Dr. Ranu Mishra, a Merced prosthodontist and a member of the UC Merced Foundation Board of Trustees, and his wife, Preeti Mishra, have made a significant donation to UC Merced that will help solidify the campus’s ability to host regional and national events and create inviting spaces ideal for academic collaborations, presentations and information exchange.
The executive suite in the new state-of-the-art conference center will be named the Dr. Mahavir B. Mishra Executive Suite in honor of Ranu Mishra’s father.
“Growing up, I learned from my father the importance of education,” said the younger Mishra. “When the opportunity came to make this donation, the first thing that occurred to me was honoring my father. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”
Mishra was born and raised in Jaipur, India, and came to the United States to study dentistry at Loma Linda University. He eventually decided to relocate to the Central Valley, noting that “a big selling point to come to Merced was the UC.” Passionate about education and academia, Mishra knew that he wanted to be involved in the newest UC campus.
“When I was asked to join as a trustee, I immediately accepted,” he said.
The naming of the executive suite was unveiled at a recent reception with close friends and family, where Ranu Mishra surprised his parents with the news.
“Every time people come to UC Merced to think about supporting our university, they will be brought to the Dr. Mahavir B. Mishra Executive Suite, and in every one of those convenings they will be reminded of the family who named the room in honor of a mother and father who taught them — not only the values of the excellence of an education — but to give back,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz during the event. “That’s what this new executive suite represents, and we are so grateful to the entire Mishra family for supporting the mission of UC Merced.”
“I became part of the UC family, and it has been a wonderful experience seeing students from all different backgrounds and being part of their growth,” said Ranu Mishra. “My dad wanted me to advance my education in the best possible way because it was so important to him. This room is a small token of thanks to him and will carry his name for years to come and to show his grandchildren and great-grandchildren what he believed in.
“Also, my gratitude would be incomplete without thanking my mom,” he added. “She has made equal or even more sacrifices in raising us.”
The executive suite will serve as a vital space in the UC Merced Conference Center, which was created to meet the growing needs for facilities for high-profile events, including academic conferences, lectures and meetings. It is the second named space in the Merced 2020 Project, following the Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom.
