IIT Kanpur receives $250,000 donation from alumnus for endowed programmes

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur alumnus Dr Rajeev Gautam has made a significant contribution of USD 250,000 to establish three endowed programs in the Department of Chemical Engineering, IITK. The development comes as part of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IITK, IIT Kanpur Foundation, and Dr Gautam.

The sum would be utilised towards the institution of an Endowed Faculty Chair, a Faculty Fellowship and a Travel Grant program for students. The contribution comes as a major boost to enrich academics and research activities in Chemical Engineering at IITK. The endowments will provide faculty and students alike with opportunities to further excel in their respective fields.

Sharing gratitude for this gesture, Professor S Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, “We are grateful to Dr. Rajeev Gautam for his generous support to his alma mater. The institution of the Endowed Faculty Chair, Young Faculty Fellowship and Travel Grant will enrich faculty and student endeavours by facilitating more robust research efforts, recognizing young faculty talent, and providing global exposure opportunities to students. I am sure these programs will further strengthen the academic and research activities at the Chemical Engineering Department by empowering emerging researchers.”

The endowed programs supported under the donation, namely Om Prakash Gautam Endowed Faculty Chair, the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Faculty Fellowship, and the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Travel Grant for students, reflect Dr. Gautam’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in the field of Chemical Engineering.

Dr Rajeev Gautam, commenting on the significance of the endowed programs, stated, “It brings me immense pride to be able to give back to my alma mater in whichever possible ways to promote research and academic excellence.