In Memory of Ashok Bhargava
The Madison College Foundation joins with the community in mourning the passing of Ashok Bhargava and honoring his legacy.
Ashok Bhargava served as a member of the Madison College Foundation Board from 2000 to 2003 and again from 2005 to 2019, and served with dedication and distinction as President of the Madison College Foundation board from 2011 to 2013. During his board tenure he was a member and chair of the Finance & Investment Committee, which led to the development of a solid investment policy. Ashok was the treasurer of the Madison College Friends Group that worked on passing the $133.7 million referendum in 2010.
“I was heartbroken to learn of Ashok’s passing. Words are not enough to express the gratitude I hold in my heart for Ashok. He was a passionate ambassador to both the college and foundation and a mentor to many board members. It was an honor and privilege to work beside him for many years,” Tammy Thayer, CEO Madison College Foundation.
Ashok’s legacy is amplified by the generosity he has shown to Madison College students in honor of his late wife. He has been a generous donor and has established two funds, including the Devi Bhargava Opportunities Endowment Fund and Devi Bhargava International Opportunities Endowed Fund to permanently assist students of Madison College. His support continues to impact students with disabilities. He was a very kind and generous man.
You can read his obituary here.
If you would like to donate to the funds he established honoring his wife, Devi, you can do so here:
“I feel honored to have been able to work with Ashok Bhargava, as well as his wife Devi who proceeded him in passing. Ashok and Devi were both passionate about international learning and helping students.
In 2010, after already creating awards in Devi’s name to support students with disabilities and faculty and staff who support them, Ashok reached out to me to indicate that he would like to memorialize his wife with a new award to support international students. We worked together to craft an award that recognizes international students who embody the humanitarian and international characteristics that were an integral part of Devi and Ashok’s life and work, and created a fund that could be used to support students who were facing unexpected financial pressures of crises in their home countries.
Ashok’s commitment to supporting students is evidenced by his years serving on the Madison College Foundation Board as well as his own generous financial commitment. He will be missed, but Ashok leaves an enduring legacy of support for our students.”
- Geoff Bradshaw, Madison College Associate Vice President of Global Strategy
“Ashok has truly made a difference in the lives and educational experiences of students with disabilities at Madison College via the Devi Bhargava faculty/staff and student awards he endowed after his amazing wife, Devi, passed away in 1999. Devi worked at Madison College as a Disability Resource Specialist and his generous support has kept her vibrant spirit alive in the recognition of these amazing students and faculty/staff each year. Since 1999, over 50 students and faculty have been recognized for their work in advocacy, partnership and distinction in their academic success. By believing in them and investing in their futures, Ashok has helped provide these students, faculty and staff the confidence and self-esteem they need to continue their success while supporting access and equity and in a world that can often be unwelcoming to those with disabilities.”
- Scott Ritter, MS
Director, Disability Resource Services & Testing and Assessment Services
Student Development and Success