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The Berry family hosted Talha Aslam, an exchange student from Oslo, Norway, in 2014. He was a junior attending Altoona High School at that time. Talha's parents came to Norway from Pakistan in search of greater opportunities, and Talha and his siblings were all born in Norway.

The Berry family spent many hours talking with Talha about religion, immigration, race relations, class relations, and many other sensitive issues. He was wise beyond his years, insightful, well spoken, well informed, and he had a great sense of humor. Their lives were enhanced from the time they hosted him for his study abroad experience.

Talha came back to visit during the summer of 2015, after he'd graduated from high school in Oslo, and he spent two weeks with the Berry family. In the fall of 2015, he enrolled in college in Oslo with a plan to major in international business. It was his goal to see the world and experience as much as possible, and he fully embraced his time in the U.S.

The family stayed in touch with him through Skype and Facebook Messenger. Sadly, Talha died very unexpectedly of what was ultimately determined to be a very rare heart disorder, in May 2016 while he was still in college.

The Berry family created this Scholarship Fund to honor Talha's memory by supporting a student who shares Talha's goals and/or background.

You can make a gift to this Fund using the donation form at the right or by sending a check made out to ECCF to:

Eau Claire Community Foundation
306 S. Barstow St. Suite 104
Eau Claire, WI 54701

Please note "Talha Aslam Memorial Scholarship Fund" on the memo line.
 

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

2023

Benjamin Bain

2022

Sydni Yarrington

2021

Anna France

2020

Abigael Nauertz

2019

Madison Gilmartin