(William Franklin Austin receiving the award from UST Rector Herminio Dagohoy and other officials. Photo by Geonabeth L. Cadungog)
November 27, 2015, 6:48p.m. – THE UNIVERSITY has conferred the Golden Cross Award on the founder of the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer in the world.
William Franklin Austin, founder of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, was recognized for his humanitarian efforts in improving the lives of individuals with hearing disabilities.
UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. said Austin’s advocacy brought people closer to each other. “[UST confers this award on Mr. Austin] for his invaluable contribution to humanity, his advocacy of philanthropic work and leadership in corporate social responsibility,” Fr. Dagohoy said in the awarding ceremonies on Nov. 27 at the Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. Building.
Austin said service to others has always been part of his life, and that he looks forward to bringing more help to people with hearing disabilities.
“[I] thought that before I die there would not be children in the world who have not had the chance to hear and learn and be part of life,” Austin said.
In 2010, the foundation distributed more than 4,000 hearing aids in the country for UST’s “400 years, 4,000 ears” project marking the Quadricentennial.
“Everyday we have a chance and are given opportunities. We can choose life by what we say and what we do for others. I say choose life. It’s a great choice,” Austin said, adding that all people are encouraged to choose life by offering help to others in need.
The Starkey Hearing Foundation, established in 1984, is a non-profit foundation that conducts missions around the world. In the last 31 years, it has given more than 1.8 million hearing aids to several countries including the Philippines.
The UST Golden Cross is the highest award given by the University to individuals who excel in the arts, humanities and sciences, or those who have distinguished themselves by their “total commitment to the service of mankind.”
Among the previous recipients of the Golden Cross are United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Director-General Irina Bokova, King Juan Carlos of Spain, former Philippine presidents Corazon Aquino and Diosdado Macapagal, former University of the Philippines president Carlos Romulo and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Alhex Adrea M. Peralta
