Chandra, a Distinguished Graduate of The University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering and a managing partner for Trinity Investors, credits his parents for what he and his family have been able to achieve — academically, professionally and personally.

“I’m a first-generation immigrant, and it is because of my parents’ incredible support that we were set up with an opportunity for success,” he says. “I’m very thankful for their sacrifices.”

With his parents’ example in mind, Chandra has paid it forward to provide generations of Longhorn engineers with their own opportunities for success. Last fall, he and his family — wife Manisha and children Deepak, BS ’18, Shivani and Malini — gave a generous gift to support the future of the Cockrell School’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

“Sanjay chose to give back to this department because of the powerful impact that his academic experiences had on his life and career,” Cockrell School Dean Roger Bonnecaze says. “He and his family have been a fixture within the Cockrell School community for many years. Through the resources and educational experiences made possible by this gift, the Chandra family will leave a lasting legacy on our school.”

The Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is the largest department in the Cockrell School, with more than 2,200 students and 80 faculty members. With programs consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally, it is a national leader in research and education. The Chandras’ transformative support will further strengthen student programs, faculty teaching and breakthrough research across the department.

“When asked to name the department, I requested that it be named the Chandra Family Department because of how important family is to my core values,” Chandra says. “I hope this gift helps to instill a legacy of philanthropy and impact for many generations of Chandras to come.”

The true impact of the Chandra family’s legacy will be realized far into the future — but Sanjay says that it was put into motion many years ago.

“I wouldn’t be here without my parents,” Chandra says. “It’s because of their foresight to imagine a greater future for my brother and me that this gift is possible.”