Honoring a global mathematician: The Dr. Arjun Gupta Endowment for Doctoral Research

Gupta's legacy in statistics, culture and academics continues through an endowment for research and classroom dedication

To honor his remarkable career and global achievements for the BGSU Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the family of the late Dr. Gupta has established the Dr. Arjun Gupta Endowed Doctoral Research Award. The effort, led by his wife, Mrs. Meera Gupta, will support international doctoral students studying statistics.

In addition, Room 459 in McLeod Hall will be dedicated and renamed ‘The Arjun K. Gupta Classroom.’ This classroom supports the academic efforts of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at BGSU, where Gupta devoted an illustrious 42 years of his career.

Gupta passed away on Dec. 25, 2022, at the age of 84, with his wife and three daughters by his side at his residence in Bowling Green.

“Dr. Gupta was a talented researcher who made a deep and lasting impact at BGSU, using his skills to create good across our learning community and the entire field of mathematics and statistics,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “We are grateful for the Gupta’s family generosity and support with this gift, which is an incredible legacy for our next generation of students, researchers and leaders.”

He was described as a "global citizen" who spoke the universal language of mathematics to communicate fluently across cultures. From childhood, Gupta was committed to education, serving as a mentor to countless students, and lived by the motto of "Knowledge is power." In 1976, Gupta joined BGSU as a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He received his doctoral degree from Purdue University, and bachelor's and master's degrees in India from Poona University and Banaras Hindu University, respectively.

"On behalf of the entire department, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Gupta Family for their generous support to continual research in Statistics. This award embeds the remembrance for Dr. Gupta and marks his extraordinary contribution and passion in working for the department, university, and statistical community," said Dr. Junfeng Shang, professor and chair of the BGSU Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Gupta was an elected fellow of the American Statistical Association, the Institute of Statisticians and the Royal Statistical Society of England. He received the honor of Distinguished University Professor and the Olscamp Research Award at BGSU. During his career, Gupta edited and wrote more than 20 books, available globally, and 530 peer-reviewed publications, in addition to advising more than 30 Ph.D. students. He was invited to more than 60 countries to provide nearly 80 keynote addresses at scientific symposia and conferences to present his rigorous, cutting-edge knowledge.

Known for his work ethic, and balance of heart and mind, Gupta's life journey was captured by his children, who published his memoir, "A Multidimensional Life: The Legacy of Arjun K. Gupta," in 2022.

Those wanting to make a gift in his honor may do so through University Advancement at BGSU.