By Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs
On September 17, 2024, Prof. Shabbir H. Gheewala, of the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, and a prominent AIT alumnus who earned his Master’s and Doctorate in Environmental Engineering and Management in 1995 and 2001, signed a donation agreement with AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li. This donation is intended to support the refurbishment of a student dormitory unit in Dorm F44, further enhancing AIT’s commitment to providing students with an enriching and supportive living environment.
During the signing ceremony, AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li warmly welcomed Prof. Shabbir to his alma mater and expressed appreciation for his generous contribution that will greatly benefit both current and future students. He emphasized that the students are at the center of the educational institution and this donation not only improves living conditions but also serves as an inspiration for other alumni to give back in meaningful ways. He also stated that current students will one day become alumni and have the chance to make impactful contributions allowing them an opportunity to be invited as a prominent alumni speaker at a future AIT graduation ceremony like yourself.
Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, noted that Prof. Shabbir’s unwavering support is an inspiration, and his contributions both in cash and in-kind have always been instrumental in supporting students. He stated that alumni like you who consistently give back, are a true source of inspiration and an example for others to follow and, thanked him for being a steadfast supporter of AIT over the years.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering & Technology, thanked Prof. Shabbir for his generous support to the student dormitory. He emphasized that the Environmental Engineering and Management program thrives in education, research, and outreach thanks to the achievements of alumni like Prof. Shabbir, a pioneer in life cycle assessment and one of Thailand’s most influential scientists, who made the 2021 Reuters Hot List of the world’s top climate scientists.
Prof. Shabbir expressed his gratitude for the invitation to AIT and described his visit as a homecoming. He reflected on his experience of attending AIT as a student in 1994, recalling how access to shared bathrooms was once considered a luxury, and how he now deeply values the opportunity to provide current students with even better living conditions, that allow for greater focus on their studies. Prof. Shabbir was also given a tour of the newly refurbished dormitory, now adorned with his name plaque, and expressed his pride in being able to directly contribute even in a small way, to his alma mater improving students’ lives.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Ms. Lucena D. Talaid, Senior Alumni Affairs Officer, and Mr. Bhaskaran Jacob, Senior Advancement and Alumni Affairs, from the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.
