New Award Opens Doors for Students with Disabilities at Nipissing University
Students at Nipissing University living with physical disabilities will soon have access to a transformative new opportunity thanks to a generous partnership with Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP).
The newly established "Honourable Vim Kochhar Award" will be awarded annually to two students who demonstrate resilience and potential while living with disabilities. The awards are made possible through a $110,000 donation from CFPDP in partnership with the Shah Family Foundation. With matching funds from Nipissing, the endowment fund of $220,000 will provide support in perpetuity.
This award offers more than financial support—it’s a statement of inclusion, equity, and belief in the power of education to change lives. It marks the first award of its kind at Nipissing, and it is designed to help remove financial barriers that can stand in the way of academic success and personal growth.
“On behalf of Nipissing University, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to CFPDP in collaboration with the Shah Family Foundation for their generous gift and commitment to students,” shared Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor at Nipissing University. “The support of these two organizations will make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with disabilities, helping to ensure all students are empowered to succeed.”
The award is named in honour of The Honourable Vim Kochhar, founder and volunteer Chair and CEO of CFPDP, and a tireless advocate for accessibility and inclusion for over four decades. His legacy continues to inspire change across Canada, and this award ensures that his vision reaches future generations of students.
“Our partnership with Nipissing and other universities and colleges ensures lasting resources for students with disabilities while nurturing tomorrow’s leaders,” says Hon. Kochhar. “This effort reflects the Shah Family Foundation’s commitment to providing meaningful resources that foster individual growth and strengthen communities. We are very grateful for their partnership to help make this initiative possible.”
“This endowment allows us to recognize and support the incredible potential of students living with disabilities,” said Dr. Scott Russell, Chancellor of Nipissing University. "We’re honoured to partner with CFPDP to create more equitable opportunities for future generations of Lakers.”
“These endowment funds, named in recognition of The Honourable Vim Kochhar, reflect our shared belief that education is a powerful tool for empowerment and opportunity,” says Kris Shah, President of the Shah Family Foundation. “By helping students with disabilities pursue their academic goals, we hope to build a legacy of inclusion, resilience, and progress that will benefit individuals and communities across Canada for generations to come.”
Eligible students at Nipissing will be able to apply for the award beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year, with the goal of helping them thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
