for nearly four decades. He believed that character was the truest measure of young people’s potential, and he never wavered from that conviction. His legacy is not a plaque on a wall. It is the 800-plus Loran Scholars who are quietly and steadily helping make this country better. The Loran Scholars Foundation is his gift to Canada, and on behalf of the Board, I am deeply grateful for everything he has given us.”

– Mike Johnson, Board Chair; President & CEO at REDspace

This approach effectively doubled the impact of donors’ contributions and ensured the program could be both generous and sustainable from the outset. Supported by volunteers and donors, Bob designed an award that would combine financial support with a breadth of developmental opportunities, enabling scholars to study in Canada while preparing to reinvest their talents in tackling the country’s most complex challenges.

Bob retired from hands-on service at the Foundation in 2001, but acted as National Co-Chair of Interviews from 2002 to 2010 and continued to serve as a formal and informal mentor to countless scholars, and as a member of Loran’s Honorary Council, providing wise counsel and guidance as Loran continued to grow and evolve for 37 years after his founding.

He remained a donor and Cornerstone Benefactor to the endowment fund to the end of his life. Through his lifelong efforts to find, nurture, and retain leaders of integrity, Bob supported over three decades of compassionate, ethical, respectful, courageous, and determined leaders – comprising a network of over 800 scholars and alumni – who are now shaping the landscapes of their diverse fields and building bridges that unite all Canadian citizens in the dream of a brighter and more just tomorrow.

Over the past 37 years, the Loran Scholars Foundation has continued to be driven by Bob’s original vision and has raised over $87M in charitable contributions from individuals, families, foundations, and corporations from coast to coast to coast. These funds have made possible undergraduate awards for more than 3,600 promising high school and Cégep students, changing the trajectories of their lives.

We venture that there is no leader in education who has given more to generations of promising Canadian students than Bob. He described his years with the Loran Scholars Foundation as “the best thing that ever happened to [him] — a truly luminous and life-making experience.” We’re certain that all those whose lives Bob touched hold a similar impression of his meaningful impact on their journeys, and share in our feelings of appreciation and loss today.

Bob’s impact on the Loran community is best measured through the stories and connections he forged over the decades. We know that many of you carry personal memories of his mentorship, his wit, and his unwavering belief in the potential of young leaders.

If you wish to share a reflection, a note of condolence, or a favourite story, we welcome you to send these tributes to rememberingbob@loranscholar.ca. Your words will serve as a comfort to his family and a lasting testament to the legacy he leaves behind. If you would like your message to remain private and/or anonymous, please don’t hesitate to request that.

Bob’s family is holding a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 7, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in Highline Hall at the Wellington Community Centre (Arena building).

We are thrilled to share that Loran alum Luka Bordeleau (’22) was named one of the 30 newly selected McCall MacBain Scholars. Open to students worldwide and selected for their purpose and integrity, the McCall MacBain Scholarship supports students pursuing a professional degree or a master’s at McGill University. Luka is the third Loran Scholar to have received this distinction.

From a young age, Luka was drawn to storytelling – spending hours reading and imagining characters and worlds of his own. That early passion proved formative, shaping his path toward anthropology, a discipline grounded in dialogue and the sharing of human experiences. He attributes his interest in the field to its ability to tell and elevate meaningful narratives, noting, “I’ve always loved stories and anthropology allows me to explore and amplify those that might otherwise go unheard.”

This fall, Luka will pursue a Master’s degree focused on the realities of migration and exile. His research explores the often-unseen volunteer efforts surrounding the deaths of migrants in Italy—asking difficult but important questions about who cares for those who pass far from home, who reconnects them with their families, and how these practices evolve within shifting political contexts.

During his Loran Summer in the not-for-profit sector, working for No Name Kitchen in Italy, Luka experienced a pivotal awakening. “That undertaking changed everything for me,” he recalls. “It made me realize I wanted to dedicate my work to issues of migration and mobility. Thank you to the Loran community, including my mentor, Catherine Côté (’16), my coach, Kanishka Sikri, staff, and fellow Loran Scholars and alumni, for helping me turn that realization into a clear direction.”

Throughout his undergraduate studies as a Loran Scholar, Luka found that the financial support and sense of community allowed him to become actively engaged in community projects that helped him discover the type of changemaker he wants to become – an experience he describes as formative in clarifying his values and ambitions. “The relationships I built showed me what truly matters to me,” he says, adding that he now feels equipped to pursue his future projects and aspirations with a strong sense of confidence and purpose.

