Armin Mojtahedi Memorial Award in Law
To honour the memory of Armin Mojtahedi, who sadly passed away on September 20, 2017, after a brave fight with cancer.
Those lucky enough to know Armin would like to set up a scholarship in his name at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law. Please consider making a contribution to the Armin Mojtahedi Memorial Award in Law in Armin’s memory.
All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
A Loving Son and Brother
Armin was born on July 25, 1986, in Tehran, Iran, and his life was marked by resilience and determination from the very beginning. At the age of 2, he and his family immigrated to Canada. Throughout his formative years, Armin’s family faced several moves, requiring him to adapt and change schools frequently. Despite these challenges, Armin’s unwavering perseverance and strong character became evident as he consistently strived to excel academically and socially. Armin’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of someone who overcame adversity, excelled in their chosen field, and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him.
A Great Friend
For law school, Armin relocated from North Vancouver, British Columbia to Calgary, Alberta with his cherished bulldog Chip, a comically large parka, and a seemingly endless supply of well tailored suits that could put even Calgary’s most successful lawyers to shame.
In short order, Armin became known as an enthusiastic, humorous, and confident student by his instructors and fellow classmates. He was actively involved in student life at the University of Calgary, volunteering his time toward the school’s legal clinic, Student Legal Assistance (“SLA”). At SLA, Armin provided pro bono legal services to Calgarians without other representation and got a taste of what a career as a litigator would be like.
Despite no prior experience, and a tenuous grasp of the rules, he also joined the school’s rugby team where he competed with his friends against other schools in Western Canada. Armin’s love of music was also no secret to those who knew him. He would often serve as DJ for school events, parties, and neighbours that shared a wall with his apartment.
A Zealous Advocate
Following his second year of law school, Armin secured a summer position with Shea Nerland Calnan LLP, where he was able to further explore his passion for civil litigation. After a summer of hard work, Armin secured a return offer to article with the firm following graduation. Unfortunately, on June 9, 2016, when he should have been celebrating his graduation with friends and family, Armin was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (“GBM”), the most aggressive form of brain tumor.
A Fighter
Despite his diagnosis, Armin was keen to pursue his articles while engaging in a variety of treatments to try to address the GBM. To support him, Armin’s family relocated to Calgary during this time. Although his friends, family, and mentors were able to help him with meals, notes, and rides to various medical appointments, it was Armin who summoned the courage and will power each day to put on a suit and head in to work.
Although his days were often filled with medical procedures that left him tired and weak, he was determined to complete his articles. Like all his classmates, he wanted to enjoy a traditional Alberta bar call ceremony filled with family, friends, and celebration. Armin didn’t want something like GBM to get in the way of his admission as a member of the Law Society of Alberta. Sadly, Armin passed away on September 20, 2017, just short of achieving the goal he fought so hard to achieve.
Armin’s toughness, work ethic, and passion to pursue his dreams in spite of overwhelming odds would have made him an accomplished lawyer. In recognition of his tireless work ethic and the strength of his character, the Law Society of Alberta has agreed to posthumously admit Armin as a member. Armin’s bar call will be held on September 29, 2023 at the Calgary Courts Centre (located at 601 5th Street SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5P7).
In Armin’s memory, please consider making a donation to the Armin Mojtahedi Memorial Award, at University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law.
Instructions
Donations can be made electronically by completing the form below, or by cheque (mailed to):
Gift Processing and Tax Receipting
University of Calgary
OVC 131, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Cheques should be made payable to the University of Calgary and clearly reference the “Armin Mojtahedi Memorial Award in Law” in the memo line.
The Armin Mojtahedi Memorial Award in Law has been established in memory of Armin by his classmates, friends, family, colleagues and former instructors. The award recognizes a student who is an active member of Student Legal Assistance and who demonstrates exemplary mentorship, commitment, and collegiality as a member of SLA and within the Law school.
Milestones
$0.00-$10,000.00: If the total amount received from all donors does not reach the fundraising goal of $10,000.00 by September 2024, the funds will be utilized to support the Faculty of Law’s Student Legal Assistance program.
$10,000.00-$25,000.00: If contributions reach $10,000.00, an award of $2,000.00 will be granted annually for a period of five years or until the funds are exhausted.
$25,000.00+: If contributions reach $25,000.00, an award of $1000.00 will be granted annually in perpetuity depending on the available allocation.