S.L. Nanda and J.L. Nanda Mathematics and Science Scholarship

The S.L. Nanda and J.L. Nanda Mathematics and Science Scholarship was founded in 2005 to recognize the most deserving Charleston High School graduating senior with intentions of pursuing a STEM degree at Eastern Illinois University.

Dr. Nanda came to the United States to pursue his PhD at Indiana University. Wanting to continue a career in education, he began teaching Math at Eastern in 1964. The next 37 years he taught a range of mathematics classes from basic algebra to advanced calculus and analytical geometry. A life-long educator inside and outside the classroom, he loved to teach. His lessons were often about mathematics, but also were about his life experiences in India, the history of central Illinois, or his hopes for his students, neighbors and community that he cared for so much.

His wife of 37 years, Sneh joined him in Charleston a few months after he began teaching at Eastern. Together with her husband and two children, she set out to build a life here. Known for her elegance, graciousness, and hospitality she made many life-long friends in Charleston and had a great sense of pride in calling Charleston her hometown.

Dr. and Mrs. Nanda had a great love of Charleston. Their two children attended Charleston High School, took classes at Eastern and one received her bachelor’s degree from EIU. They felt so fortunate to be a part of a community, school system and university that gave so much to them. Both had a great appreciation for education and understood what opportunities it could provide. In establishing this scholarship in their memory, they hope future CHS and EIU graduates can realize their dreams, give back to their communities and have a life as blessed as theirs.