As he prepares to join the McCall MacBain Scholars community at McGill, Luka is especially excited to connect with others who share a commitment to community and impact. For someone who has always been inspired by stories, he looks forward to learning from the diverse experiences of his fellow scholars and continuing to ensure that meaningful, overlooked perspectives find their way into the light.

Across Canada and beyond, Loran volunteers represent a diverse spectrum of business & community leaders–educators, entrepreneurs, nonprofit champions, civil servants, and professionals spanning science, medicine, law, the arts, and commerce. Each year, dedicated assessors and interview volunteers bring their distinct experiences of values‑based leadership to one of the most intensive undergraduate award selection processes in the country. They step into an unconventional role: not just reviewing applications, but also seeking out the intangible qualities that reveal a young person’s exceptional potential for integrity-driven, community-oriented leadership.

Loran volunteers recognize that there isn’t one ‘right way’ to be a Loran Scholar, and that the demonstration of character, service, and leadership is unique for each individual. They acknowledge that effective and inspirational leadership can take many forms—that it is more of a practice than a position—and, therefore, that leadership potential cannot be measured by a list of activities, accolades, and accomplishments alone. 

Through thoughtful observation, insightful questions, and reflective dialogue, assessors and interviewers help uncover the stories and motivations beneath applicants’ achievements—the courage behind quiet decisions, the empathy that drives everyday actions, and the integrity that guides young people in building stronger communities. 

We asked three Loran Selections volunteers to reflect upon some of the more intangible qualities and values that help them identify applicants who show sparks of truly authentic and extraordinary leadership potential.

For Bineta Ba, Director of Partnerships and International Development at the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Foundation in Montréal, whose work advances access to healthcare, education, and youth development across Africa and Haiti, that spark often lies in authenticity.

“Beyond achievements, what guides me most is authenticity… when there is coherence and reflection behind the choices.” In her experience, the “Loran factor” emerges when humility and ambition coexist: when a person is driven not by a desire to impress, but by a sincere commitment to contribute.

“The ‘Loran factor’ appears when a person combines humility and ambition… not only through what they do, but through the reasons that motivate them.”

She recalls moments where leadership revealed itself quietly: in an applicant’s recognition of their community’s generosity toward them, and in their sincere desire to give back. Demonstration of this sense of purpose-driven responsibility, she notes, is often a clear indicator of integrity.

“It is also the courage to think outside the box, to go beyond the comfort of what is known or agreed upon. It is not necessarily about being revolutionary, but about acting with sincerity and conviction to contribute, in one’s own way, to making our world a little – or a lot – more beautiful.”

Andrea Vagianos, a longtime arts leader and former Managing Director of Tarragon Theatre, is now an arts consultant. Her career has also included extensive service on arts boards and peer assessment panels, most recently on the Toronto Arts Council’s Theatre Committee.

She shares, “I am always struck by honest and thoughtful responses. Confidence is important, but some demonstration that a candidate is considering a question that’s posed, revealing that they are aware that life is a learning proposition for which they may not have all the answers, is especially compelling to me.”

Andrea Vagianos, a longtime arts leader and former Managing Director of Tarragon Theatre, is now an arts consultant. Her career has also included extensive service on arts boards and peer assessment panels, most recently on the Toronto Arts Council’s Theatre Committee. She shares, “I am always struck by honest and thoughtful responses. Confidence is important, but some demonstration that a candidate is considering a question that’s posed, revealing that they are aware that life is a learning proposition for which they may not have all the answers, is especially compelling to me.”

Evidence of enduring commitment has also stood out to Andrea. She remembers encountering a candidate who, after volunteering their skills to support a small local business, continued to check in long after the initial need was met, demonstrating an understated but powerful example of sustained, community-oriented service.

Loran alum, Ilakkiyan Jeyakumar (’16), is a Research and Development Engineer at Biohub in San Francisco, building novel instrumentation to accelerate basic science research and developing low-cost diagnostic technologies for global health. On weekends, he volunteers to support vulnerable populations. 

