As first-generation immigrants from India, Ajay and Savita Malshe say they arrived in the United States with “$45, a suitcase, and lots of ideas.”

Since then, they have witnessed the value of finding mentors, which is why they have both dedicated their lives to teaching.

Ajay is the R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering in Purdue’s College of Engineering.

He has made significant contributions to the engineering industry and academia, including cocreating Purdue Engineering’s eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations (XMO) national initiative, which strengthens the U.S. manufacturing industry’s resilience and adaptability for the 21st-century supply chain.

Savita is a retired high school math teacher. Even during retirement, she has continued pursuing her passion by tutoring students from Purdue and local high schools in math.

“I have seen how frustrated they can become when learning math, but I feel really happy that I’m a part of their journey,” she says. Her face lights up with joy when she receives a text from a parent thanking her for helping their student raise their grade.

The Malshes attribute their success to education, admitting that many times they have learned by failing.

“Mistakes help us learn, but how many systems reward mistakes?” Ajay asks. “If the system penalizes somebody and does not provide the incentives of mentoring and listening, then I think we are taking away the means of learning. That’s where Savita and I feel instrumental.”

At Purdue, the couple wanted to give back in a foundational way. In 2022, they created the Ajay and Savita Malshe Endowment for Mechanical Engineering to support student mentorship programs.

Ajay arrived at Purdue in January 2020 as a distinguished professor, and in December 2023, he was appointed a President’s Fellow by Purdue President Mung Chiang. This designation honors scholarly excellence and provides funding to recipients, but Ajay decided to commit all of his fellowship funds toward his endowment, which will be $10,000 per year for five years.

Ajay views his appointment as a President’s Fellow through the lens of servant leadership.

Ajay and Savita believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to try, fail, and learn, and they hope that their endowment can help mechanical engineering students on their paths toward success.

“All of us are gifted in something, and we need the freedom to discover ourselves,” Ajay says. “During the journey of discovery, every step matters.”