Kathleen Agustin of Humber College and Rachel Kendall of University of Manitoba are among 33 recipients of 2016-17 ASHRAE scholarships. The two Canadian engineering students join a select but ever expanding group of beneficiaries of the scholarship fund, which has disbursed nearly USD $1.8 million to more than 300 young academics over the past 28 years.

“ASHRAE scholarships have a positive impact on the lives of students, often allowing them to focus more on their studies and work fewer hours at part-time jobs,” says Chuck Curlin, chair of the society’s Scholarship Trustees. “The scholarships we provide not only help with the financial needs of students, but also creates a direct connection between the recipients and ASHRAE.”

This year’s scholarships total USD $164,000 and will be formally presented to recipients in ceremonies hosted by the local ASHRAE chapters in their communities — including the Toronto and Manitoba chapters.

Agustin, a student in Humber’s sustainable energy and building technology program, has received the Lynn G. Bellenger Engineering Technology Scholarship. The $5,000 (CAD $6,550) award was established in the memory of ASHRAE’s first woman president, who held the office in 2010-11, and was a noted champion of sustainability and energy efficiency.

Kendall, a mechanical engineering student, has been awarded the $3,000 (CAD $3,900) Henry Adams Scholarship. The award is named for a founding member and former president of ASHVE, the predecessor to ASHRAE, which was established in 1899.