It’s the second of the “Ber” months, with the cold air slowly creeping into the season. For University of Santo Tomas (UST), it’s never too early to talk Christmas.
“We have a term around here that says our [stat sheet] looks like a Christmas tree. That’s what we’re really focused on,” remarked the UST coach, highlighting their dynamic style of play this season.
Somaiya Vidyavihar University, built on the 84-year legacy of Somaiya Vidyavihar, marked a significant milestone on Friday with its 4th convocation. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 3,162 graduates, including 1,645 undergraduates, 1,511 postgraduates, and six doctoral candidates.
This year, 71 students were awarded Gold Medals and 66 received Silver Medals for outstanding academic excellence.
The convocation was graced by Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Padma Vibhushan awardee and Chancellor of Homi Bhabha National Institute, as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
Rooted in the vision of Padma Bhushan K. J. Somaiya, Somaiya Vidyavihar University unites a spectrum of schools and institutes that foster creativity, culture, and critical thinking. The graduating cohort represented a wide range of disciplines, including management studies, engineering and technology, education, science, commerce and business studies, humanities, social sciences, and Dharma studies.
Addressing the graduates, Samir Somaiya said, “As you step into a world of uncertainties, your education equips you with *pesha* (profession), *soch* (mindset), and *charitra* (character) — excellence in your craft, expansive thinking, and strong character. Carry forward responsibility for the world and the courage to shape a better future.”
He further emphasized the importance of inner strength, quoting Mahatma Gandhi: “‘An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind,’ and ‘I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.’ As children of the same motherland, let us act with understanding, fairness, and a commitment to a better future for all.”
Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Padma Vibhushan and Chancellor of Homi Bhabha National Institute, highlighted Somaiya Vidyavihar University’s comprehensive academic portfolio along with its emphasis on hands-on learning, innovation, and industry engagement.
He said, “We must strive for excellence, tackle India-specific challenges, and reduce societal disparities. Higher education should guide students to find their calling, become job creators, and contribute to humanity, mindful of sustainability. Universities should foster an ecosystem where academics, research, innovation, and community service converge for hands-on learning and impact.”
Dr. Kakodkar has been a key figure in India’s nuclear program, including strategic tests and thorium reactor development. An alumnus of Bombay University and Nottingham, he has authored over 250 papers and continues to advance energy, education, and sustainable development in India.
The ceremony was also honored by the presence of Prof. V. N. Rajasekhran Pillai, Vice-Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University; Dr. Satish Modh, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr. Nandkumar Gilke, Registrar; Dr. R. G. Karandikar, Controller of Examination; along with Deans, Directors, faculty members, and staff, reflecting the collaborative ethos of the university.
Prof. V. N. Rajasekhran Pillai remarked, “We live in an era where algorithms outpace textbooks and questions evolve faster than answers. At Somaiya Vidyavihar University, students don’t just learn facts; they question the frameworks behind them. They cross disciplines, wrestle with ideas, and emerge ready not just to adapt to the future, but to define it.
Our graduates invent new tools, challenge assumptions, and create where others only critique. Together with visionary faculty and leadership, we’re not just preparing students for the world, we’re preparing the world for our students.”
Somaiya Vidyavihar University continues to stand as a world of knowledge with the freedom of possibilities. With its unwavering commitment to excellence, research, holistic growth, and sustainability, the university nurtures responsible global citizens ready to make meaningful contributions to society.
By actively fostering research, sustainability, and holistic development, Somaiya Vidyavihar University remains dedicated to creating a vibrant community of learners and innovators, truly embodying a “world of knowledge with the freedom of possibilities.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/somaiya-vidyavihar-university-mumbai-celebrates-4th-convocation
Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, embraced Ross Moody after he announced a historic $150 million donation from The Moody Foundation on September 18. This generous gift, to be distributed over the next 10 years, marks the single-largest donation ever made to a historically Black college or university (HBCU).
In celebration of Huston-Tillotson University’s 150th anniversary, Ross Moody, trustee and vice president of The Moody Foundation, revealed the foundation’s groundbreaking contribution during the university’s opening convocation on Thursday. The announcement was met with thunderous applause and cheers from attendees.
This large-scale donation comes amid the Trump administration’s continued efforts to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities. While President Donald Trump has recently redirected nearly $500 million in federal funding to HBCUs, he also cut grants for Hispanic-serving colleges.
Melva K. Wallace described the donation as “transformational” for the historically Black liberal arts institution. “I see this as an endorsement of what we’re doing and a rocket booster to help us get to the next level,” Wallace told CNN. “The difference maker is that this is truly going to help students.”
The funds will primarily support students through scholarships, as well as enable expansion of university housing and campus facilities, Wallace explained.
### The Moody Foundation and Its Legacy
This gift represents the largest donation in the Texas-based Moody Foundation’s 83-year history. In 2023, the foundation pledged to contribute $1 billion toward education in Texas by 2035.
Ross Moody emphasized that the foundation’s belief in education and Huston-Tillotson’s vision motivated this exceptional gift. Initially planning to donate $130 million, the foundation increased the amount, stating, “Our belief in (Huston-Tillotson’s) vision and in this university’s future moved us to do more.”
The Moody Foundation has maintained a long-standing relationship with Huston-Tillotson, donating over $1.3 million since 1968. Elle Moody, the foundation’s senior vice president of grants, highlighted the university’s special significance: “This institution is special in more ways than most are aware and is deserving of a grant of this magnitude.” She further noted the foundation’s commitment to supporting Huston-Tillotson for the next 150 years.
### Huston-Tillotson University: A Rich History
Founded in 1875 by George J. Tillotson, the university began as the Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute with a mission to provide teacher training and quality education for African Americans. It gained its charter in 1877, was renamed Tillotson College in 1909, and became a four-year institution in 1931.
In 1952, Tillotson College merged with Samuel Huston College to form Huston-Tillotson College. The institution officially became Huston-Tillotson University in 2005. Today, the 23-acre campus serves 1,059 students, according to Wallace.
Linda Y. Jackson, vice president for institutional advancement, reflected on the university’s resilience through significant social challenges such as segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Black Lives Matter movement. As the only HBCU in Austin, Texas, Huston-Tillotson continues to stand strong.
“We have been through every single thing, but there is one component at the core of what we do here at Huston-Tillotson University: students are here to fulfill their dreams and aspirations,” Jackson told CNN.
### Continuing a Tradition of Supporting Texas Education
The Moody Foundation was established in 1942 by W.L. Moody Jr. and Libbie Shearn Moody. Moody Jr., founder of Moody National Bank, was a multifaceted entrepreneur engaged in banking, insurance, hotels, ranching, and newspaper printing. The couple created the foundation to share their wealth and impact the lives of Texans positively.
Today, the foundation is led by Frances Moody-Dahlberg, Ross Moody, and Elle Moody, continuing the founders’ legacy.
Wallace praised the Moody family as “angels of change” for their significant investment in education at Huston-Tillotson. “(The Moodys) support education. They support this institution. They support Texas, and I hope that it becomes a symbol of infectious generosity, where one person is inspired to do something and then others begin to follow suit,” she said.
This $150 million gift surpasses the $100 million donation received by Spelman College in 2024, which previously held the record for the largest single donation to an HBCU.
Wallace remains hopeful that Huston-Tillotson will not hold this title for long and encourages other philanthropists to follow the Moodys’ lead.
“I’m calling out all philanthropists out there to top this, because our HBCUs need it, and they deserve it,” Wallace declared.
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