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UPDATE: Rajesh Virendra Tahiliani, 55, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2016 in El Paso. He is survived by his wife, Karuna and their two children, Shreja and Krishn. Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 at Martin Funeral Home West from 6 – 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Martin Funeral Home West, located at 128 North Resler Drive, El Paso, Texas, 79912.
On Tuesday, July 26, students in the College of Business received an email from the college saying Professor Rajesh Tahiliani had passed away. He taught classes in business statistics and operations and supply chain management.
According to the email sent out, Tahiliani collapsed outside his office and could not be revived by paramedics. He was then transferred to the Las Palmas emergency room where he was pronounced dead.
Tahiliani earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Bangalore University in India and a master of science degree in manufacturing engineering and master’s degree in business administration from UTEP.
He struggled with health issues for the past five years and fought to keep a normal schedule and asked to be in the classroom as long as he could.
Junior operations and supply chain management major Elizabeth Gutierrez said Tahiliani was one the best professors she’s had while attending UTEP.
“He was dedicated and he really tried to get all his students excited about school,” Gutierrez said.
The Department of Marketing and Management released a statement saying they are mourning the death of their friend and colleague. Although the department described Tahiliani as a strict professor, Gutierrez said that’s what she liked most about him.
“I learned a lot from the course I took with him this past spring. He would explain the material until everyone in the class understood and he was happy to meet after class and explain things again if needed,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez also said she was saddened by the news, and was enrolled in one of his courses for this upcoming fall semester.
Tahiliani was recognized several times for his teaching and service to his department and the college. He was recently nominated by UTEP for The University of Texas Regent’s Outstanding Teaching Award, the highest teaching recognition of in the UT System.
Tahiliani is survived by his wife, Karuna, and two children. Memorial services information has yet to be announced.
Michaela Roman may be reached at [email protected].
George Inostroza • Nov 1, 2016 at 1:50 PM
Just learned of Professor Tahiliani’s passing while confirming he was still at UTEP teaching as he had been kind enough to serve as a professional reference for my career growth. Rajesh Tahiliani was strict but fair, kind but tough, and extremely intelligent, warm, generous with his time and FUNNY. His passion for learning will live on… Rest in Peace, Sir.
Ricardo Gabal • Aug 2, 2016 at 1:13 PM
He was a very dedicated teacher and dedicated to his students! It was a privilege to have taken his class. He will be missed by many and my heart goes out to his family. I hope they could find some peace in the fact that he was a dedicated teacher, and that he improved the life of his students by teaching them with passion and understanding.
Cristina • Jul 30, 2016 at 3:03 PM
He was a great lecturer, and this a great loss. My deepest condolences.
Faruk arslan • Jul 30, 2016 at 12:16 PM
Qué have lost a wise man with a good heart and a great attitude. May he rest in peace.
Tom Gospodarek • Jul 29, 2016 at 11:35 AM
Great Instructor and human being. Thanks for help in QA class. RIP Rajesh!
Linda C Rodriguez • Jul 28, 2016 at 3:29 PM
Raj was a a very nice colleague with which to work. It’s been since 2004 that I saw him, but this is sad news. Condolences to all
Linda
Patricia Hernande • Jul 28, 2016 at 1:26 AM
Byou far the hardest class I have ever taken was statistics. He was a strict professor, yet that allowed me to understand the material. Thank you so much for always making sure each and everyone of us understood the material.
Sandra Braham, Ed.D • Jul 27, 2016 at 8:52 PM
I am so saddened to learn of Rajesh’s death. I met him when he first came to UTEP. He was interested in helping youth and began dedicating time to support Upward Bound youth. He was so giving and always had a smile.
Over the years, I would see Rajesh and we’d laugh and remember why we were in education.
Rest in peace Rajesh. I will never forget your impact and neither will the many lives you touched.
Larry Lesser • Jul 27, 2016 at 8:51 PM
As Director of CETaL (Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning), I add my deep sorrow and shock at the loss of Rajesh, who had just completed an active 3-year term of service on the CETaL Council of Fellows. He was an insightful, supportive, and dedicated colleague who will be greatly missed.
Juwan • Jul 27, 2016 at 5:18 PM
Loss of a great mind and teacher….impossible to replace.
Pedro Martinez • Jul 27, 2016 at 4:24 PM
One of the best professor’s of the College of Business at UTEP. I had the privilege of taking 5 courses he taught as I completed my degree. Great man will be missed
Noe • Jul 27, 2016 at 4:16 PM
Rest in peace, thank you for all your teachings and dedication to your students.