A 21-year-old Indian-American honors student, weeks away from graduating and starting her career, was one of three people killed in a mass shooting in Austin, Texas. Savitha Shan, considered a high-achieving and engaged student, died in an attack that authorities are investigating as a possible act of terrorism.The shooting happened around 2 a.m. Sunday at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a bar popular with college student patrons in Austin’s Sixth Street entertainment district near the University of Texas at Austin campus. Savitha Shan is an honors student at the University of Texas at Austin. According to university records, her legal last name is Shanmugasundaram.She attended the McCombs School of Business and earned a double major with honors. She will graduate in May and has found a position with a large professional services firm.Professor Russ Finney of the University of Texas at Austin wrote on X that she was one of their “superstar students.” He said she was active in student organizations and described her as “a light in the classroom.” He called her loss “absolutely heartbreaking.”The school confirmed her identity, and President Jim Davis wrote to the campus community describing her as “a child with loving parents. A loyal friend to many. A Longhorn ready to change the world.”Professor Finney also noted that students considered the location on Sixth Street, west of Congress in the direction of Lamar, to be safe. He said other students remain in the hospital in serious condition, calling this a very difficult week for the university community, the families involved and all of Austin.Savitha Shan will be remembered not only for her academic achievements but also for the commitment she undertook. Just weeks away from graduation and about to begin her professional career, her death has left a deep void in the university community.
