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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 01, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

Washington State University Honors Varinder

Bhalla with Highest Alumni Achievement Award

OUR BUREAU Varinder Bhalla with family and friends receiving the WSU Alumni Achievement Award
from Executive Director Mariah Maki
New York
n a deeply meaningful and standing services and humanitarian and partnership in her husband’s ored with a United States Congres-
long-awaited moment, Varinder efforts as Founder and President of philanthropic work. She was cere- sional Award in recognition of his
IBhalla was conferred the Alum- the AWB Food Bank, as well as your moniously adopted into the WSU philanthropic service, which, among
ni Achievement Award, the highest numerous philanthropic endeavors, Cougar Family and recognized for many, includes traveling to a re-
honor bestowed by Washington State we honor your deep compassion and her extraordinary commitment with mote village in Gujarat to donate a
University (WSU), 54 years after unwavering dedication to the un- the distinguished status of Honorary motorboat for 125 schoolchildren
graduating from the university and derprivileged,” said Director Maki. WSU Family Member. who previously had to swim across a
30 years after being nominated for “From New Delhi to New York, In his emotional acceptance re- turbulent river to reach school; do-
the prestigious distinction. your commitment to improving lives marks, Bhalla said: “I may not have nating warm clothes and school sup-
Mariah Maki, Executive Direc- reflects the highest ideals of service made it back to Pullman to receive plies to children attending classes
tor of the WSU Alumni Association, and leadership. With sincere grati- this honor all those years ago, but in freezing temperatures after their
flew in from Washington to person- tude, the Washington State Univer- having WSU come all the way to me school roof collapsed; inspired by
ally present the award at an exclu- sity Alumni Association proudly be- 50 years later feels like a full-circle the legacy of his father, Chaman Lal
sive dinner reception hosted by the stows upon you its highest honor for moment - one that fills my heart with Bhalla, launching an eye camp in his
university in New York City. The exemplifying the spirit, values, and gratitude and deep emotion. hometown in Punjab, providing free
event was attended by members of pride of what it means to be a WSU “Tonight, I dedicate this award prescription glasses to more than
the New York Chapter of the WSU Coug.” to my mother, Agya Wanti Bhalla. 1,200 individuals who lacked access
Alumni Association, including Vice Varinder Bhalla and his wife, As a child, I watched her quietly to vision care; and sponsoring hand
President Meghann Cherzan and Ratna, co-founded the AWB Food and consistently feed hungry people pumps for in villages, lacking drink-
Fran Rowley, who graduated along- Bank in New Delhi, which has deliv- in our hometown. Her compassion, ing water.
side Bhalla in the Class of 1971. ered nearly 15 million meals to the her sense of duty, and her unwaver- Bhalla also pioneered the first
The WSU Alumni Achievement needy over the past three decades. ing belief in the power of giving left celebration of India’s centuries old
Award is a rare distinction - be- By collecting surplus food from ho- a lifelong impression on me. She Dussehra in the USA, with 50-feet
stowed on fewer than 0.2% of alum- tels, airlines, and industrial kitchens, planted the seed; I simply helped it tall effigies in support of the AWB
ni since its inception in 1969. Out of their efforts have become a model of grow,” added an emotional Bhalla.” Food Bank, attracting over 50,000
more than 250,000 graduates, fewer sustainable, scalable, and compas- “Washington State University spectators.
than 500 individuals have received sionate solutions to food insecurity. gave me more than an education - it Maki reiterated the invitation
this honor in the past century. No- Although the award is tradi- gave me purpose. This recognition for Bhalla to return to WSU so “your
table recipients include Microsoft tionally reserved for WSU alumni, reconnects me with my roots and legacy could be a reminder to the
co-founder and philanthropist Paul but in a rare and touching gesture, reminds me that giving back is the current students that what they learn
Allen. the university also honored Ratna truest form of success.” today can become the foundation for
“In recognition of your out- Bhalla for her unwavering support Last year, Bhalla was also hon- a life of purpose and service.”

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