Reflecting on his own selection experience as a Loran Scholar, Ilakkiyan shared, “It left an indelible mark, and conversations and reflections from that experience still bounce around my mind to this day. I hope that I’m able to pass along a similar spark of inspiration, in much the same way that selection staff and volunteers did for me all those years ago.”

For this alumnus-turned-selections volunteer, the intangible values of Loran Scholars are unmistakable when present. “Every now and then, a hunger makes itself known in candidates… they seek to see the world as it is and toil to make it as it should be. This is often paired with genuine humility and an innate motivation to bring others along.”

For Ilakkiyan, integrity-driven leadership reveals itself through thoughtful, community-oriented action—the sort that results from a unique combination of foresight and ambition, and is taken not for personal gain, but for “the continuity, longevity, and amelioration of a community.” 

Through their contributions to Loran’s selections process, all of the aforementioned volunteers demonstrate the very type of community-strengthening action described by Ilakkiyan. Across each of their perspectives, a common thread emerges: Loran Scholars are not defined by what they have done, but by how and why they do it. They model a fundamental and consistent alignment of values, intention, and action that signals the potential to lead with integrity and serve with purpose. And this extraordinary commitment to leading in accordance with one’s values and purpose is practised by Loran volunteers themselves. At every stage of Loran’s selection process, they dedicate themselves to service, grounded in a shared belief in supporting young people who will accept the challenge of building a better world. Our sincere gratitude to the nearly 800 individuals, including 127 mentors, for their pivotal role in recognizing untapped promise and shifting scholars’ trajectories.

Last month, we announced the Class of 2026, and communities from coast to coast to coast—including English and French media outlets—are celebrating the incoming cohort. Catch up on the news below:

• STP student Timo named 2026 Loran Scholar, UWC Atlantic College
• Rutland Student Wins $100K Scholarship, Education News Canada
• Vanier College’s Yasmine Ben Arous named a 2026 Loran Scholar, Education News Canada
• Tisdale student, volunteer firefighter, and pilot named 2026 Loran Scholar, CBC Saskatchewan
• ‘I freaked out’: Tisdale teen sole Sask. recipient of prestigious Loran Scholarship in 2026, CTV Saskatoon
• Emily Gustus, Grade 12 student and recipient of prestigious Loran Scholarship, Evan Bray Show (980 CJME)
• Tisdale, Wakaw students honoured for academic, extracurricular success, Northeast Now
• Yasmine Ben Arous, du Cégep Vanier, nommée boursière Loran 2026, Cégep Vanier
• Two Haldimand students named 2026 Loran Scholars, Haldimand Press
• Sudbury student receives prestigious $100K scholarship, CTV Northern Ontario
• Lo-Ellen student earns prestigious Loran merit scholarship, Sudbury News
• Kingston student awarded prestigious national scholarship, The Kingston Whig Standard
• London high school student wins $96,000 leadership scholarship: ‘Grateful’, London Free Press
• Yellowknife’s Leah McShane named Loran Scholar, My True North Now
• Proud ‘Rutland boy’ awarded $100K scholarship, Castanet
• ‘Proud to say I am a Rutland boy’: Kelowna student wins $100K scholarship, KelownaNow
• ‘Just be yourself:’ aspiring Nanaimo engineer earns prestigious scholarship, CHPQ-FM (The Lounge 99.9)
• NLPS student named 2026 Loran Scholar, Education News Canada
• B.C. student wins $100K Loran Award, Clearwater-North Thompson Times
• Mission Secondary student earns prestigious national award, Mission City Record
• South Surrey student wins $100K Loran Award, Peace Arch News
• B.C. student wins $100K Loran Award, The Chilliwack Progress
• Celebrating Excellence: Abeera Wasif Named 2026 Loran Scholar, Bassano School
• H.A. Kostash School graduate Finn Johnson named 2026 Loran Scholar, H.A. Kostash School
• Assumption College student named a prestigious Loran Scholar, Brantford Expositor
• A teen from Carman, one of the newest Loran scholars, CBC Winnipeg
• Brozek’s hard work pays off with prestigious Loran Award, The Laker News
• Homewood’s Nathan Froebe receives prestigious Loran Scholarship, Pembina Valley Online
• Students recognized for service, leadership, CBC Edmonton
• Six Nations Student Named Loran Scholar, Turtle Island News
• Pilot, volunteer firefighter, student… now scholarship winner, The Current with Matt Galloway
• Hector Loiselle wins $100K scholarship, tumbles to gymnastics nationals, Timmins Press
• Loran Scholars Foundation has announced Wasif of Bassano as 2026 Loran Award recipient, CHAT News

Across Canada, youth civic participation remains alarmingly low. In the 2021 federal election, fewer than half of eligible voters aged 18–24 cast ballots, compared with three-quarters of Canadians aged 65–74 (source). Loran alumni Grace Lowes (’16) and Lily Bateman (’17) could no longer ignore this worrying pattern and decided to act.

