Ramaswamys honor family

Ramaswamys honor family through student scholarship

Sonny Ramaswamy and Gita Ramaswamy will always hold Mississippi State University in high regard. Although they make their home in Redmond, Washington, for a time their life centered around Starkville and Mississippi’s largest research university. A new endowed student scholarship now connects them in perpetuity with MSU, where they spent the early years of their distinguished careers.

Originally from India, the couple has been married almost 40 years. The Ramaswamys came to the United States to study for their doctorates; Sonny in 1976 and Gita in 1978. They moved to Starkville in 1982 for faculty positions at MSU. In the years that followed, they held numerous roles over some 15 years in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Sonny was a professor of entomology, and Gita was a professor of human environment and design.

The Ramaswamys are strong proponents of education and longtime financial supporters of educational institutions in the United States and India. Their most recent gift at MSU establishes the Padmavathi and P.R. Narasimhan Endowed Scholarship in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in tribute to Gita’s late parents.

In their native India, P.R. Narasimhan, Gita’s father, had a long career with his country’s government as chief engineer for All India Radio and was instrumental in creating the transmission grid for the state-owned television network. Her

“Mississippi State University is a phenomenal institution that places focus on helping change the human condition through education, through discovery, and through the application of knowledge that positively changes lives. We are very pleased to offer this scholarship at the university.”

- Gita Ramaswamy

mother, Padmavathi Narasimhan, was instrumental in Gita’s education in the United States. She motivated Gita to achieve her Ph.D. in toxicology from Mississippi State, after her Bachelor of Science with honors in zoology from Bangalore University and Master of Science in entomology from the University of Agricultural Sciences, both from her native India, and a Master of Science in textiles from Michigan State University. Earlier gifts from the Ramaswamys supported student travel at MSU by also honoring the Narasimhans with a named fund.

At MSU, recipients of the Padmavathi and P.R. Narasimhan Endowed Scholarship will be students studying in a wide array of fields—entomology, plant pathology, agricultural education, leadership and communications, fashion design and merchandising, human development and family sciences, and agricultural and extension education. Preference will be given to students from underrepresented backgrounds with financial need.

“Mississippi State University is a phenomenal institution that places focus on helping change the human condition through education, through discovery, and through the application of knowledge that positively changes lives,” said Gita. “We are very pleased to offer this scholarship at the university.”

Sonny echoed her sentiment in citing why the couple wanted to establish the scholarship.

“A Mississippi State University education is important. We hope the recipients of our scholarship will use their education from the university to change the human condition for the better and impact the world around them,” he said. The Ramaswamys fondly recall their time at MSU and Starkville, and the academic scholarship strengthens their university connection. Future Bulldogs can take pride as holders of the Padmavathi and P.R. Narasimhan Endowed Scholarship because of the impeccable reputations and strong work ethic shared by the couple that it honors and also by the couple who make it possible.

Over their careers, the Ramaswamys have mentored numerous high school, undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students, along with many colleagues. They enjoy helping others seek knowledge that can create global impact.

In 1997, the Ramaswamys left MSU as they were recruited by Kansas State University. Sonny became head and distinguished professor of the Department of Entomology, and Gita served as professor and interim head of the university’s Apparel, Textiles, and Interior Design Department. From there, they held administrative leadership positions at Purdue University and Oregon State University.

Gita is the recipient of several awards and honors for her research and teaching efforts, and she’s the author of numerous research articles. In particular, her research on textiles was funded with grants from federal and state agencies, commodity groups, and industry.

Likewise, as a faculty member at Mississippi State and Kansas State, Sonny’s research was funded with grants from federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, along with funding from state agencies, commodity groups, and industry. Sonny has published a book, book chapters, and over 150 journal articles, and he also holds a patent.

“We sincerely hope our recipients will graduate and embark on fulfilling careers in service of society. Mississippi State is a leading university in many areas, and the accomplishments of its graduates are greatly needed in helping society, which is garnering greater attention to the institution.”

