(Image source from: indiawest.com)

A building at the University of Houston has been renamed after an Indian American couple in acknowledgment to their contribution to aid research projects, students, and faculty at the university.

The Engineering Research Building has been named after Durga D Agrawal and his wife Sushila, long-time Houston residents, on April 26, university officials said.

The Indian American president and chancellor of the university Renu Khator, Consul General of India Anupam Ray, members of the Indian community, students and faculty were present at the building dedication ceremony.

The USD 51-million building, which opened in 2017, had earlier named a floor after the couple. The Engineering Research Building has been named after Durga D and Sushila Agrawal to recognize their transformational donation that Agrawals have made.

#UH Engineering Building Named for Durga D. and Sushila Agrawal. Read About How This Gift Will Help Boost University’s Engineering Research, Academic Experiences: https://t.co/pHKpnCjlvP#UHMoment #UHEngineering #engineeringthefuture #thankful #research #academics #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/bzM9WllS9m

— UH Engineering (@UHEngineering) October 10, 2018

The building on campus bears no resemblance to the one Durga studied in but has been renovated on the same tract.

Originally from Madhya Pradesh’s Lakhanpur, Durga D Agrawal, 74, immigrated to Houston in 1698 after his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delhi College of Engineering. Agrawal earned two advanced degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Houston's (UH) Cullen College of Engineering.

During his address, Agrawal expressed his admiration and respect for his professors at the university, who "put their heart and soul" into teaching students including some like him who had trouble understanding the language and the American accent.

He is a member of the UH System Board of Regents and serves as chair on the UH's endowment management committee. He also served on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for four years.

Agrawal started his piping technology and products company in 1975, which is currently a leading player in its category and employs more than 1,000 people.

"My life's philosophy is to always be optimistic. One can achieve any goal with hard work, persistence, and determination," he said.

Family bonds are crucial to the Agrawals. "My parents played a major role in teaching me the values of giving and being kind. The UH has a very special place in my heart. We must keep the torch of knowledge, excellence and innovation growing and glowing," he said.

Agrawal is the founder and first president of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Great Houston.

He was once introduced by former United States President George Bush as "my good friend from Texas" at a State Dinner for India's then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Capitol Hill.

By Sowmya Sangam