Summary: Starkey’s Founder William F. Austin received an honorary degree from Kenyatta University for his contributions to hearing healthcare.
Takeaways:
- Recognition of Global Impact: William F. Austin was honored for his services to underserved communities worldwide.
- Sustainable Hearing Healthcare: The Starkey Hearing Foundation, under Austin’s leadership, has provided hearing aids to millions in over 100 countries and established the Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia to train hearing professionals, addressing critical shortages in Africa.
- A Legacy of Caring: Austin’s work has impacted individuals globally, from underserved children to world leaders, reflecting his lifelong mission to improve lives through better hearing, humility, and kindness.
Starkey announced that its founder and chairman, William F. Austin, has been awarded an honorary degree from Kenyatta University in recognition of his contributions to hearing healthcare and his unwavering commitment to serving disadvantaged communities in Africa and throughout the world.
History in Hearing Care
Austin, as the founder of Starkey and co-founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation alongside Starkey’s co-chair Tani Austin, has led efforts to provide free hearing healthcare, healthcare services, and education to those in need around the world, according to the company. With a dedicated team and community partners, Starkey Hearing Foundation has built sustainable systems of hearing healthcare that empower local communities and transform lives.
To date, Austin and Starkey Hearing Foundation’s global network of audiologists, hearing professionals, and volunteers have reached more than 100 countries, providing millions of hearing aids to people in need. In 2016, the foundation took a significant step in addressing the critical shortage of hearing healthcare professionals in Africa by opening Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia. This initiative continues to train and equip hearing professionals, helping to meet the growing needs in countries such as Kenya, where the foundation maintains a strong presence.
“Bill Austin has been a true pioneer in hearing healthcare, transforming the lives of countless individuals by providing the gift of hearing,” says Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey. “His visionary work and unwavering dedication have set a legacy that exemplifies what it means to make a difference. This recognition from Kenyatta University honors not only his groundbreaking contributions to hearing healthcare but also his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of people around the world.”
Throughout his career, Bill Austin has personally impacted individuals from all walks of life—from children in third-world countries to global leaders, including five U.S. Presidents, two Popes, Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela. His approach is grounded in humility, treating everyone with the same respect and kindness, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Further Reading
“Providing the gift of hearing is more than a mission; it’s a lifelong commitment to changing the world through caring,” says Austin. “I am deeply honored by this recognition from Kenyatta University, and I share this award with my wife Tani, our dedicated team, and all the partners who have supported us in this journey to create a better world through better hearing.”
This honorary degree underscores Kenyatta University’s acknowledgment of Bill Austin’s unparalleled contributions to hearing healthcare and his leadership in developing innovative hearing technologies. It also recognizes his extraordinary philanthropic efforts in underserved communities across the globe.
