DANBURY, Connecticut — Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) is honored to announce the establishment of a new graduate fellowship program, thanks to the continued generosity of Mr. M. Farooq Kathwari, Chairman, President, and CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. This initiative reflects Mr. Kathwari’s enduring commitment to the university and support of its mission to contribute toward building strong community in Danbury and the larger Western Connecticut region.
The newly created Kathwari Graduate Fellowship Program is designed to support WestConn graduates who continue to pursue master’s degrees at their alma mater. As the president of a Fortune 500 company employing many WestConn alumni, Mr. Kathwari recognizes the university’s significant contributions to the region, particularly in educating professionals such as teachers, nurses, social workers, law enforcement officers, and middle managers who predominantly live and work in the Danbury area.
“We are delighted to establish the Kathwari Graduate Fellowship Program and to support the university in developing strong leaders,” said Mr. Kathwari. “WestConn is an important institution, and our family foundation is very pleased to continue our long partnership with the university.”
The fellowship program, commencing in the Fall of 2024, will provide stipends to selected graduate students each semester.
Dr. Manohar Singh, Interim President of WestConn, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Western Connecticut State University and Mr. M. Farooq Kathwari share a relationship that spans many decades. A strong supporter of higher education and a trusted ally of our students and programs, Mr. Kathwari’s generosity through the Kathwari Family Foundation is evident in countless ways on campus. From the Irfan Kathwari Honors House to the Kathwari Honors Program and numerous scholarships and special projects, Mr. Kathwari has consistently demonstrated his commitment to investing in WestConn.”
Dr. Singh continued, “This recent generous gift is a strategic move to enhance our graduate programs portfolio at WestConn, attract top talent, and provide graduates, especially those from our Kathwari Honors Program, with opportunities to work as fellows and gain valuable experience as they prepare for their professional careers. This fellowship not only supports our graduate students, but also contributes to WestConn’s mission of educating the next generation of leaders for the benefit of our community and society at large. We are honored by the trust Mr. Kathwari has placed in us and deeply grateful for the Kathwari Family Foundation’s continued support.”
Mr. Kathwari has been the president of Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. since 1985, and chairman and CEO since 1988. His extensive involvement in numerous nonprofit organizations includes being a member of the board of overseers of the International Rescue Committee, the advisory board of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Council on Foreign Relations, chairman emeritus of Refugees International, an advisory member of the New York Stock Exchange, and many other distinguished positions. He also serves on the boards of the Western Connecticut State University Foundation, The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, and ArtsWestchester.
Among his recognitions, Mr. Kathwari is a recipient of the 2018 Ellis Island Medal of Honor and has been inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame. He has been recognized as an Outstanding American by Choice by the U.S. government and has received numerous prestigious awards for his leadership and humanitarian efforts.
“WestConn is profoundly grateful for Mr. Kathwari’s unwavering support and looks forward to the positive impact the Kathwari Graduate Fellowship Program will have on its students and the broader community,” Singh said.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.