Subhash C. Saxena, Ph.D., a retired Coastal Carolina University mathematics faculty member, has made a financial contribution to the College of Science. In recognition of his gift, the mathematics faculty office suite and teaching space on the second floor of the newly renovated R. Cathcart Smith Science Center was named the Dr. Subhash Saxena Math Suite during a dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 26. The gift supports the University's I'M IN endowment campaign, which has a goal of increasing CCU's endowment $20 million by 2020. To date, more than $19 million has been raised. Learn more about the campaign at coastal.edu/endowment.

The newly established endowed fund will support faculty members and undergraduate students who conduct mathematics research.

Saxena, distinguished professor emeritus, began teaching at Coastal in 1973. He was a mainstay of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2000.

"Dr. Saxena was the heart and soul of the department for many years," President David A. DeCenzo, Ph.D., said during the ceremony. "Early during his tenure, he played a major role in developing the mathematics curriculum. Although Dr. Saxena no longer teaches in the classroom, he remains active at the University through the Dr. Subhash C. Saxena Math Contest, which is designed to stimulate interest in mathematics among high school students. The annual event draws students to campus from throughout South Carolina to compete for awards, prizes and scholarships. Dr. Saxena, I want to personally thank you, along with your wife, Pushpa, for your generous support of our students, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and the College of Science. We appreciate your ongoing dedication to Coastal Carolina University."

In 1985, he earned the University's Distinguished Teaching Award and was then named Outstanding Teacher within the University of South Carolina system. Saxena served as department chair from 1987-1993. He is also credited with establishing a Pi Mu Epsilon national mathematics honor society chapter on campus.

"Coastal Carolina University is the crown jewel of Conway, Horry County, Georgetown County and all of South Carolina," Saxena said. "I am really happy to see what this place has become. It is not only the buildings; it's what our young students are learning within the buildings. They are at the right place at the right time."

Michael Roberts, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science, said, "We are here today to honor one man's and one family's strong commitment to this University that spans decades. Dr. Saxena was instrumental in building the college's quantitative foundation for all of our students as a faculty member, department chair and distinguished philanthropist. Through the naming of this space, this gathering space where students and faculty come together, we will always see and be reminded of his commitment to our students and to our faculty."

The Saxenas financially support the University and its students through the Dr. Subhash Saxena Math Research Endowment, the Dr. Subhash Saxena Math Contest and Lecture Series Endowed Program Fund and the Subhash Saxena Scholarship.

Saxena left his native India in late 1959 after earning a bachelor's, master's and Ph.D., all in mathematics, from the University of Delhi.