GSSM establishes new scholarship fund

A fund has been established in honor of the late Dr. Bhuvana Parameswaran by an alum, a faculty member & a staff member of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM). The Dr. Bhuvana Scholarship Fund is dedicated to continuing Dr. Bhuvana’s legacy by providing financial support to GSSM residential students.

This scholarship will enable students with financial need to pursue national or international research or programs in the biomedical sciences—opportunities that often prove transformative in their educational journeys. Once the fund reaches $10,000, it will be permanently endowed, ensuring scholarships are awarded in perpetuity.

By supporting the Dr. Bhuvana Scholarship Fund, donors are investing in the futures of GSSM students, empowering them to follow in Dr. Bhuvana’s footsteps of academic rigor & scientific curiosity. Contributions can be made by selecting the Dr. Bhuvana Scholarship Fund from the dropdown menu at scgssm.org/donate.

Dr. Bhuvana, a member of the Biology Department, joined GSSM in 1998. She also served as faculty lead for the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) & Asian Culture clubs. During her remarkable 25-year tenure, Dr. Bhuvana’s dedication to her students & her craft left an indelible mark on the GSSM community. Her sudden passing on Oct. 14 at the age of 64 has deeply saddened her colleagues, students & alumni.

“Dr. Bhuvana’s over two decades of service to GSSM has impacted students, colleagues & families in countless ways. So many of our graduates attribute their current studies or employment to Bhuvana’s class & passion for her subject,” said Danny Dorsel, GSSM President & a member of the Class of 1990. “Bhuvana’s passing is a significant loss to the GSSM community, but knowing her, she would want us to continue working hard & getting better, and so we will.”

Students fondly remember Dr. Bhuvana as a passionate & inspiring educator. “Dr. Bhuvana was brilliant. You could ask her anything, and she’d just know the answer. Her eyes would light up, and she’d smile while explaining every detail,” said GSSM senior Phoenix Zhao. “She was so passionate that it was contagious! Many of my friends signed up for her extremely challenging courses just to experience her teaching.”

Faculty & staff are also mourning her loss. “She was a dear colleague & friend, and a source of encouragement to us. Bhuvana was creative in her teaching, and she loved sharing innovative methods & tools with her students. I remember a discussion with Bhuvana about ways that 3D printing could be used in teaching biology. She was a testimony of what it means to be a lifelong learner. We will miss her tremendously,” said Randy LaCross, Senior Vice President of Outreach & Global Initiatives.

For more information, please contact the GSSM Marketing & Communications Department at (843) 383-3944. 

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About the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) is a nationally ranked top 10 public high school that exists to bring world-class STEM education to students across the state. Founded in 1988 by Governor Carroll Campbell, GSSM is a state resource that offers a variety of programs including an intensive 2-year residential high school, a challenging virtual engineering program, summer camps, and in-school experiences for students in 3rd through 12th grades. At GSSM challenge is viewed as a gateway to opportunity. Learn more about how we help students realize their full potential by visiting www.scgssm.org.

About the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Foundation
The GSSM Foundation advocates for GSSM and provides funds and support to enhance its programs and students’ educational endeavors. The Foundation connects GSSM with a broad community and showcases GSSM’s contribution to quality of life and economic prosperity of South Carolina and beyond.