MIT Professor Establishes Teaching Award to Honor Stony Brook Mentor

George Verghese endows award to recognize faculty who excel in classroom instruction and pedagogical innovation.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

MIT professor emeritus George Verghese has established the Professor Chi-Tsong Chen Excellence in Education Award within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University. The endowment is designed to recognize faculty members who demonstrate excellence in classroom teaching and innovative curriculum design, honoring the mentorship Verghese received from Professor Chen during his early days as a graduate student at Stony Brook.

Why it matters

The award represents Verghese's effort to pay forward the inspiration and guidance he received from his own mentor, highlighting the importance of dedicated teaching in engineering education. It also reflects the lasting impact that Indian American academics like Verghese have had on global technology through their work and mentorship of future generations.

The details

Verghese arrived at Stony Brook in 1974 as a 21-year-old graduate student from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. Despite initial challenges adjusting to the campus and the winter weather, he found a mentor in Professor Chi-Tsong Chen, whose 'elegant' teaching style and influential textbooks convinced Verghese to pursue a career in academia. Verghese went on to have a distinguished 40-year career at MIT, becoming a leader in power electronics and systems modeling.

  • Verghese arrived at Stony Brook University in 1974 to begin his master's program.
  • Verghese visited the Stony Brook campus in late 2025, which inspired him to establish the teaching award.
  • The award will be granted annually starting in 2026.

The players

George Verghese

MIT professor emeritus who established the teaching award to honor his mentor from his graduate school days at Stony Brook University.

Professor Chi-Tsong Chen

Verghese's mentor at Stony Brook University, known for his 'elegant' teaching style and influential textbooks on linear system theory.

Andrew Singer

The current dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University, who was once a student of Verghese at MIT.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Seeing the university's growth and the vibrancy of the current student body, Verghese felt the timing was right.”

— George Verghese, MIT Professor Emeritus

“The gift represents a 'full-circle moment,' as he now oversees the college where his own mentor's journey began.”

— Andrew Singer, Dean, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Stony Brook University

What’s next

The first recipients of the Professor Chi-Tsong Chen Excellence in Education Award will be announced at Stony Brook University's commencement ceremony in May 2026.

The takeaway

This award not only honors the legacy of a dedicated teacher who inspired a future engineering leader, but also underscores the vital role of excellent classroom instruction and innovative curriculum design in shaping the next generation of engineers and technologists.