In a heartfelt tribute to Savitha Shanmugasundaram, who tragically lost her life in a shooting incident in Austin, her family has established an endowed scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin (UT) to honor her enduring legacy. Savitha, a senior at UT, had aspirations of founding a nonprofit organization aimed at assisting underprivileged students in pursuing higher education. Her family describes her as independent, creative, and self-motivated, with an infectious energy that drew people to her.
On March 1, Savitha was one of three victims of a gunman who opened fire on West Sixth Street. In an effort to keep her spirit alive, her father, Shan Muthian, expressed a desire to ensure that her passion for helping others continues to benefit society. “She’s not physically here anymore, but we wanted to make sure her passion continues,” he said.
Born in Texas and raised in Austin since the age of 2, Savitha attended Baranoff Elementary School and graduated from the Liberal Arts and Science Academy high school within the Austin Independent School District. Her mother, Selvi Shan, often marveled at her daughter’s motivation and creativity. “She has always been independent,” Selvi recounted, noting that Savitha never sought help for her homework or other tasks.
As a high school student, Savitha launched a sticker shop on Etsy, donating her earnings to educational nonprofits. She also created a YouTube channel, “studyfluff,” which garnered over 20,000 followers, featuring tips on note-taking, test preparation, and productivity during the summer months. “She didn’t wait for opportunities; she created them,” her father reflected.
After securing scholarships to attend UT, Savitha kept her parents updated with daily texts and made it a point to spend time with them weekly. Whether trying new restaurants with her mother or enjoying coffee outings with her father—a tradition that began nine years ago—these moments became cherished memories. “That is our special time that I will miss the most,” Muthian shared.
Known for her adventurous spirit, Savitha traveled to 25 countries with her family, often planning the trips herself. She had set her sights on visiting all Seven Wonders of the World, having already seen four of them.
Her friends describe Savitha as a vibrant and uplifting presence. With a name meaning “sunshine” in Sanskrit, it perfectly encapsulated her energetic personality. “There was never a dull moment with her,” said Harini Ram, a friend who met Savitha through the Indian Students Association at UT. Ram noted that Savitha was the glue that held their social group together, always initiating plans and adventures.
Riddhi Goel, another close friend, highlighted the deep bond they formed during their study abroad program in Copenhagen, where they supported each other in unfamiliar surroundings. Goel admired Savitha’s courage and adventurous spirit, often finding inspiration in her friend’s willingness to push boundaries.
Pursuing degrees in management information systems and economics, Savitha was recognized with the Taco Bell Live Más scholarship for four consecutive years, honoring students committed to making a positive impact. Throughout her time at UT, she held leadership roles, including co-president of the Indian Students Association and a member of the Indian Cultural Association. “She was someone who could fit more than 24 hours into a day,” Ram commented, acknowledging Savitha’s remarkable ability to juggle multiple commitments without complaint.
Her dedication extended beyond academics; Savitha engaged in community service with her father for Austin Tamizh Sangam and volunteered during family trips to India, where she taught English and spoke on women’s empowerment. In her honor, the Savitha Shan Endowment Scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to eight to ten underprivileged students annually. Her family hopes to reach a fundraising goal of $500,000, which the university will match for a total of $1 million.
Shan expressed a sense of peace, knowing her daughter lived a life filled with joy. Although Savitha was slated to graduate in May, UT will posthumously award her a dual degree, fulfilling her lifelong aspiration. Her parents have been overwhelmed by the support from their community following her passing. “It reminds us that we are not alone, but supported and embraced by a caring Austin community,” Muthian said, expressing gratitude to scholarship donors who are joining the chain of paying it forward.
As Savitha’s friends continue to reflect on her impact, they strive to honor her memory in their lives. “She would always say, ‘Harini, we will never have this moment in time again, so make the most of it,’” Ram recalled, committing to live by those words in the wake of their loss.
