2019 Cronin Loran Scholar, Taron Topham, is the fourth Loran Scholar in three years to earn the Rhodes Scholarship, and the 24th over the last 29 years.
Originally from the small farming community of Grandview, MB, Taron Topham (’19) attended the University of Saskatchewan and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (with great distinction). He is currently a Registered Nurse working with a high acuity medicine unit at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon.
During his time in the Loran program, Taron broadened his horizons through summer work experiences at the Offord Centre for Child Studies in Hamilton, ON as a Policy Research Intern; the Grandview Medical Clinic in Grandview, MB; Prairie Harm Reduction Services as part of the safe consumption team; and as a program team member at The Saskatoon Foodbank. While on campus, he was very involved in various roles and committees with the Saskatchewan Nursing Students’ Association. Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter in his rural community.
Taron shares,
“The Loran Scholars Foundation and, now the Rhodes Trust, are opportunities to join global networks of individuals driven to make change in their communities. Loran’s investment in its scholars has pushed me to take risks that I would not have otherwise pursued. Loran’s extended community has shaped me during my time as a scholar and has continued to during my short time as an alumni. I am grateful for this opportunity through the Rhodes Trust. I would like to thank the Loran Scholars Foundation, staff, volunteers, mentors, peers, and my family for their continued support.”
Having grown up on a mixed cattle and grain farm in rural Manitoba, Taron values the importance of healthcare accessibility and equity for all. While at Oxford, he will be studying Msc. in Translational Health Sciences and Msc. in International Health and Tropical Medicine. Taron hopes to bridge gaps with the implementation of innovations and research discoveries in a multitude of healthcare settings.
On behalf of the entire Loran community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Taron Topham (’19) on becoming one of Canada’s newest Rhodes Scholars and we wish him all the best on this exciting new chapter of his educational journey.
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