Vivek Rajgarhia ’89 has reconnected with Stevens through his roles as a member of the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science Advisory Board and judge for the Ansary Entrepreneurship Competition. Stevens’ impact on his life and career inspired him to serve as a volunteer and mentor.
NAME: Vivek Rajgarhia
CLASS YEAR AND MAJOR: 1989, Electrical Engineering
STEVENS VOLUNTEER ROLE(S): Schaefer School of Engineering and Science Advisory Board Member, Ansary Entrepreneurship Competition Judge
STEVENS VOLUNTEER SINCE (YEAR): 1.5 years
What inspired you to contribute your time as a Stevens volunteer?
President Farvardin spoke about the achievements of the institution during the annual Stevens Athletics Golf Outing. This made me proud of my alma mater and grateful for how it has impacted my life. When the opportunity came up, I eagerly volunteered.
What drew you to your particular volunteer activity or activities?
Jennifer Wasser, from the Development and Alumni Engagement department, had connected with me and met with me almost six years ago. She would periodically reach out and update me on the progress of the institution. She also gave me a tour of the new facilities and the research labs at Stevens and introduced me to certain faculty members from the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science. I met Jean Zu, dean of the Schaefer School, and was highly impressed with her approach and strategy for the growth of the school. When asked, I was honored to join the school’s advisory board.
As a technology entrepreneur, it was truly exciting for me to judge the Ansary Entrepreneurship Competition. The ideas and innovation of Stevens’ students were very impressive and highly meaningful for our society and the world. My journey in fiber optics communications started with the senior design project at Stevens. This brought back memories and a reflection of how I was starting my first company while at Stevens. It was again a very proud moment for me to have graduated from here and witness how the institution is teaching, guiding and developing the students. I have no doubt that Stevens alumni will continue to contribute to the growth of technology, industry and world leadership.
What excites you most about what you do for Stevens?
Meeting other like-minded alumni, sharing stories of experiences at Stevens and our life’s journey after graduation, the progress that the institution has made and the impact on society.
How has volunteering for Stevens impacted you personally?
Volunteering at Stevens has allowed me to reconnect with the institute and observe how the next generation of engineers and scientists are thinking and learning. This has rekindled a sense of gratitude for my alma mater and the learning and experiences that I had there. Being able to meet students from India, learn about how they arrived and joined Stevens as international students (I was an international student from India), and offer them guidance and support is truly fulfilling.
What do you feel is the impact of alumni involvement in the university?
Stevens is, of course, defined by its leadership, faculty and students. However, I believe that alumni and their guidance from life’s journey after Stevens, and their engagement, are also critical to the growth and impact of the institute.
What would you say to other alumni who were considering volunteering at Stevens?
You will gain more than you give, in terms of learning and personal fulfillment. And be proud of, and grateful for, your alma mater in how it has shaped your life. I would also say that we are going through unprecedented times that are redefining and challenging higher education. This is when Stevens probably needs its alumni the most.
