Distinguished Professor has exemplified Orange excellence since joining the University as a 23-year-old faculty member.
A world-renowned researcher and educator, he’s been recognized for his seminal contributions to information fusion and related fields, introducing new, innovative courses to the University. He’s also been an invaluable mentor to countless students on their academic and professional journeys. Supervising 68 Ph.D. dissertations thus far, he’s bolstered the career paths of many students.
Pramod Varshney
Now, Pramod and his late wife, Anju G’86, G’90, will continue their support for the University by creating a legacy that will impact generations to come. “Anju and I bled Orange,” says Pramod. “What we wanted to do was leave a legacy which would keep and grow the excellence that we have at 鶹ƵUniversity in the mission of education.”
The Varshneys have established the Pramod and Anju Varshney Endowed Faculty Fellowship to recognize and support a promising research-focused scholar dedicated to mentoring doctoral students, just as Pramod has. This esteemed professor will hold a full-time faculty position in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) within the (ECS).
“The person [for this position] should be an agent of change,” says Pramod. “They should be transformational in research but have something else—a discovery that will serve humanity, working with groups that are outside of the University or helping underprivileged students to realize their dream of going to college. Do something in our society that makes a difference.”
This fellowship is yet another example of Pramod and Anju’s commitment to promoting excellence at 鶹ƵUniversity. In 2018, they established an endowed fund that provides annual scholarships and financial assistance to EECS graduate students pursuing their doctorates.
“The first ECS news story I ever read was about Pramod and Anju’s dedication to EECS Ph.D. students,” says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith. “In reading that article, I was instantly struck by how much they mean to 鶹ƵUniversity and what a lasting impact they have had on countless generations of ECS students. Now, the Varshney Endowed Faculty Fellowship will support and honor EECS faculty members as they set out to make their own research and societal impacts.”
This continued support reflects the Varshney’s dedication to empowering students to become leading figures in their fields—a sentiment shared by many of Pramod’s former students.
“I consider myself fortunate that Professor Varshney was my Ph.D. advisor at 鶹ƵUniversity,” says Kotikalapudi Sriram G’83, a former doctoral student. “He remains a true source of inspiration and professional support for me and many former SU students I know.”
“His guidance has meant everything to me—shaping not only my academic and professional growth but also my approach to problem-solving and collaboration,” says former doctoral student Engin Masazade G’10. “His unwavering support, insightful advice and dedication to his students have had a profound impact on my journey, and I am incredibly grateful to have learned from him.”
Pramod hopes this fellowship will set a precedent of appreciation for the college, inspiring others to give back to the University. “I’ve loved being able to interact with a large number of graduate students from all over the world who have gone on to do great things,” says Pramod. “My hope is that this fellowship will help keep the University and EECS growing, becoming further well-known around the world as a great place for education and scholarship.”