- Sonny Ramaswamy

Sonny Ramaswamy visits with MSU President Mark E. Keenum. The two have crossed paths for projects of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

For his accomplishments, Sonny is the recipient of a number of awards and honors, including Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow of the Entomological Society of America, the Hutchinson Medal from the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Agriculture Future of America’s Leader in Agriculture Award. Like Gita, Sonny earned two of his degrees in his native India — Bachelor of Science in agriculture and Master of Science in entomology, both from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore. His doctorate is in entomology from Rutgers University, and he has certificates from the University of Nebraska’s New Academic Chair’s Program and Harvard University’s Management Development Program.

Following roles in academia, the couple moved to the Washington, D.C., area in 2012, where Sonny served for six years as then President Barack Obama’s appointee as the director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which catalyzes transformative discoveries, education, and engagement to solve societal and agricultural challenges. Since 2018, he has been the president of the Northwest Commission on

Colleges and Universities, which accredits higher education institutions in seven northwestern states and in Canada. Following her distinguished career in academia, Gita served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Chief Scientist in then President Barack Obama's administration, during which time she was instrumental in developing the scientific integrity policy for USDA. In 2015, she retired professionally to devote time to her family.

As longtime supporters, the Ramaswamys continue to promote Mississippi State University and its growing reputation. In the years ahead, they look forward to corresponding with future recipients of their scholarship. “We sincerely hope our recipients will graduate and embark on fulfilling careers in service of society,” said Sonny. “Mississippi State is a leading university in many areas, and the accomplishments of its graduates are greatly needed in helping society, which is garnering greater attention to the institution.”

STORY AMY CAGLE PHOTOGRAPHY BETH WYNN/SUBMITTED

Mississippi State University National Science Research Rankings

Rankings are based on the most recent NCSES FY17 Data. The complete NSF report may be read at https://ncsesdata.nsf.gov/herd/2017/.

Make your giving go further for MSU.

There is no better time to consider Mississippi State University in your yearly charitable giving plans. Annual gifts benefit MSU immediately; however, by adding a planned gift, such as including us in your will, you can:

• Increase the impact of your giving. • Receive greater tax savings. • Preserve wealth for you and your family. • Leave your legacy for Mississippi State’s future.

For more information on creating a planned gift, contact the MSU Foundation Office of Planned Giving.

MSU is an AA/EEO university.

Officers: CHAIR — D. Hines Brannan | Managing Director of Accenture (retired) | Atlanta, Ga. VICE CHAIR — Anthony L. Wilson | Chairman, President and CEO of Mississippi Power Company | Gulfport, Miss. TREASURER — Mike M. McDaniel | President of Saber Power Services LLC | Houston, Texas PRESIDENT AND CEO — John P. Rush | Vice President of Development and Alumni, Mississippi State University | MSU SECRETARY — Jack R. McCarty | Executive Director of Development, Mississippi State University | MSU CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER — David D. Easley | Executive Director of Finance, Mississippi State University | MSU

