Third-year Loyalist College Accounting student Jake Van Rooy has been chosen to represent the Ottawa Region at the Global Vision National Youth Caucus in Ottawa in May 2010. He was a 2009/10 member of the Loyalist Student Government and is the current student representative on the College Board of Governors. Selected as one of the top 100 Canadian youth leaders under the age of 25, he will have the opportunity to meet Stephen Harper at the Youth Caucus when the Prime Minister speaks with the group about Canada’s role at the G8 and G20 summits. The Caucus also provides the opportunity to compete for a spot to represent the province at the actual summit in June 2010. Each province and territory will have two representatives partake in the G8 and G20 Summits.
Jake Van Rooy explained how he was selected for this role. “In March I attended a conference organized by Global Vision where I had the opportunity to meet other student government members, and student group members from high schools, colleges and universities. We were divided into groups representing different countries, ours being team Russia. The topic we addressed was Terrorism and Nuclear Non-proliferation. In addition to the presentation we had the opportunity to meet numerous political assistants and directors, and the Canadian Consultant for the World Food Program. At the conclusion of the conference we were asked to apply for the next step by explaining how we would represent Canada. My speech included accomplishments that I have realized, individuals who have helped me achieve those goals, and my vision for Canada. I was deeply honoured when I learned that I had been chosen to represent the Ottawa Region and advance to the National Youth Caucus in Ottawa.
“I have no doubt that the experience I gained while working with the members of the Board of Governors at the College helped me to conduct myself with confidence during the conference. I sincerely appreciate that. The challenges of my program made me adaptable and focused, enabling me to be comfortable in an environment surrounded by strangers. The time I have spent at Loyalist has definitely made me stronger and I look forward to meeting other motivated student leaders at the Caucus.”
“Jake’s leadership role as the student representative on the Loyalist College Board of Governors has been of great value to the Board and our students,” said College President Maureen Piercy. “He has provided a mature, strong voice on behalf of the student body, enabling the Board to make decisions with the student perspective clearly represented. We are very proud that he has been chosen for this role and are confident that he will be a competent youth leader in this position.”
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca or Amy Giroux, Director Global Vision, (888) 829-2838