Their academic and professional paths are not centred directly on politics: Grace is a third-year Juris Doctor student at Osgoode Hall Law School. She is currently completing a placement with the Chippewas of Rama First Nation through Osgoode’s Intensive Program in Indigenous Lands, Resources and Governance. Lily is a senior AI infrastructure developer working in the cybersecurity industry who also volunteers with Artificial Intelligence Governance & Safety Canada. But, like many Loran Scholars, they share a commitment to identifying challenges that affect their communities and working toward finding—or creating—meaningful solutions.

Together, they founded Action Pact, an initiative designed to help young Canadians better understand how democracy works and how their participation can shape it. Their starting point was a simple but significant question: Why do so many young people feel disconnected from civic life? 

“There’s no incentive for politicians to appeal to young voters because we do not show up at the voter booth,” Grace explains. “Young people don’t vote, don’t show up to town halls, don’t email their MPs. Decision makers respond to signals, and participation is measurable.” The problem was clear: when youth participation is low, youth priorities receive less attention. And when young people feel unheard, participation drops even further. Action Pact was created to interrupt that cycle.

As a recipient of a GLocal grant, Action Pact focuses on reaching young people at a pivotal moment in their lives: the years just before and after they become eligible to vote. Rather than focusing solely on the act of voting, the program explores the broader ecosystem of civic participation: from understanding how and when to contact our elected officials to understanding how political systems translate votes into decisions.

For Grace, building Action Pact has also been an opportunity to reflect on her own experience. She often interrogates what might have helped her feel more inspired to engage with civic life as a teenager. Developing this program has allowed her and Lily to create the kind of resource they wished existed at that time and make it available to young people today.

This year, they brought Action Pact to Loran’s Nationals Weekend, where they facilitated sessions with Loran Scholars and Finalists from across the country. The workshop invited participants to explore how civic systems function, why participation matters, and where young people can have influence.

Offering an interactive workshop that moves beyond the familiar message of “just vote,” Action Pact participants directly experience the mechanics of democratic engagement. They take part in a mock campaign exercise, with some acting as candidates representing fictional political parties and others as constituents.

Some constituents are voters; others are not. Candidates circulate the room discussing issues such as climate and biodiversity, housing, and education. The dynamics quickly become clear: candidates instinctively spend more time engaging with voters than with non-voters, reflecting the incentives that shape real-world campaigns. Participants noticed the difference immediately.

“We talked about the difference between how non-voters and voters were treated,” one participant shared. “The voters definitely received more attention and concern, and I think that’s a really good representation of how the system works.”

The workshop also explores how Canada’s civic systems operate. From the responsibilities of municipal, provincial, and federal governments to the mechanics of first-past-the-post elections, Grace emphasized that understanding these foundations is essential for fostering meaningful participation. “If you don’t know what level of government is responsible for an issue,” she told participants, “it’s really difficult to advocate effectively.”

The pair has also developed a prototype tool called ActiVote, designed to help users connect their policy priorities with candidates in their riding. Participants rank the importance of issues such as housing, climate, jobs, and healthcare. The tool then identifies candidates whose platforms most closely align with those priorities, while also illustrating the strategic considerations voters sometimes face in their districts. The goal is to equip young voters with the information they need to make thoughtful choices.

Grace and Lily saw a gap in civic participation among young Canadians, and rather than accepting it, they set out to build something that could help change it. This initiative reflects something fundamental about Loran Scholars: when they identify challenges affecting Canadians, they believe that they have a role to play in addressing them, and they respond with curiosity, collaboration, and action in order to make a difference. In doing so, they are not only living out the Loran Scholars Foundation’s organizational vision of building a more civically engaged citizenry for the future of Canada, but they are also demonstrating that true leadership is often not a position, but the everyday practice of inspiring, engaging, and motivating those around us.

