Indian-American entrepreneur and CEO of the cloud security firm Zscaler, Jay Chaudhry, along with his wife, Jyothi Chaudhry, has pledged $4 million to the University of Cincinnati. This significant contribution aims to support first-generation college students through scholarships and other financial assistance.
The couple’s donation will establish the Chaudhry Family Scholarship Fund, which will benefit students in the Gen-1 1MPACT House, a unique living-learning community for first-generation, Pell-eligible students. The University of Cincinnati stated that the fund would provide scholarships to approximately 150 students starting in fall 2025. These scholarships are designed to bridge financial gaps after federal grants and other awards are applied.
University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto expressed profound gratitude for the Chaudhrys’ contribution. He described the pledge as a transformative act for students, their families, and the broader community. “I’m truly grateful that Jay and Jyoti are dedicated partners in our ongoing commitment to first-generation students,” Pinto remarked.
Jay and Jyothi Chaudhry, both alumni of the University of Cincinnati, attributed much of their success to the education they received at the institution. Reflecting on their journey, the couple stated, “We are very grateful for the excellent education we got at UC which played a significant role in our success. In fact, both of us got tuition scholarships for our graduate studies without which we couldn’t afford to get our masters’ degrees.”
Jay Chaudhry earned two master’s degrees in science from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, specializing in electrical and computer engineering in 1982 and industrial engineering and management in 1983. He later completed an MBA at the university in 1986. Jyothi followed suit, earning her MBA in 1987.
“This scholarship fund is a gesture of our gratitude and appreciation to our alma mater that will help many needy students to complete their college education and change their and their families’ lives,” the couple added.
The Gen-1 Program, the focus of the Chaudhry Family Scholarship Fund, was launched in 2008 as the first residential initiative in the United States dedicated to first-generation college students. It offers comprehensive academic, personal, and social support to participants, fostering a supportive environment for academic success.
Suzette Combs, director of the Gen-1 Program, highlighted the significant impact of the Chaudhrys’ gift. She noted that the donation sends a powerful message of encouragement to students. “This gift lets them know that there are people out there who believe in them and think they belong here,” Combs said. “There’s very little that can take the place of that and it is empowering for our students.”
The Gen-1 Program has achieved remarkable results, boasting a first-to-second-year retention rate of 98 percent. This figure far exceeds the national average retention rate of 68 percent for first-generation college students.
With the establishment of the Chaudhry Family Scholarship Fund, the Chaudhrys aim to extend the opportunities they once received to the next generation. Their contribution ensures that students with financial constraints can access higher education and potentially transform their lives and the lives of their families.
