Lars is one of several recipients of the Louis Wolfson II Endowed Scholarship and the Kermit and Mickey Schafer Scholarship at the School of Communication. In addition to the Dean's List, President's Honor Roll and Provost's Honor Roll recognition, he was recently named Outstanding Senior for Broadcasting.

Before arriving at the University of Miami, Lars graduated from a professional photography program at Langara College at the top of his class. His studies and interest in photographic arts have taken him to Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, England, Spain, Thailand, the Caribbean, Brazil, Costa Rica and Cuba. In addition to learning about other countries and their cultures, he learned to speak Spanish and Portuguese.

At the University of Miami he has gained broadcasting experience through the campus television station, UMTV. He has worked on To The Point, News Vision, Graduate News Vision, UMTV This Morning, SportsDesk and the documentary unit. Additionally, he photographed President Shalala's inauguration and the recent graduation ceremonies on campus.

Lars chose the University of Miami for its reputation, the cultural diversity of the community and because of the scholarship support he received. Many colleges are more costly for foreign students than for U.S. citizens, but as a private university, UM's costs are uniform. "I found that being a foreign student, the quality was better for the same cost as I would have had to pay at a state school," said Lars. "The scholarship helped a lot because I had been out of school for awhile."

As it turned out, the scholarship was more helpful than anyone would have imagined. Three semesters shy of graduation, Lars was involved in an auto accident - a truck hit his bicycle. Because of severe injuries to his left knee, leg and to his jaw, along with two surgeries and 6-day-per-week rehabilitation, he has not been able to work as much as expected. He spent four days in the hospital, was in a wheelchair for weeks and used crutches for several months. "In retrospect," said Lars, "if I hadn't had the scholarship, it would have been even more difficult. "

Although he managed to miss just one day of school, his life and his career goals have changed dramatically as a result of the accident. During an internship with WSVN Channel 7, which was postponed until he could walk, he realized that carrying a 35lb camera around for hours at a time was no longer the ideal career for him. "This was a big litmus test for me. I studied broadcasting because I wanted to do camera work. My plans have totally changed now. I can't do what I'd planned and it's very frustrating," said Lars.

In order to stay active mentally, and to keep photography as the focus of his life, Lars has decided to pursue a Masters degree in still photography. He is registered for graduate school in California and already sold his car to help with upcoming tuition costs.

"Although I'm not in a position right now, I hope to give back one day," said Lars. "I would definitely donate to a scholarship fund for a student in need. They can make or break a person - and really help them to change their life. "