Awarded annually at a value of $2000, the Brian Ahearn Bursary provides financial support to an undergraduate student in demonstrated financial need who is entering or proceeding from one year to another in a program within the Faculty of Engineering and Design at Carleton University. 

Established in 2018 by Brian “Boss” Ahearn who was born and raised in Ottawa, Brian completed his Engineering degree (Mechanical) at Carleton University graduating in 1978.  Brian then had a successful 42-year career in the oil & gas business, with 34 years with Imperial Oil Limited, followed by 8 years with the Canadian Fuels Association—the organization that represented the industry. As a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.), he had various technical and management positions for fuels regulation advocacy and long term planning of downstream refining facilities.  Brian relocated to Toronto, Edmonton and now settled in Calgary.

Although officially retired, Brian is active as board chairman of an automotive lubricant recycling association, and is a proud father of a daughter and son, and recently became a grandfather.  Brian enjoys family time at the family cottage in the Ottawa Valley, and believes that his Carleton University Engineering education was his strong foundation.