In a heartfelt tribute to their academic roots and an enduring commitment to higher education, Indian-American alumni Rajendra and Neera Singh have pledged a transformative $3.5 million to the University of Maine (UMaine), aimed at supporting scholarships and driving innovation in engineering education.
From Kanpur to Maine: A Journey Fueled by Opportunity
Rajendra and Neera Singh, both graduates of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, arrived in the United States on scholarships granted by UMaine to pursue their master’s degrees.
Their academic journey, launched in the labs and classrooms of the University of Maine, would eventually lead to trailblazing success in the global telecommunications sector.
“The University of Maine granted us scholarships to pursue graduate school, which helped us to come to the United States,” said Neera Singh. “UMaine people introduced us to this great country of ours. Maine has a very special place in our hearts.”
Her husband Raj, echoed the sentiment: “Maine was the first stop for me in our great country.
With my education, I went on the journey of life to start many businesses together with my wife, Neera.
This would not have been possible without the foundation that the University of Maine provided us. We will forever be grateful to Maine.”
The Gift: Scholarships and Innovation
Announced during the UMaine Foundation’s annual Charles F. Allen Society luncheon, the $3.5 million pledge comprises two key initiatives:
$2.2 million will establish the Rajendra Singh and Neera Singh Family Scholarship, specifically supporting students in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing.
With a focus on academic excellence and financial need, the scholarship will prioritize graduates from Maine high schools. Future recipients will be known as Singh Scholars.
$1.3 million will endow the Rajendra Singh and Neera Singh Family Chair in Applied Innovation.
This academic position will advance cross-disciplinary curricula and equip students with the tools to transform research and innovation into real-world commercial applications.
The couple dedicated the endowed chair to Professor Emeritus John “Vet” Vetelino, who played a pivotal role in recruiting IIT Kanpur students like them to UMaine’s early research programs.
Honoring Mentorship and Giving Back
This significant act of giving is not only a gesture of gratitude but a strategic investment in future innovators.
The Singhs credit UMaine for not only providing them with a world-class education but also for helping them immigrate to the United States and launch successful careers.
“The Singhs treat UMaine students and faculty like family and have remained close with their UMaine mentors and classmates,” said Giovanna Guidoboni, Dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing.
“They value broad access to education for rural students like themselves and applied research and development as a path to uplift society.”
Pioneers in Telecommunications
Following their academic achievements, Rajendra and Neera co-founded Tecom Ventures and Lunayach Communications Consultants, playing a pioneering role in shaping the modern wireless telecommunications industry.
In recognition of her contributions, Neera Singh was inducted into the Wireless History Foundation’s Hall of Fame in 2022.
The couple also received Honorary Doctorates from UMaine in 2024, further cementing their legacy within the institution.
UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy praised the couple’s contributions, saying, “Raj and Neera Singh are visionary leaders, creative innovators, and generous benefactors.
Their pioneering work in the telecommunications industry helped revolutionize wireless cellular technology worldwide.
The Singhs’ gift reflects their deep commitment to expanding access to high-quality, transformative education and research at their alma mater.”
A Lasting Impact
The Singhs’ $3.5 million gift is more than a donation, it’s a symbol of the enduring power of education, mentorship, and opportunity.
As the University of Maine continues to expand its reach and influence, the legacy of Rajendra and Neera Singh will be woven into the lives of every Singh Scholar and every innovation brought to life under the chair they endowed.
Their story serves as an inspiration to students everywhere: that humble beginnings, paired with academic opportunity, can lead to world-changing success.
