Baltimore, Maryland, USA: Professor Varghese was a pioneering figure in global social work education and a strong advocate for international academic collaboration.
The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime faculty member Raju K.G. Varghese, who died on October 16 at the age of 87.
Having served at UMSSW for over forty years, Varghese was instrumental in promoting social work education worldwide and fostering partnerships with international institutions.
He played a crucial role in creating and maintaining the ongoing collaboration between UMSSW and Rajagiri College of Social Sciences in Kochi, Kerala, which has provided numerous opportunities for students and faculty to engage in cross-cultural learning and professional exchanges.
“Dr Varghese’s vision and dedication to establishing enduring educational programs with Rajagiri College began more than 25 years ago, resulting in hundreds of transformative experiences for both students and faculty,” said UMSSW clinical professor Joan Pittman, who travelled to Kerala with Varghese as an MSW student in 1997.
UMSSW Dean Judy L. Postmus highlighted that Varghese’s influence went far beyond his classroom work. “Over the past several years, I had the honour of getting to know Dr Varghese and was constantly inspired by his commitment to students, his global impact, and his lifelong dedication to social work,” she noted. “He leaves behind a remarkable legacy and a lasting devotion to this field and community.”
Originally from Kollam, Kerala, India, Varghese was a founding member of the St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Baltimore and contributed to the establishment of its first permanent church building. In his later years, he actively participated in church activities at the St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church in Damascus, Maryland.
Beyond his church involvement, Varghese supported various charitable efforts and held positions on nonprofit boards, including the Indian Christian Orthodox Network Charities, Inc. (ICON), which aims to expand educational and resource opportunities for underprivileged communities.
Funeral services are scheduled at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Baltimore, 7321 Windsor Mill Road, Windsor Mill, Maryland, on October 24 at 9:30 a.m., with interment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Ellicott City.
In place of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Indian Christian Orthodox Network Charities, Inc. (ICON), with “Dr. Raju Varghese Memorial” indicated in the memo line.