Last month, 90 students from all corners of Canada convened in Toronto for Loran’s National Selections weekend, hoping to be named a 2026 Loran Scholar. From those 90 finalists—each of whom has demonstrated strength of character, a deep commitment to service, and exceptional leadership potential—only 36 were selected.

These outstanding young people were chosen from a pool of more than 5,400 applicants. To find them, we look beyond marks to identify students with a guiding sense of purpose and a commitment to giving back. Starting last October, applicants participated in an in-depth, nationwide selections process, including essays, video submissions, and Zoom interviews, carried out by 400 volunteers. A weekend in Mississauga for National Selections was the final phase. The entire experience is rigorous but rewarding—a chance for each participant to grow, reflect, and build connections with other community-engaged youth. One scholar shared: “Nationals was the most amazing experience of my entire life, so far. Being in that group of people was incredible. I’ve never been part of anything like that before!”

Being selected as a 2026 Loran Scholar marks the start of a new journey of self-discovery, inspiration, challenge, and transformation that lasts a lifetime. Coming from 32 different communities across the country—from Nelson, BC, to Yellowknife, NT, to King’s Point, NL, and many more in between—the qualities and accomplishments of these students are unique. But what unites them as Loran Scholars is their willingness and courage to challenge the status quo, their capacity to collaborate to drive meaningful change, and their dedication to improving their communities, whether locally or globally.

Here’s a snapshot of what makes the new cohort of students stand out: One scholar serves her community from the ground up and the air down, tutoring fellow air cadets who also wish to obtain their pilot license and as a volunteer with the local fire department; one is bringing Indigenous perspectives to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; one is a power tumbler, working to promote gender inclusivity in gymnastics; one addressed growing youth disconnect from the climate movement by organizing and hosting an event to uplift their voices and engagement; and another developed a non-invasive method to help paralyzed people regain movement using brain-computer interfaces. The leadership exemplified by the 36 new Loran Scholars gives us hope that Canada will thrive when such values-driven youth are supported as they imagine, explore, and build a brighter future.

The Loran Award gives these exceptional students a launchpad to unlock their potential and empowers them to make positive change in their communities. Loran Scholars benefit from a four-year, leadership-enrichment program, diverse opportunities for experiential learning, financial support throughout undergraduate studies, and a network of values-driven peers and mentors—unlike anything else in this country. Offered in partnership with 25 Canadian universities, it is valued at more than $100,000.

The Class of 2026

The 90 remarkable candidates who were announced as finalists for the 2026 Loran Award last month are being celebrated in communities across Canada, from Surrey, BC, to Yellowknife, NT, to Halifax, NS, and beyond. Check out a selection of recent media features below:

• Two Surrey students shortlisted for $100K Loran Award, Surrey Now Leader
• Yellowknife student selected as top contender for Loran Scholar award, My True North Now
• London high school student in the running for prestigious Loran Award, CTV London
• ‘Slow and steady leader’: Barrie student short-listed for Loran Scholarship, Barrie Today
• Belleville student part of 2026 Loran Scholars Finalists, Inquinte.ca
• Matheson student in the running for national award, Timmins Today
• Two Windsor Students Finalists for the Loran Scholarship, AM800: Mornings with Mike and Meg
• An Edmonton student’s hard work is being recognized in a big way, Edmonton AM (CBC Radio)
• Bassano high-school student Wasif has been selected as a 2026 Loran Finalist, CHAT Alberta
• Kingston Secondary School senior named a Loran Scholars Finalist, The Kingstonist
• Students among finalists for prestigious scholarship, The Kingston Whig Standard
• Ottawa students among finalists for prestigious scholarship, Ottawa Morning (CBC Radio)
• Building Bright Futures: Kingston’s Nathan Kashira named a Loran Scholars finalist, Global News

The Loran Scholars Foundation believes the key to building a brighter future is empowering values-driven youth ready to embrace the challenge of leaving the world better than they found it. To find these young people, we look beyond marks to identify students with a guiding sense of purpose: those who demonstrate strength of character, a deep commitment to service, and exceptional leadership potential.

In February, 90 students dedicated to driving positive change will convene in Toronto as Loran Finalists for our National Selections. Representing the top 1.6%, these outstanding students were selected from more than 5,400 others who applied for the 2026 Loran Award. Up to 36 of these students will be named as the newest Loran Scholars in March. 

