14th Joseph Chung Scholarship Ceremony Awards Over $700,000 to 317 Students

The 14th Joseph Chung Scholarship Ceremony, hosted by the Coram Deo Foundation, was successfully held on January 17 at Coastal Church in downtown Vancouver, with a simultaneous live ceremony at Toronto Light Presbyterian Church. Marking another milestone in its growing national impact, the scholarship awarded over $7,00,000 to 317 students across seven Canadian provinces and 56 post-secondary institutions. Since its inception, the Joseph Chung Scholarship has awarded over $7 million in scholarships, standing as a living testimony to faith expressed through action.

Since expanding its selection nationwide last year, the Joseph Chung Scholarship has continued to extend its reach, supporting the children of pastors, missionaries, ministry workers studying in Canada, students preparing for special-education careers, and North Korean defector seminarians. The ceremony was conducted in a dual-site live broadcast, with the main proceedings in Vancouver streamed in real time to Toronto.

The Joseph Chung Scholarship is administered by the Coram Deo Foundation, founded by Dr. Peter Chung, Chairman of Primacorp Ventures Inc., and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Chung. The scholarship was established in memory of their late son Joseph Chung, whose life - marked by autism and epilepsy - continues to inspire a legacy of faith, generosity, and service.

A Legacy Rooted in “Coram Deo”

The ceremony opened with greetings led by Joseph’s siblings, Hannah and Christian Chung, followed by an opening prayer and welcome from Pastor Tom Cooper.
Pastor Samuel Chung, Joseph’s brother, shared the origins of the scholarship, reflecting on Joseph’s life as one defined not by limitation, but by hospitality, dignity, and joy. He emphasized that the scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it is a call to live Coram Deo, “before the face of God,” with purpose and faithfulness.

National and Public Recognition

The ceremony featured congratulatory addresses from Wendy Cocchia and Yonah Martin, both of whom highlighted the national scale and lasting societal impact of the scholarship.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the Chung family’s enduring commitment to education, disability advocacy, and community transformation, noting their continued support of organizations such as the Pacific Autism Family Network.

Voices from Education, Arts, and Public Service

Scholarships were presented by representatives of Canadian institutions, including the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Trinity Western University, and the University of Toronto.

Among the presenters were leaders from government, higher education, and the arts, including JS (Jung-Suk) Ryu, Dr. Todd Martin, Paul Choi, Angela Elster and Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Toronto, Youngjae Kim. Each speaker underscored that the scholarship honours character, perseverance, and community impact—not academic achievement alone.

Testimonies of Faith and Perseverance

The ceremony was marked by powerful testimonies from recipients, including graduates from Simon Fraser University and Trinity Western University. Students shared stories of financial hardship, missionary family life, displacement, and resilience—describing the scholarship as a turning point that allowed them to continue their education with renewed hope and strength.

One graduating recipient, who grew up on the mission field and later struggled to afford tuition and basic living expenses in Canada, described the scholarship as “seed money that made it possible to keep breathing and keep going.” Now preparing to serve as a public-school teacher, she expressed her desire to pass on the same hope she received.

Closing Reflections

In his closing address, Dr. Peter Chung emphasized that the scholarship exists not to elevate any individual, but to give glory to God and to encourage lives of faithful stewardship. He reminded recipients to honour their parents, remain grounded in humility, and live as lights in their communities. Reflecting on Joseph’s life fourteen years after his passing, he shared his enduring hope of reunion and his gratitude for the way Joseph’s story continues to bear fruit through the lives of others.

The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Pastor David Koop from Coastal Church, bringing the Vancouver program to a close, while the Toronto ceremony was closed with a benediction by Pastor Jason Noh from Light Presbyterian Church.

Continuing the Legacy

Through education, generosity, and service, the Coram Deo Foundation continues to honour Joseph’s life by investing in the next generation—students who will carry this legacy forward with courage, compassion, and purpose.