Members: Richard C. Adkerson | Vice Chairman, President and CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. | Phoenix, Ariz. William B. “Bill” Berry | Executive Vice President of ConocoPhillips (retired) | Katy, Texas Sherri Carr Bevis I National Alumni President I Assistant Secretary of State for External Marketing, Mississippi Secretary of State's Office I Gulfport, Miss. Robert P. “Bob” Bowen | Partner-in-charge for Mid-South Audit Practice of Arthur Andersen & Co. (retired) | Holly Springs, Miss. Albert C. Clark | President and CEO of C.C. Clark Inc. | Starkville, Miss. Helen M. Currie | Chief Economist for ConocoPhillips | Houston, Texas John D. Davis IV | Neurosurgeon/Founding Partner for NewSouth NeuroSpine | Flowood, Miss. Earnest W. “Earnie” Deavenport Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical (retired) | Greenville, S.C. John N. “Nutie” Dowdle | Chairman of the Board of Dowdle Enterprises | Columbus, Miss. Timothy S. “Tim” Duncan | President and CEO of Talos Energy Inc. | Houston, Texas Hassell H. Franklin | Chairman and CEO of Franklin Corporation | Houston, Miss. S. Bryce Griffis | President of Sturgis Timber Company (retired) | Starkville, Miss. Jan L. Gwin | Managing Director of Raymond James & Associates | Memphis, Tenn. David B. Hall | President and CEO of Hall Timberlands | Meridian, Miss. Thomas G. “Tom” Hixon Sr. | Chairman of Phoenix Development Company LLC | Ridgeland, Miss. Wilbert G. “Mickey” Holliman Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Furniture Brands International (retired) | Tupelo, Miss. Herbert V. “Herb” Johnson | President of HVJ Associates Inc. | Houston, Texas Rodger L. Johnson | President and CEO of JKC Holdings Inc. | Atlanta, Ga. Paul J. Karre | Senior Vice President Human Resources/Communications for International Paper (retired) | Pawleys Island, S.C. Malcolm B. Lightsey Sr. | President and CEO of SunTech Inc. (retired) | Ridgeland, Miss. Rusty C. Linton | Orthopedic Surgeon for Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic P.A. | Columbus, Miss. John. R. Lundy | Partner with Capital Resources LLC | Jackson, Miss. Lewis F. Mallory Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank (retired) | Starkville, Miss. Bobby P. Martin | Chairman of The Peoples Bank | Ripley, Miss. Roderick A. “Rod” Moore | Executive Vice President and CEO of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance (retired) | Brandon, Miss. Janice I. Nicholson | Professor Emerita for University of North Alabama (retired) | Florence, Ala. Thomas B. “Tommy” Nusz | President of the MSU Bulldog Club | Chairman and CEO of Oasis Petroleum Inc. | Houston, Texas Linda F. Parker | Secretary of Sunbelt Wholesale Supply (retired) | Bolton, Miss. George D. Pillow Jr. | Chairman of Senators Coaches Inc. | Killen, Ala. Joffrey R. “Jay” Pryor | Vice President for Business Development of Chevron Corporation | Houston, Texas Richard H. Puckett Sr. | Chairman and CEO of Puckett Machinery Co. | Flowood, Miss. Gregory C. “Gregg” Rader | CEO of Columbus Recycling Corporation | Columbus, Miss. Charles W. “Tex” Ritter Jr. | President and CEO of The Attala Company (retired) | Kosciusko, Miss. M. Diane Roberts | Associate Professor of Business of Indiana University East (retired) | Louisville, Ky. James J. “Jim” Rouse | Vice President of ExxonMobil Company (retired) | Suwanee, Ga. Richard A. Rula | President of Hemphill Construction Company | Florence, Miss. Michael W. Sanders | President and CEO of Jimmy Sanders Inc. (retired) | Cleveland, Miss. Wallace L. “Lee” Seal | President of North Beach Investments LLC | Bay Saint Louis, Miss. Bobby S. Shackouls | Chairman, President and CEO of Burlington Resources Inc. (retired) | Houston, Texas Allen K. Sills Jr. | Chief Medical Officer for NFL/Professor of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt Medical Center | Franklin, Tenn. Cynthia M. “Cindy” Stevens | Management Principal Government Relations of Deloitte LLP (retired) | Alexandria, Va. Turner A. Wingo | Owner of Sherry’s Hallmark (retired) | Colliersville, Tenn.

Stacy E. Thomas | Legal Counsel | Jackson, Miss.

Post Office Box 6149 One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 www.msufoundation.com

Mississippi State University Foundation @MSU_Foundation @msu_foundation

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jackson, MS Permit No. 134

Get exclusive discounts at participating businesses

Make your impact and donate to Mississippi State University