This year, finalists are travelling to Toronto from every corner of the country, from Nanaimo, BC, to Yellowknife, NT, to Glovertown, NL, some of them leaving their community or flying for the first time. From Feb. 20-22, finalists will participate in a transformative program of leadership workshops and perspective-broadening interviews. The experience is challenging, but also highly rewarding—a chance for students to grow, reflect, and build connections with other community-engaged students. 

No two candidates are alike, but they are united in their desire to make the world a better place. Here are a few ways finalists have already uplifted and continue to uplift their communities: 

• Launched a free-of-charge summer camp to encourage girls and young women to play soccer.
• Founded a youth-led nonprofit that has connected students and 500+ seniors through engaging intergenerational events.
• Created a free clothing closet at their school, intentionally run like a thrift store to dismantle stigma around donated items.
• Pioneering a non-invasive brain–computer interface that translates thought into movement for people with paralysis. 
• Contributing to shaping ethical AI, user education, and child protection initiatives on TikTok as the Canadian Representative for TikTok Global Youth Council.
• Cofounded Upper Bayang Cultural & Development Association Youth Committee, leading peers in organizing storytelling nights, community barbecues, and holiday celebrations.

Naming only 36 Loran Scholars from a large pool of candidates with such incredible potential requires dedication and diligence. Nationals weekend is the final phase in Loran’s in-depth and nationwide selections process, which is made possible thanks to the work of hundreds of volunteer assessors and interviewers, all of whom also embody the qualities of character, service, and leadership we look for in candidates. 

Offered in partnership with 25 Canadian universities, the Loran Award is the only award of its kind in Canada. Those selected as Loran Scholars benefit from a four-year leadership-enrichment program, financial support for undergraduate studies in the form of a tuition waiver and living stipend, diverse opportunities for experiential learning, one-on-one mentorship from a business or community leader, scholar gatherings, and a long-term community of peers, alumni, and supporters from coast to coast to coast.

Finalists not selected as Loran Scholars are eligible to receive a one-time $6,000 Loran Finalist Award tenable at any Canadian university. At the conclusion of our semi-final interviews, 70 students who distinguished themselves at that level received a one-time $3,000 Loran Provincial & Territorial Awards. Overall, we will be investing close to $4M in 160 students across Canada this year.

Together, more than 700 Loran alumni form a diverse ecosystem of purpose-driven leaders pushing boundaries across an array of fields, such as technology, the arts, law, science, education, and finance. Moreover, nine Loran Scholars have gone on to clerk for the Supreme Court, and 25 have been selected as Rhodes Scholars. Though their work spans a multitude of sectors and disciplines, Loran alumni share and continue to be guided by Loran’s core values of character, service, and leadership. Wherever their paths lead them, Loran Scholars share a lifelong commitment to leaving things better than they found them. Read more about the impact Loran alumni are making here and here.

Donate to Loran’s Fly a Finalist to Nationals Campaign today!

 Fly a Finalist to Nationals; Click here to donate points.

Media Contact
Danielle Jasniewski, Manager, Community Engagement & Communications
danielle.jasniewski@loranscholar.ca

2026 Loran Finalists

From his home in Brandon, Manitoba, Loran volunteer and donor, John Kelleher devotes his time and expertise to service, committed to advocating for community, conservation, and developing engaged citizens in Canada.

Since joining the Board of Directors of Polar Bears International (PBI) in 2014, John has been a steadfast advocate for Arctic conservation. He served as Chair of the Board for three years and continues to act as an ambassador for PBI’s mission: advancing science-based awareness and action on climate change. His leadership helps ensure that PBI remains a trusted global voice in protecting polar bears and their habitat.

John’s commitment to leadership development led him to the Loran Scholars Foundation, introduced through a personal connection who spoke passionately about its mission. What immediately resonated with John was Loran’s unique and holistic approach to identifying and nurturing young people with leadership potential. Drawn to Loran’s focus on character, integrity, and service, rather than solely on achievement, John joined the Loran community in a myriad of ways. He has seen and experienced firsthand the power of investing in young people who lead with purpose, as a mentor, a volunteer, and an underwriting donor, matched by Loran with  Katie Yu (‘24) from Iqaluit, Nunavut.

