IIT Kanpur Alumnus Dr. Rajeev Gautam Donates USD 250,000 to Establish Endowed Programs in the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Kanpur

Kanpur: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) alumnus Dr. Rajeev Gautam has pledged USD 250,000 to create three endowed programs within the Department of Chemical Engineering at IITK. The contribution formalized through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving IITK, IIT Kanpur Foundation, and Dr. Gautam, marks a significant boost to academic and research endeavors in the field.

The endowed programs, comprising an Endowed Faculty Chair, a Faculty Fellowship, and a Travel Grant program for students, aim to elevate the standards of excellence in Chemical Engineering at IITK. These initiatives will facilitate enhanced research opportunities for faculty, recognize budding talent among young educators, and provide students with avenues for global exposure.

Expressing appreciation for Dr. Gautam's generosity, Prof. S. Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur, remarked, "We are thankful to Dr. Rajeev Gautam for his generous support to his alma mater. These endowed programs will invigorate our academic and research activities, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the Chemical Engineering Department."

The endowed programs bear the names Om Prakash Gautam Endowed Faculty Chair, the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Faculty Fellowship, and the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Travel Grant for students, reflecting Dr. Gautam's dedication to nurturing future leaders in the field.

Dr. Gautam, reflecting on the significance of the initiative, stated, "It brings me immense pride to contribute to my alma mater's mission of promoting research and academic excellence. I hope these endowed programs empower the next generation of leaders in Chemical Engineering."

Dr. Gautam, a 1974 graduate of IIT Kanpur in Chemical Engineering, enjoyed a distinguished career spanning four decades at Honeywell, where he pioneered solutions in catalytic and separations applications. His contributions were recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT Kanpur in 2020.

Prof. Kantesh Balani, Dean of Resources and Alumni at IIT Kanpur, expressed gratitude, saying, "Dr. Rajeev Gautam's vision and generosity will enhance IIT Kanpur's research excellence in Chemical Engineering, providing transformative learning experiences for students and faculty alike."

Dr. Jayant K. Singh, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, hailed Dr. Gautam's contribution as enriching the department's research ecosystem and learning environment, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

The MoU signifies a significant stride in IIT Kanpur's pursuit of academic excellence and underscores its commitment to fostering innovation, scholarship, and global engagement in Chemical Engineering.