2015 Winners

CHHA/CHHAF Foundation Scholarship 2015 was awarded to Liam Arason from Victoria, BC who is entering his first year of study in Bachelor of Software Engineering program with a goal of attaining a degree in the field of Engineering. As a student with hearing loss, he wants to show other people with all levels of a hearing loss they do not have barriers, and should view themselves and the world in ways that place no limits on what they can do.

The Frank Algar Memorial Scholarship was created in 2004 by the Algar Family in memory of Frank Algar who was one of the founding members of CHHA and provided dedication and outstanding service for many years to the work of the association. The 2015 Scholarship was awarded to Breanna van der Starren from Maple Ridge, BC. Breanna is entering her first year of Business Administration at Simon Fraser University. After completing her four-year Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Breanna plans on enrolling in the C.P.A (Certified Professional Accountant) designation program.

The Dr. Charles A. Laszlo Scholarship created in 2007 by Dr. Doreen Laszlo to honour the commitment and work of her husband on behalf of hard of hearing people. The 2015 Scholarship went to Jesse Kazemir from Port Coquitlam, BC. Jesse is currently completing his fifth semester at Simon Fraser University, working towards a Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree in Engineering and he plans to specialize in systems engineering, with a possible minor in computing. Regardless of his eventual area of specialization, he sees himself as a lifelong learner.

The MED-EL Scholarship was created early in 2013. The 2015 Scholarship went to Nicholas Wolf from Toronto, ON. Nicholas is entering his first year of studies towards a Bachelor of Social Work degree at Trent University. Nicholas’ goal is to use his own perspective to support other individuals with disabilities in his professional capacity as a social worker.