Honor Reflects Lifelong Commitment to Improving Humanity Through the Gift of Hearing

Eden Prairie, Minnesota (December 16, 2024) – Starkey is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairman, William F. Austin, has been awarded an honorary degree from Kenyatta University in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to hearing healthcare and his unwavering commitment to serving disadvantaged communities in Africa and throughout the world.

Bill Austin’s vision and generosity have touched millions of lives around the globe. As the founder of Starkey and co-founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation alongside Starkey’s co-chair Tani Austin, he has led efforts to provide free hearing healthcare, healthcare services, and education to those in need around the world. 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, Bill 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,” said 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.

“Providing the gift of hearing is more than a mission; it’s a lifelong commitment to changing the world through caring,” said Bill 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.

Click here to learn more about Starkey.

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About Starkey 

Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.