Ronald Oolooyuk of Rankin Inlet gets 2013 Laura Gauthier scholarship

Ronald (R.J.) Oolooyuk of Rankin Inlet, a student at the University of Manitoba, is the recipent of this year’s $5,000 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship, Monica Ell, minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corp., announced Sept. 11 in the Nunavut legislature.

“This young man is proving to be a great example to all in his home community of Rankin Inlet and a positive example for youth across our great territory. We all wish him continued success,” she said in her minister’s statement.

This scholarship, created to honour Gauthier, is awarded annually to an exceptional Nunavummiut pursuing their post-secondary studies.

Gauthier, originally from Pangnirtung, died suddenly in the summer of 2000.

A September 1999 issue of Time magazine had named her one of Canada’s young people to watch.

Gauthier was an assistant deputy minister in the Department of the Executive and played a big role in the formation of the Nunavut Power Corp., known known as the QEC.

“Choosing the recipient this year was more challenging for the selection committee than last year. The level of desire and commitment to success shown by all the applicants is exceptional and I’m proud of every one of them,” Ell said.

Oolooyuk is currently the first Inuk enrolled in the Engineering Access Program at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

“He is a great example to all for persevering through some challenges and to be doing very well academically in a tough program,” Ell said.

“RJ could have chosen to quit and follow other paths, but as he stated in his application, ‘My goal is to continue on my path and show other Nunavut students that if I can do it, that they can too, and to never give up.’ So not only has he chosen to do better for himself, he is also committed to helping other Nunavut youth achieve their dreams.”