Parents of UT Student Killed in Mass Shooting Create Scholarship in Her Honor

Savitha Shanmugasundaram's parents are turning their grief into an opportunity to help others through education.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a graduation cap and tassel, the textured fabric and metallic details dramatically illuminated by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying a somber yet determined mood.The Shanmugasundaram family's decision to create a scholarship in Savitha's memory aims to honor her passion for education and making a positive impact.Austin Today

The parents of Savitha Shanmugasundaram, a University of Texas student who was killed in the March 2026 Sixth Street mass shooting in Austin, are partnering with the university to create a scholarship fund in her memory. Savitha's parents, Shan and Selvi, want to 'turn grief into opportunity' and honor their daughter's belief in the power of education to change the world.

Why it matters

The Sixth Street mass shooting was a tragic event that shook the Austin community. By creating a scholarship fund in Savitha's name, her parents are finding a meaningful way to keep her legacy alive and provide educational opportunities for underprivileged students, which was important to Savitha.

The details

Savitha Shanmugasundaram was one of three people killed in the March 2026 mass shooting on Sixth Street in Austin. Fifteen others were injured, including several UT students. Now, Savitha's parents are working with the university to establish the Savitha Shanmugasundaram Endowed Scholarship Fund, which they hope will raise $500,000 that will be matched 1:1 by UT Austin. The scholarship will provide yearly support to underprivileged students, fulfilling Savitha's belief in the power of education to change the world.

  • Savitha was killed in the March 2026 Sixth Street mass shooting in Austin.
  • Savitha's parents announced the creation of the scholarship fund on April 10, 2026.

The players

Savitha Shanmugasundaram

A University of Texas student who was killed in the March 2026 Sixth Street mass shooting in Austin. Savitha was a two-time president of the Texas Indian Students Association and was set to graduate in May with dual degrees in Management Information Systems and Economics.

Shan Muthian

Savitha's father, who is working with the university to create a scholarship fund in his daughter's memory.

Selvi Muthian

Savitha's mother, who is also working with the university to create a scholarship fund in her daughter's memory.

University of Texas at Austin

The university that is partnering with Savitha's parents to establish the Savitha Shanmugasundaram Endowed Scholarship Fund.

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What they’re saying

“As a parent, we have got two choices now. Option one is stay on grief mode. The other option is — Savitha lived her life to the fullest, so how do we turn the grief into opportunity for others?”

— Shan Muthian, Savitha's father

“Savitha believed education was the powerful way to change the world. We are working to raise $500,000, which will be matched 1:1 by UT Austin. We are turning grief into opportunity for others.”

— Shan Muthian, Savitha's father

“Savitha believed in paying it forward.”

— Shan Muthian, Savitha's father

“The one thing that I wouldn't ever forget is the last text just before the moment was 'Leaving now.'”

— Selvi Muthian, Savitha's mother

“She had a dream, and it was always for others.”

— Selvi Muthian, Savitha's mother

What’s next

The university and Savitha's parents plan to continue fundraising for the scholarship fund, with the goal of reaching $500,000 that will be matched 1:1 by UT Austin.

The takeaway

This tragic event has inspired Savitha's parents to turn their grief into an opportunity to honor their daughter's legacy and help others through education, which was so important to Savitha. Their efforts to create a scholarship fund in her name will provide life-changing opportunities for underprivileged students, keeping Savitha's spirit and dreams alive.