IIT Kanpur alumnus donates $250,000 to establish endowed programs

Graduating in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 1974, Dr Gautam’s career includes a four-decade-long stint with Honeywell.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur alumnus Dr Rajeev Gautam has contributed $250,000 to establish three endowed programs in the Department of Chemical Engineering of IIT Kanpur.

The development comes as part of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIT Kanpur, 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 institute said in a statement.

“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,” the statement added.

Graduating in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 1974, Dr Gautam’s career includes a four-decade-long stint with Honeywell. He retired as President Emeritus of Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies.

"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,” said Professor S Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur.

"It brings me immense pride to be able to give back to my alma mater in whichever possible way to promote research and academic excellence. The Department of Chemical Engineering provided me with resources to set a strong technical foundation for my professional journey and success. I hope that the endowed programs empower the next generation of changemakers in the field of Chemical Engineering,” Dr Rajeev Gautam said.