What inspires John most about supporting Loran is seeing a tangible impact on each scholar and the collective force they become as individuals who combine intellect with empathy, and ambition with service. It is, he says, “a privilege to help build this community of people who truly make a difference.”

Loran Scholars Foundation: You generously underwrite a 2024 Loran Scholar. What motivated you to become a Loran Donor in this way?

John Kelleher: Underwriting a scholar is a way for us to give back in a meaningful and lasting way. I’m drawn to the Loran program specifically because it focuses on character, determination, and community involvement—qualities I’ve valued in every person I’ve hired or mentored over the years.

When you support a young person in a rural area, you’re not just helping one individual—you’re helping strengthen the fabric of the entire region. Supporting a scholar means investing in someone who not only shows promise but who is likely to turn around and lift others in the future. That ripple effect is what motivates me.

Spending my entire career working in communities outside the major centres, I’ve seen how much potential exists in young people from rural areas—and how often that potential goes unnoticed. For 35 years in the automotive business, leading three Ford dealerships, I worked with countless young people who had the work ethic, character, and grit, but lacked the same access to opportunities as those in larger cities. I believe that leadership can come from anywhere, and it’s important to make sure young people in places like rural Manitoba and the north have every chance to show what they’re capable of.

“When you support a young person in a rural area, you’re not just helping one individual—you’re helping strengthen the fabric of the entire region. Supporting a scholar means investing in someone who not only shows promise but who is likely to turn around and lift others in the future. That ripple effect is what motivates me.”

When you connected Loran with Polar Bears International as a Loran Summer Employment partner, why did you think it would be a good fit?

I initiated the connection between Loran and PBI because I saw a natural and powerful synergy between their respective missions. Both organizations are deeply committed to fostering future leaders who are equipped to tackle complex global challenges. As a science-based conservation organization, PBI is in constant need of bright, passionate, and innovative minds to advance its research, communication, and policy efforts. 

Loran Scholars, with their demonstrated leadership, critical thinking skills, and commitment to service, are perfectly suited to contribute to such a cause and benefit from real-world experience in a crucial field. The connection has led to Loran Scholars contributing to PBI’s work as summer interns, gaining unique insights, and strengthening the pipeline of future leaders engaged in environmental stewardship.

Over the past two years, PBI has taken on multiple scholars for Loran Summers, including Kai Chow (’22), who shared his workday on social media. Though they’re all individuals with unique skills and interests, have you noticed traits that unite Loran Scholars?

Loran Scholars who have engaged with PBI consistently demonstrate the core Loran qualities: intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a profound commitment to making a difference. Typically, they have assisted scientists with data analysis related to polar bear ecology or Arctic conservation, helped develop educational materials, or helped develop new educational programs or advocacy initiatives. What always stands out is their ability to quickly grasp complex scientific concepts, their proactive approach to problem-solving, and their natural ability to collaborate effectively within a team. They bring a fresh perspective, a high level of energy, and a genuine passion for environmental issues.

How does Loran’s leadership enrichment program support community-engaged youth who are interested in climate justice and sustainability?

Loran’s contribution to developing eco-conscious leaders is rooted in its holistic approach to leadership development, emphasizing critical thinking, empathy, and a long-term vision. The focus on character ensures scholars are ethical, resilient, and driven by a genuine desire to serve. The program actively cultivates empathy and the ability to work collaboratively. Scholars learn to listen, understand different viewpoints, and find common ground. This is crucial for climate conversations, as it helps bridge divides and fosters a spirit of constructive dialogue rather than confrontation. We need individuals who think beyond national borders, understanding the interconnectedness of global challenges and contributing to international cooperation.

By supporting scholars across a wide range of academic disciplines and encouraging diverse experiences, Loran produces leaders who can connect climate action to various sectors—economics, public policy, engineering, health, and more—recognizing that addressing climate change requires sustained effort and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges. These qualities are essential for navigating the fraught landscape of climate policy and public discourse, leading to more effective, equitable, and widely supported progress towards a sustainable future.

“The program actively cultivates empathy and the ability to work collaboratively. Scholars learn to listen, understand different viewpoints, and find common ground. This is crucial for climate conversations, as it helps bridge divides and fosters a spirit of constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.”

