Today, We Remember Karthik

Karthikeyan Sennimalai was killed in a hit-and-run accident on July 2, 2005, shortly after celebrating the completion of his MBA at the Walton College. After his death, friends and family members contributed to a memorial fund in his honor.

Last year, Karthik’s family decided to create an endowed scholarship funded partially from gifts given in his honor after his untimely death and partially from his family. The purpose of the Karthikeyan Sennimalai Scholarship for International Students is to provide financial assistance for international students who are pursuing a graduate degree in the Walton College. It will be awarded for the first time in the coming year.

Sennimalai’s father, Sennimalai Arunachalam, said, “He was a unique individual whose infectious smile and willingness to help enlivened the lives of those who knew him. This fund is set up by his family to commemorate his life and perpetuate his memory.”

Marion Dunagan, assistant dean for Graduate Programs, said, “Karthik’s family and friends have provided a lasting gift for countless international students. We are grateful that they have chosen to remember an exceptional Walton MBA student in such a meaningful and giving manner.”

A plaque commemorating the establishment of this scholarship will be displayed in the Graduate School of Business suite in Willard J. Walker Hall once the scholarship has been awarded for the first time. Below, Marion Dunagan and Alan Ellstrand, MBA program director, show another plaque that will be displayed in the Walton College on the third floor of the business administration building, along with other endowed scholarships that have been created for our students.


Today,September 30th, happens to be Karthik’s birthday remembrance day; therefore, we are writing this post in his honor and hope that everyone who reads it will reflect on his life and the impact he had on others.