Vellore: The Founder & Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), G. Viswanathan, was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), New York, USA on May 9, 2025. Dr. David C. Munson, the President & Dr. Prabu David, the Provost & Senior Vice President for academic affairs at Rochester Institute of Technology honoured Viswanathan with the honorary doctorate towards his vision and leadership in the expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering & Management (STEM) Education across India and in recognition to his dedication towards supporting the underprivileged.
The recognition marks a rare significance wherein an Indian has been conferred an honorary doctorate by the US Universities for the third time. Previously, the chancellor was honoured with an honorary doctorate by West Virginia University, USA, in 2009, and by the State University of New York, Binghamton University, USA, in 2024 and an honorary doctorate by St. Xavier’s’ University, Kolkata, in 2025. Expressing gratitude for the honour, Viswanathan thanked RIT for conferring the honorary doctorate on him. On the occasion, Sankar Viswanathan and Dr. Sekar Viswanathan, vice-presidents of VIT, Dr. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, vice-chancellor and Dr. R. Seenivasan, director of international relations, were present.