USU Alumnus Makes Generous Contribution to College of Engineering

Utah State University alumnus Bhupesh Parikh is sharing a gift that will impact future engineering students for many years to come.

Parikh and his wife, Kumud, are establishing a new scholarship endowment that will provide tuition funding for deserving Aggies who are studying civil and environmental engineering. The endowment will provide assistance for two or more students per year.

Originally from Gujarat, India, Parikh graduated from USU with a bachelor’s in civil engineering in 1962 and later earned a master’s in civil engineering from the University of Southern California. He now resides in Glendale, Calif., and is president of Pari Enterprises, a successful engineering consulting and real estate firm specializing in the development of estate homes, apartments, shopping centers and motels.

He said the decision to give back to USU felt like the right thing to do.

“I got a very good education there, and the fees were low compared to universities in California and elsewhere,” he said. “I got a lot more out of Utah State than what I could ever give back. I thought this was the least I could do.”

Looking back on his experience, Parikh said he felt right at home studying at USU.

“The town was very wonderful, it was a safe place to study and I made a lot of good friends,” he added. “During Christmas and Thanksgiving, families invited us into their home and always made us feel welcome and very comfortable.”

In addition to his regular engineering courses, Parikh also took electives in LDS religious studies.

“I really enjoyed it. I passed with flying colors,” he said with a laugh. “As a non-smoker and non-drinker, I felt like I fit right in.”

Parikh says he’s thankful to those who helped him along the way, especially his professors and faculty members who offered him part-time jobs during his time in Logan.

“The whole experience was very wonderful,” he said. “I always tell my children that I gained so much from Utah State. I feel indebted to the college so this is one way to pay it back.”

Contact: Val Potter, Executive Director of Development, College of Engineering, Utah State University | email: val.potter@usu.ed | 435-797-8012 | engineering.usu.edu