McMaster is welcoming six new Loran Scholars — students recognized for their commitment to leave the world a better place than they found it.  

Cianne Coutinho, Jakob DeGruchy, Lubna Ismail, Sally Smith, Aidan Webb and Kira Young are the recipients of the scholarship, which recognizes students who are starting university for the first time, based on their strength of character, a deep commitment to service and exceptional leadership potential. 

The award, which is valued at more than $100,000 over four years of undergraduate study, also gives recipients access to experiential learning opportunities and mentorship.  

Loran alumni have gone on to make meaningful impacts across many fields and 25 have been selected as Rhodes Scholars. 

This year, 36 students from across Canada were selected as Loran Scholars through an in-depth, nationwide selection process that saw over 5,200 applicants. Six of those 36 students are starting their undergraduate degrees at McMaster. 

Meet this year’s Loran Scholars: 

Cianne Coutinho 

Coutinho founded a French-language reading program to support French immersion students during the pandemic and was actively involved in several leadership roles at her Mississauga high school. She also plays five musical instruments and has lent her talents to several school bands and choirs. Coutinho, a Life Sciences student, has experience as a laboratory intern conducting chemotherapy research and teaching computer programming to youth. 

Why she chose McMaster: “McMaster’s focus on growing both inside and outside the classroom, from a wide range of research opportunities and engaging extracurriculars, makes it feel like a great fit for me. The tight-knit community and diversity in the student body is something I look forward to.” 

Jakob DeGruchy 

DeGruchy, a School of Nursing student, is an alumnus of the Catapult Leadership Society, a three-year leadership program in his home province of Nova Scotia. He also ran a property maintenance business, organized community cleanups, was a regular blood donor and the leader of a skateboarding group.  

Why he chose McMaster: “I’ve always had interest in McMaster since my search began! I’m very excited to study here as it was my number one choice, due to their very well-established nursing program.” 

Lubna Ismail

In her hometown of Calgary, Ismail volunteered at the public library, helping children enhance their math and reading skills. She was the chief editor of her high school’s yearbook, and team lead and communications manager for an intergenerational relationships club. Ismail, an Honours Health Sciences student, twice served as president of her high school’s Culture Day and organized a fashion show that allowed students to represent their culture and heritage. 

Why she chose McMaster: “Receiving a Loran Award means I have been given an opportunity and the resources to fully pursue my goals of bringing real and necessary change to the world. With the Loran Award, I look forward to utilizing the incredible resources such as mentorship, networking, and financial support to continue on my path to medicine and creating impactful change on my way there.” 

Sally Smith 

Smith, a School of Nursing student, was a competitive swimmer for many years, and has worked as a swim coach and instructor. She has experience working as a respite care provider and has worked as a camp counsellor at a summer camp for people with disabilities. She has also tutored other students and served as a mentor in a program that helps build friendships between people with cognitive disabilities.  

Why she chose McMaster: “I chose McMaster University because of their incredible learning environment, their exceptional nursing program and their beautiful campus. I am beyond excited to become a McMaster student and embrace all it has to offer!”  

Aidan Webb 

Webb, a student in the Honours Health Sciences Program, has experience as a pharmacy assistant, hospital volunteer and volunteer firefighting cadet. A devoted baseball player, Webb has represented his province of Nova Scotia at the national level for the past five years at events that include the Canada Games. He started and ran a successful youth baseball camp in his town. At his high school, he served on the school council and as a tutor.  

Why he chose McMaster: “I chose McMaster University because of their drastic impact on both Canadian and global health care, and their world-renowned Faculty of Health Sciences.” 

Kira Young 

Young is an Arts & Science student who is passionate about climate advocacy. Young, who is from the Northwest Territories, interned at a large, climate-focused organization, where she wrote educational articles on Northern ecosystems. She also worked as a canoe guide on remote Northern rivers in the summers. At her high school she helped found a running club and a debate club. She also helped bring to her school a global, student-led event that raises funds to combat human trafficking.   

Why she chose McMaster: “I chose McMaster University because of the Arts and Science program. I am excited to start this program because of its uniquely interdisciplinary approach and the inspiring lives that alumni have gone on to live.” 

Learn more about past and current Loran Scholars, and the foundation on the Loran website