2021-22 Koerner Scholarship Recipients

Portland State University School of Film extends its congratulations to the 2021-2022 recipients of the Koerner Camera Systems Scholarships, Timothy Billado and Aedin Powell.

Now in its sixth year, this scholarship, made possible by the generous support of Koerner Camera Systems, enables the School of Film to make two awards of $5,000 each to Film majors with an interest in cinematography.

Timothy Billado, a senior Film major, is thankful for the generous award which will move him closer to his goal “to produce compelling content that both entertains and educates.” The Koerner scholarship will help to support him and his family while he completes his Bachelor of Science. “Completing this degree program will afford me the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream of working in film/television. In addition to pursuing that dream I will be the first member of my family to graduate from a four-year university.”

When senior Film major, Aedin Powell, was applying for scholarships, he was unsure he would be able to continue his studies at Portland State because of the large loans necessary to pay for out-of-state tuition. “This scholarship has helped in alleviating my financial concerns and has allowed me to instead focus on gaining more experience in the film industry.” Aedin is drawn to nonfiction filmmaking and hopes to use the skills he has gained at PSU to amplify the stories of “people making a difference in their community.” “Through my camera, I have been able to capture these stories and create a platform for them to be told to a larger audience.”

The ongoing support of Koerner Camera Systems is a vital and foundational contribution to student success in the School of Film.

Associate professor and School of Film director Amy E. Borden has seen the opportunities created by the Koerner Camera Systems scholarships.“So many of our students are primed to see this beautiful world as future cinematographers,” said Borden. “Their eyes frame each instance as shots with the ability to fight for equity alongside this beauty. The Koerner scholarships allow us to elevate our students and foster their creativity by giving them the most precious of resources, time, while offering students the chance to learn state-of-the-art camera technology. PSU FILM is so proud that Koerner Camera Systems continues to support our students. This partnership is vital for our school.”