Honouring a legacy: The Mo El-Hawary International Student Bursary

Posted: September 24, 2024

Dr. Mohamed E. El-Hawary was a professor of electrical engineering at ��ϳԹ��who cared deeply about his students. Humble, kind, and passionate, he excelled in his research and took pride in supervising and guiding international students. Understanding the unique challenges they faced, he made it his mission to support them in every way possible.

On July 26, 2019, Dr. El-Hawary passed away at the age of 76. In his memory, the Faculty of Engineering has established the Mo El-Hawary International Student Bursary.

The bursary will provide financial assistance to international students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering at Dal, with a special focus on those studying Electrical Engineering. It stands as a testament to Dr. El-Hawary’s significant contributions to the field of engineering and his unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent.

A lasting influence

Better known to everyone as “Mo,” Dr. El-Hawary had been a vital part of the Faculty of Engineering for almost four decades.

“He was one of the most productive faculty members. He was passionate about fostering the academic and personal growth of young generations, offering both a big heart and a deep commitment,” says Dr. Zhizhang David Chen, acting head of Dalhousie’s Department of Electrical Engineering. A friend and long-time colleague, Dr. Chen played a key role in establishing a bursary he hoped would reflect Dr. El-Hawary's spirit and legacy.

“His humor and warm smiles provided comfort and invaluable advice, greatly aiding students in their career pursuits,’ he continues.

Throughout his time at Dal, Dr. El-Hawary served as the director of international and external relations for the Faculty from 2008 to 2009, and chair of the Senate of ��ϳԹ�� from 2001 to 2007. Dr. Chen says his former colleague cherished the opportunity to educate, mentor, and positively impact the lives and careers of countless students. His global perspectives and education allowed him to appreciate the challenges and opportunities of academic engineering on an international level.

Inspiring a new generation of learners

Born in Sohag, Egypt, Dr. El-Hawary immigrated to Canada himself in the 1970s. In 1981, he joined the Technical University of Nova Scotia, now part of ��ϳԹ��, as a professor of electrical engineering.

“What our dad loved most about ��ϳԹ�� was the incredible sense of community and the genuine passion of the students he had the opportunity to work with,” says Dr. El-Hawary’s daughter, Elizabeth El-Hawary. She says she fondly remembers her father’s joy in getting to know his students and learning about their families and home countries and recalls how her father admired their resilience and determination as they navigated life in a new country.

“Our dad found it inspiring to see students pursuing their goals and excelling with their studies and then carry on to become professionals working in the engineering sector. He kept in touch with many students over the years and enjoyed following their career paths and watching their families grow.”

El-Hawary says she hopes that the new bursary will inspire more international students to pursue their educational goals, while easing the financial burdens associated with studying abroad. It also offers a meaningful way for those who knew and admired her father to honour a man who had a profound impact on so many lives.

Dr. El-Hawary smiling with his hand in the air in the halls of the faculty.

“We hope to empower students to reach their full potential and continue the legacy of excellence and community involvement that our dad cherished. Ultimately, we believe that this bursary will help foster future leaders and innovators, making a meaningful difference in their academic and professional journeys.

to the Mo El-Hawary International Student Bursary or contact Alisha Johnson in the Faculty of Engineering.

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