They lost their daughter in a mass shooting in Texas. Indian American parent’s $500K scholarship pledge backed by 3 companies
Savitha Shan, a 21-year-old Indian, was supposed to graduate in May, but her life was cut short by the March 1 mass shooting. Her parents Shan Muthian and Selvi Shan refused to continue grieving and announced the establishment of the Savitha Shanmugasundaram Scholarship Fund. Her parents hope to raise $500,000 and invite donors to support needy students. The University of Texas has pledged a one-dollar gift and is doubling its donation to $1 million to honor Savitha’s legacy. The donation page states that donors’ names will be shared with the family unless anonymity is requested.Her memorial website says that in addition to UT, several companies have pledged to match employee donations to the Savitha Shan Endowed Scholarship, meaning they will match the amount any of their employees donate to the fund. The website lists Visa, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Apple as interested companies.Her father said the donor might not receive any tangible benefit, but it would make Savitha happy because she always wanted to help others. Her parents said they channeled their grief into opportunities for others.The fund will exist as long as the university exists. Interest on the $1 million endowment alone supports 10 students each year.
Savitha Shan Women’s Empowerment Award
In addition to the scholarship, the Shan family has committed to sponsoring the Savitha Shan Women’s Empowerment Award through the Indian Student Association at The University of Texas at Austin for the next ten years. The first award was presented to UT Austin student Pragnya Vella on April 25, 2026.
Who is Savitha Shan? ?
Savisha is an Austin native and a graduate of LASA High School. She discovered the Taco Bell Live Más scholarship for four years at UT and received it herself. After graduation, she wants to work at Visa to start her career. An avid traveler, Savitha’s goal was to visit 21 countries by the age of 21, and she eventually completed 26 countries and 36 US states. Her parents remembered her as a happy child who touched so many people, so they didn’t anticipate the community’s reaction after her death.On the evening of February 28, 2026, Savitha coordinated guest transportation and accommodation for the Raas Rodeo dance event she helped organize. After seeing each guest off safely, she texted her mother: “Leave now.” She never returned home. Savisha was killed in a terrorism-related mass shooting on Sixth Street in downtown Austin on March 1, 2026.
Savitha’s parents received double degrees after her death
On May 7, 2026, Savitha’s parents received her double major, a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of Liberal Arts and a bachelor’s degree in business administration in management information systems from the McCombs School of Business.
