Arjun Shivram Vattipalli ’27

Oct. 18, 2004–Oct. 22, 2024

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Memories of Arjun

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Ryan Lee ’27

Friend through High School and College

I am extremely fortunate to have called Arjun my friend for the past few years. It is too difficult to isolate one specific memory because there are so many good memories to look back upon. Arjun had always set aside his own interests to support me in my endeavors. In any of my performances or presentations, I knew he would be in the audience cheering me on. I took advantage of his kindness and gratitude but will never forget the way he made me feel. He was patient, empathetic, and so kind. During the darkest parts of my life, he was an uplifting spirit despite his own struggles. He never made me feel like a burden when I needed help and would reach out to me first before I had the chance to ask. Through both the good and bad times of my life, Arjun had been one of the best friends I could have ever asked for.

Sarah Kavassalis

Professor

I taught Arjun in CHEM60, a scientific computing class tailored for chemistry majors. Although I only taught him in one course, Arjun’s unique technical skills and community-minded spirit left a deep impression on me. Despite being a first-year college student, Arjun grasped complex chemistry concepts with the same apparent comfort level as the third-year students alongside him in the course. He very humbly described his passion for biochemistry as his motivator to learn, and that passion, while calmly stated, was clear and consistent every week. He frequently followed up with me to learn about specific topics for which there was no academic benefit, simply to pursue knowledge for its own sake. Arjun willingly spent significant time during lab sessions aiding others. He had a unique humility and generosity, and encouraged every student around him.

Adam Johnson

Professor

I was Arjun’s Writ 1 instructor last year and I got to know him well during our weekly discussions. He was always so engaged and interested in developing his paper to take it to the next level. His outside reader found his paper to be “charming,” with a strong voice, and I agree. I enjoyed getting to know him, and was happy to see him every week this fall when he was in the chemistry lab near my office. He came by to talk with me and my research student almost every week.