A brand-new scholarship has been established at Texas Lutheran University in honor of one of the university's most beloved professors. Dr. Reza Abbasian, who passed away on April 14, 2025, after a short battle with cancer, was a member of the TLU faculty for over forty years, from 1983 until 2025. In that time, he served as a professor of mathematics, computer science, and data science, and as chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. He was a voracious reader, a world traveler, and a loving husband to Maggie Keeshen.

The Reza Abbasian Endowed Scholarship, established by Keeshen as well as Abbasian’s sister, Sorayya Hillman, will be awarded each year to a student with demonstrated financial need majoring in a STEM-related discipline, the liberal arts, or the fine arts, rotating from year to year between majors.

“TLU is exceptionally grateful to Reza’s family for remembering him with this scholarship,” said Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Chris Mueller. “He was a giant among the faculty, and his legacy will live because of their thoughtfulness. We could not be more honored that Reza is being remembered in this way.”

“The generosity of Reza’s family in establishing this scholarship is so consistent with Reza’s deep care for our students and is such a meaningful way to honor his life and his calling,” said TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell. “TLU is deeply grateful, and forever appreciative of all that Reza brought to our community as a teacher, scholar, colleague, and friend.”

To make a gift to the Reza Abbasian scholarship, please make checks payable to Texas Lutheran University, 1000 West Court Street, Seguin, and include “Reza Abbasian Scholarship” on the memo. You can also give online at www.tlu.edu/give-to-tlu and select “Make a Gift Now.” For personal assistance, you can make a gift by phone at 830-372-8030.