Jagtar “Jay” Chaudhry, CEAS ’82, ’83, Bus ’86, and P. Jyoti Chaudhry, Bus ’87, have pledged $4 million to the University of Cincinnati (UC) to establish the Chaudhry Family Scholarship Fund.
This generous gift will support first-generation, Pell-eligible students enrolled in UC’s Gen-1 1MPACT House, a specialized living-learning residential community.
Starting in the fall of 2025, the fund is expected to benefit approximately 150 students, covering financial gaps left after Federal Pell and other grants are awarded.
This initiative ensures that students can focus on academics and personal growth without the stress of financial barriers.
Who is Jay Chaudhry?
Jay Chaudhry is an Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s leading technology innovators.
Born in Panoh, a small village in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh, India, Jay grew up without basic amenities like running water and electricity until his teenage years.
His parents, Bhagat and Surjeet Chaudhry were small-scale farmers, and he was the youngest of three sons.
Despite these challenges, Jay excelled in academics, walking nearly 4 kilometers daily to attend high school in a neighboring village and studying under a tree due to a lack of electricity.
Jay earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University.
At 22, he moved to the United States, marking his first plane journey, to attend the University of Cincinnati.
There, he earned master’s degrees in industrial engineering, computer engineering, and marketing. He also completed the executive management program at Harvard Business School.
Today, Jay Chaudhry is the founder and CEO of Zscaler, a leader in cloud security. His story inspires millions, embodying resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of education.
A Visionary Contribution
University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto praised the Chaudhrys’ transformative gift:
I’m truly grateful that Jay and Jyoti are dedicated partners in our ongoing commitment to first-generation students. Their generosity will forever change the lives of these students, their families, and their communities.
Gen-1 Program: A Legacy of Success
Established in 2008, UC’s Gen-1 Program is the first of its kind in the nation, providing first-generation college students with a structured environment to live, learn, and thrive.
The program includes academic and social programming, in-house academic advising, financial aid workshops, and personal development activities such as cooking classes and cultural events.
Retention Rates: The program boasts a 98% first-to-second-year retention rate, significantly exceeding the 68% national average for first-generation students.
Degree Completion: 78% of Gen-1 students graduate, compared to the 29% national rate for similar students.
The Chaudhrys’ Journey and Inspiration
Jay Chaudhry, CEO of Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS), and Jyoti Chaudhry are successful entrepreneurs with a history of founding innovative cybersecurity companies, including AirDefense, CipherTrust, CoreHarbor, and SecureIT.
Jay, a first-generation college student from a small village in Himachal Pradesh, India, attributes his success to his education at UC:
We are very grateful for the excellent education we got at UC, which played a significant role in our success. This scholarship fund is a gesture of our gratitude and appreciation to our alma mater, helping many students complete their education and transform their lives.
Jay holds two master’s degrees from the College of Engineering and Applied Science and an MBA from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where Jyoti also earned her MBA.
Empowering Students Beyond Financial Support
Suzette Combs, Director of the Gen-1 Program, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the Chaudhrys’ gift:
This gift lets students know that there are people who believe in them and think they belong here. It’s empowering for our students.
The scholarship fund not only alleviates financial burdens but also enables students to pursue opportunities like study abroad programs, internships, and leadership roles that align with their career aspirations.
A Ripple Effect of Success
Gen-1 graduates have excelled in diverse careers, from corporate roles to non-profit work. Many have returned to UC to serve as financial aid advisors, academic advisors, and success coaches, furthering the cycle of support.
About the Chaudhrys
Jay and Jyoti’s commitment to innovation and philanthropy reflects their shared belief in education as a transformative tool. Through their companies and support for UC, they inspire students to reach their full potential.
Impact on the South Asian Community of the USA
This $4 million gift to the University of Cincinnati exemplifies the community’s long-standing emphasis on education as a cornerstone of success and social mobility.
Jay Chaudhry’s journey from a small Indian village to a globally recognized tech entrepreneur embodies the aspirations of many South Asians in the diaspora, inspiring first-generation immigrants to pursue excellence despite challenges.
By supporting first-generation, Pell-eligible students, the Chaudhry Family Scholarship Fund resonates deeply with South Asians, many of whom share similar immigrant stories rooted in hard work, education, and resilience.
It fosters pride within the diaspora and encourages others to invest in causes that create meaningful societal impact.
Moreover, the gift reinforces the idea of giving back, a value central to South Asian culture, and serves as a reminder of their potential to influence systemic change.
The Chaudhrys’ efforts strengthen community ties while showcasing the transformative power of education and the importance of creating opportunities for all.
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