Shashi Chopra Awarded Honorary Doctorate at WAU Commencement

by T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman May 5, 2026

By T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman May 5, 2026 0 comments 3 minutes read

President of Washington Adventist University Weymouth Spence, presenting an Honorary Doctorate to Shashi Chopra during the commencement ceremony on May 3, 2026, in Maryland. PHOTO: Shashi Chopra

Founder and President of Global Seva Fund, Shashi Chopra of Virginia, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at the 111th commencement ceremony of Washington Adventist University, held on May 3, 2026, in Maryland, marking the graduation of the Class of 2026.

The Doctor of Humane Letters is conferred upon individuals who have provided “exemplary service to the community, or whose accomplishments are broad in scope and far reaching,” Provost Cheryl Kisunzu said while announcing the awards.

Congratulating Chopra, the university noted that this “recognition honors your extraordinary life of service, leadership, and humanitarian impact. For more than five decades, your commitment to community building, education, interfaith harmony, and global service has transformed countless lives.”

**Shashi Chopra and her husband Ravi Chopra at the Washington Adventist University’s commencement ceremony on May 3, 2026, in Maryland. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH**

Highlighting her leadership at Global Seva Fund Inc., the university stated that Chopra has led initiatives advancing “healthcare, education, and humanitarian relief for underserved populations,” adding “Your work supporting young women through the Edu-Girls ‘Reach for the Stars’ Scholarship Program and your leadership in promoting peace and nonviolence further reflect your dedication to uplifting humanity.”

The university also noted that her contributions to community life, including initiatives such as the Sadabahaar Senior Group and her involvement with Rajdhani Mandir, have strengthened connections across generations. “Your advocacy and engagement exemplify a life guided by compassion, service, and unity, values that closely align with the mission of Washington Adventist University,” it added.

In her remarks, Chopra shared, “I stand before you today with a deeply grateful and humble heart. To receive the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Washington Adventist University is not just an honor—it is a blessing that I accept on behalf of all those who have been part of my journey.”

Chopra said her life has been guided by a simple belief that “service to humanity” is the highest calling. Whether through “community building, education, healthcare, or interfaith harmony,” every effort, according to her, has been rooted in the hope of bringing light into someone’s life.

“This recognition truly belongs to the many hands and hearts that have supported this journey—those who have given their time, their compassion, and their love to make a difference,” she added.

Chopra also noted that her husband, Ravi, was honored with the President’s Excellence in Gateway to Service Award at the same event. “That moment made this occasion even more meaningful, reminding me that a life of service is never walked alone—it is shared, supported, and strengthened by those we love,” she added.

Community leaders in Virginia also acknowledged the contributions of the Chopras.

Virginia Humanities Board Member Aparna Madireddi told South Asian Herald, “Attending Washington Adventist University’s commencement ceremony and witnessing Shashi and Ravi Chopra receive their prestigious honors was truly inspiring. Their lifelong commitment to service and community impact stands as a powerful example for us all,” adding, “I felt deeply proud to celebrate such leaders.”

Anjali and Mayank Gupta of Paiee said, “Great achievements are born from years of quiet dedication and service. We feel truly honored to have been part of such a beautiful and proud moment.”

They added that it was a privilege to celebrate and witness this “deeply inspiring occasion.”