Family, Friends, and Alumni Students of Professor K. Vairavan

Professor Vairavan, Professor Emeritus, is considered one of the most influential faculty members and contributors to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Engineering and Applied Science. UWM hired Dr. K. Vairavan in September 1968 as an Assistant Professor in what was then the Electrical Department in the very new College of Engineering and Applied Science. During his 40 years on the faculty, Professor Vairavan founded or co-founded bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science, and the doctoral program in medical informatics – a collaborative program involving five UWM academic units and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Professor Vairavan’s own internationally recognized research attracted graduate students and brought additional research funding to the growing program. One of Professor Vairavan’s most enduring contributions to the life of UWM has been his willingness to mentor young faculty, students, and alumni as they embarked on their careers. To this day, Professor Vairavan is in touch with many former students, helping them network or seeking their support for UWM now that they have achieved success. Professor Vairavan helped UWM build relationships with many alumni, including his mentee, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Professor Vairavan also helped UWM engage with top Wisconsin companies through his work creating and guiding the Computer Science Industrial Advisory Council at UWM. In recognition of his dedication to teaching, scholarship, and service to UWM over his career, Professor Vairavan has received two of UWM’s highest honors. At his retirement from the faculty in 2008, he was honored with the rank of Professor Emeritus. In 2012, he received the Ernest Spaights Plaza Honoree recognition.

In recent years, Professor Vairavan was influential in helping establish the interdisciplinary UWM Connected Systems Institute. Since his retirement, Professor Vairavan has regularly participated in Alumni Association programs. He and his wife, UWM alumna Alamelu Vairavan, attend many alumni events.