I envision Loran Scholars acting as catalysts for positive change, contributing to something larger than themselves, and using their skills for the greater good. My hope is for all Loran Scholars to develop into resilient, ethical, and highly capable people who are committed to addressing the most complex challenges facing our communities, country, and global society. 

What inspires you to continue supporting Loran in different capacities? 

The scholars are not just bright; they are genuinely good people with an innate desire to make a difference. Watching them grow, overcome challenges, and commit to diverse fields – from climate science and public policy to healthcare and entrepreneurship – is incredibly rewarding. The Loran network itself is also a huge inspiration; it’s a vibrant community of passionate individuals who support each other and continually strive for positive change. It’s a privilege to be part of building this future leadership cohort for Canada.

John’s generosity strengthens the work of the foundation. Discover ways you can support Loran’s mission as a donor.

In February 2025, 90 students from all corners of Canada convened in Toronto for Loran’s National Selections Weekend, hoping to be named a 2025 Loran Scholar. From those 90 finalists—each of whom had been chosen from a pool of more than 6,000 applicants for their demonstration of strength of character, a deep commitment to service, and exceptional leadership potential—only 36 were selected.

Elektra Dakogiannis was there helping to shuttle the finalists to and from their back-to-back interviews, encouraging them in moments of stress and providing insights only a veteran could have during this rigorous process. Elektra went through this very process herself in 2018 before being selected as a Polar Foundation Loran Scholar. Returning to help at Nationals this year is only one of the ways she stays connected and gives back to a community that supported her during her undergrad years and will continue to do so for a lifetime. 

“It was a great experience to see all these young, inspiring people; they really helped me feel motivated to get more involved in my community again. It was also great to see alumni and in-stream scholars—everyone had valuable advice and experiences to share,” says Elektra. 

Loran Scholars benefit from a four-year leadership-enrichment program, diverse opportunities for experiential learning both at home and abroad, financial support throughout undergraduate studies, and a network of values-driven peers and mentors—unlike anything else in this country. 

Becoming a Loran Scholar kicks off a journey of self-discovery, inspiration, challenge, and transformation; it’s a launchpad for exceptional students like Elektra to unlock their potential, empowering them to make positive change in their communities. But it wouldn’t be possible without the support of donors like the Polar Foundation. 

With a mandate to promote education and mentorship, and to help create the next generation of Canadian leaders at the top of its philanthropic goals, the Polar Foundation has been supporting Loran for almost a decade. In addition to Polar underwriting scholars and hosting Loran events, Paul Sabourin, Polar’s Chairman and CIO, has volunteered as an interviewer for close to a decade and has shared his own leadership lessons with scholars many times as a guest speaker. 

“We all know that current world events demand a stronger Canada—now more than ever. The long-term impact of investing in scholarships that emphasize Loran’s ideals of empathy, critical thinking, and leadership, while encouraging some of our best and brightest to give back to Canada, can’t be underestimated,” says Paul. 

It was this very sentiment that resonated with Elektra as a high school student in East Toronto when a community leader encouraged her to apply for the Loran Award. 

“What drew me to the Loran Award initially was how it was merit-based, not solely prioritizing grades. I think that helping Canadian students pursue higher education is very important; however, we also need to focus on the leadership and character development of the young people in our society.”

Elektra pursued a B.Sc. degree in physics at the University of British Columbia. But her fourth year of undergraduate studies was interrupted when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. 

“If not for Polar’s and Loran’s support, I probably would have had to drop out, and maybe not even finish my degree,” she says. 

The recovery period was long, and Elektra says the experience still affects her today, in all the negative ways one might expect following trauma, but in positive ways, too. 

“Loran’s focus on education pushed me to keep going. Also, we are taught to turn weaknesses into strengths, and I am slowly starting to use this experience to advocate not only for better medical integrity, but also for access to diagnostic resources in underprivileged communities.”

Since then, Elektra has completed a master’s degree in physics at the University of Toronto and is currently a PhD candidate at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany. Reflecting back on her journey, she says it has been nothing short of transformative.

“In high school, I think we see all leaders as being the loudest people who are able to speak the smoothest. Loran showcases the many valuable forms of leadership, which has allowed me to approach leadership in a way that embodies my own strengths. It also helped me improve my interpersonal skills and understand that a lot of solutions begin at the community level. And it’s just a very supportive environment, which really pushes you to become a better person.”

Learn more about how Loran donors make a difference.