Ryan Hillier knew Mount Allison felt different as soon as he arrived on campus. 

During an Open House visit last fall, he noticed the way students welcomed prospective classmates, the time professors took to answer questions, and the sense that people were genuinely interested in getting to know him.  

“I remember thinking, ‘This is where I want to spend the next four years of my life,’” he says. “It felt like a really caring school. I knew I wouldn’t just be a number here.”
 

This fall, Hillier will make the move from Saint John, NB to Sackville as part of Mount Allison’s incoming class — and as a 2026 Loran Scholar — one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Canada.

The four-year Loran Scholarship, valued at $100,000, provides financial support, mentorship, and access to a national community of scholars. For Hillier, it means more than help with the cost of university — it also creates space to focus on his studies, take part in new experiences, and continue growing as a student and community member.

“It opens the door to so many opportunities,” he says. “I’ll be paired with a mentor, which will be really helpful as I make the transition to university and figure out what direction I want to take.”

A graduate of Saint Malachy’s Memorial High School, Hillier plans to begin his studies in environmental science. At the same time, he is looking forward to having the freedom to explore courses in politics.
 

“Right now, environmental science is the path I’m starting on, but I’m excited to take different courses and see where they lead.”

That openness to new ideas and experiences has already taken Hillier further than he expected. His journey to becoming a Loran Scholar began in the fall of 2025 as he worked his way through scholarship applications.

What followed was a months-long selection process that included written applications, recorded responses, virtual interviews, and workshops. He advanced to the semi-finals, which included four virtual interviews over the course of a day, along with workshops and opportunities to connect with other candidates. From there, he was invited to Toronto for the national finals.

The experience was demanding, but it was also one of the most meaningful parts of the process.

“It was phenomenal,” he says. “I met so many interesting people. We had similar values, but everyone had different ways of looking at things. Hearing those perspectives really opened my eyes.”

Hillier will bring no shortage of interests with him to Mount Allison.

At Saint Malachy’s, he served on student council, played rugby, and participated in theatre and musical productions. He also volunteered with a local food bank and supported community activities through the Knights of Columbus. As a basketball referee, he found another way to stay involved while giving back.

Music has also been a steady part of his life. He plays guitar, previously played piano, and hopes to join the Mount Allison choir and take part in a Garnet & Gold Musical Theatre Society production.

“I’m really excited about all the clubs and activities at Mount Allison,” he says. “There are so many things to try.”

Camping, hiking, fishing, and snowshoeing are among his favourite ways to spend his time recharging. He has fond memories of snowshoeing into backcountry cabins with his family and is looking forward to discovering the trails, parks, and natural spaces around Sackville.
 

Through the Loran community, Hillier has already connected with current Mount Allison students, including Loran Scholars who have shared their own experiences and helped him get to know campus. Those conversations, along with the kindness he encountered during his visits, helped confirm that Mount Allison was the right choice.

For Hillier, that sense of belonging is what stands out most.

“It’s the community,” he says. “The students were so welcoming and even the professors took the time to connect with me personally and even follow up after. That made a huge difference.”

As move-in day approaches, Hillier is grateful for the people who have supported him and for the opportunities still ahead.

“I’m so thankful for the chance to connect with so many interesting people,” he says of the Loran community. “Everyone pushes each other to be the best version of themselves and supports one another. I’m incredibly grateful for that community and for everything this award will make possible.”

About the Loran Scholarship
The Loran Scholars Foundation identifies students ready to embrace the challenge of leaving the world better than they found it. Through an in-depth, nationwide selection process, Loran looks beyond grades to identify those who demonstrate strength of character, a deep commitment to service, and exceptional leadership potential. Loran Scholars receive a comprehensive, four-year leadership-enrichment program, funding throughout their undergraduate studies, and access to an inspiring network of values-driven peers and mentors. Together with a network of volunteers, donors, and partner universities, Loran gives exceptional young people a launchpad to unlock their potential and empower them to make positive change in their communities.