Scholarship Supports Computer Science Badgers

Pancholia was a much-loved Badger whose vibrant spirit and intellectual curiosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Courtesy of Sushmeta Pancholia

A scholarship launched in fall 2024 will aid students of the new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence.

The Arun Pancholia ’23 Scholarship honors a much-loved Badger whose vibrant spirit and intellectual curiosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Pancholia’s passion for math, music, cars, and helping others was matched only by his warmth and wit. His family’s decision to create this commemorative fund ensures that his light continues to shine through the achievements of others and celebrates his enduring impact.

Each year, the UW selects four Arun Pancholia scholars who demonstrate financial need, with a preference for students who study entrepreneurship or mathematics and who have experienced living in India, the United Arab Emirates, Southeast Asia, or the United States.

“Arun had always wanted to start a nonprofit organization supporting education,” says Pancholia’s mother, Sushmeta. “Fulfilling our beloved Arun’s dream of creating equal opportunities where possible was one of the main motivations behind this scholarship.”

One of the four 2025 recipients is Alysia Chou x’27, a junior from Taiwan studying computer and data sciences with a certificate in business. Her work ranges from building a chatbot for Spectacle Health to analyzing nonprofit engagement data through Biokind Analytics.

“[This scholarship] motivates me to preserve Arun’s legacy of kindness, excellence, and curiosity,” Chou wrote to Pancholia’s parents. “I will carry this gift with me as I work toward my goals, and I hope to one day pay it forward, just as you have done for me.”

Another recipient, Yashwanth Ranjan Singaravel x’26, is a senior from Chennai, India, double majoring in computer and data sciences and mathematics. As a student technical trainer and software engineer, Singaravel leads workshops and develops AI-powered research tools.

“This scholarship encourages me to embody generosity and excellence,” he says. “I am committed to carrying Arun’s light forward.”

Pancholia chose UW–Madison for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. Initially a biochemistry major, he became increasingly interested in data science during the pandemic, leading him to pursue a field that integrates several disciplines and drives meaningful innovation. Through this fund, Pancholia’s family aims to inspire students to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact.

“Donor gifts have the power to transform lives,” Sushmeta says. “It’s more than a donation — it’s a legacy of opportunity, compassion, and achievement.”

Published in the Summer 2026 issue