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Shah Happiness Foundation establishes innovation chair at Chapman University
The Shah Family Endowed Chair will play a crucial role in fostering innovative thinking.
Shah Endowed Chair signing / Chapman University
The Shah Happiness Foundation, a non-profit established by Indian American couple Manu and Rika Shah will establish the Shah Family Endowed Chair in Innovativeness at Chapman University’s George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics. The charitable endeavor aims to promote research, education, and innovation at the intersection of low-tech industries and high-tech thinking.
According to a university statement, the Shah Family Endowed Chair will play a crucial role in fostering innovative thinking through a specialized full-semester course titled "Creativity and Innovation — Corporate Entrepreneurship." Additionally, the endowed chair will actively participate in research and service activities, focusing on the effective application of high-tech thinking to industries typically considered low-tech.
The donation also encompasses plans to provide internships to Chapman students, establishing a collaborative link between academia and industry. These internships aim to offer students valuable hands-on experience.
As per the university, the Shah Family Endowed Chair will organize events featuring local and national leaders who have effectively applied high-tech thinking to low-tech industries. These events will offer students invaluable opportunities to learn from their experiences. The initiative will culminate in an annual awards program known as the Shah Family Awards for Innovativeness, designed to recognize leaders in this field.
“Chapman is thrilled to provide students with direct exposure to advanced technology in traditional sectors, equipping them with the essential skills and innovative mindset required for success in these industries,” said Chapman president Daniele C. Struppa.
The endowed chair is a fitting tribute to the Shahs' long-standing dedication to making dreams come true and a reflection of the significant influence they have through the Shah Happiness Foundation. The Indian couple came to the US in 1975 and started their business, M S International, Inc. (MSI), in their basement.
The company currently stands as a prominent supplier of flooring, countertop, wall tile, and hardscaping products in North America. Headquartered in Orange, CA, MSI operates more than 45 state-of-the-art showrooms and distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada.
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