
Roman Storoschuk
BIO
We are very proud to nominate an inspiring young man for the UCC Youth Leadership Award — Roman Storoschuk. Through his commitment to our community, to youth and our Ukrainian culture we have seen his leadership abilities as well as his skill in engaging others.
From his early years learning Ukrainian at home and wherever he could in Calgary as courses were available, Roman’s pride in his heritage has always been evident.
Roman’s initiative and ability to bring others together to make things happen is a true sign of leadership. It was under his initiative that the Ukrainian Students Club at the University of Calgary was revived in 2008. Prior to this it had not been in existence for more than 10 years. Roman started the club during his first year at university. Membership currently is approximately 40 and is an active club undertaking Holodomor recognition activities, joint events with other student clubs and sports and cultural activities. Roman was President when the club was revised and has stayed on as an executive member.
As importantly, he has continued on with the Club as a mentor. Roman understands the need to have strong succession thus ensuring that in this organization, they have succession planning in place. Roman has been a National SUSK Executive member for 2 years where he currently holds the position of Alumni Director.
Roman also took the initiative to revive activities and a program for younger children to join Plast in Calgary. He took over ‘novatstvo’ which ultimately led to an older group also developing, a ‘yunatstkyj kurin’. Children stay in Plast because of his work and how he approaches his counselor responsibilities. Roman also volunteers as a camp counselor at Plast camps throughout Alberta and several national camps in Canada for the past 5 years.
In addition, Roman has volunteered with the Calgary Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association where he distributed books to schools, worked on awareness raising activities and the audit committee. He also volunteers for events undertaken by the Calgary Branch of UCC.
For 2 years Roman was student representative on the executive of the Ukrainian Professional and Business Club in Calgary, where lie received a Youth Leadership Award.
To maintain a strong mind Roman knows he must also maintain physical conditioning. He has played organized soccer every year since he was a child, and is a member of the Calgary Track and Field Club where he participates in events as a middle distance runner.
Currently Roman is in his 3’d year of studies at the University of Calgary where he is working towards a Bachelor of Humanities.
Roman exhibits all the qualities needed in an effective leader — commitment, ability to engage people, and incredible initiative. He also has a true sense of responsibility to volunteer in the Ukrainian Canadian community — he believes it is important that we are involved. Roman is also a wonderful example for young people encouraging them to be involved.