The Rohit Mandava Memorial Endowment for Experiential Learning

Dr. E. Allen Emerson

Rohit Mandava

Honoring a life of drive, curiosity and global exploration

Rohit Mandava (BHP ’23) embodied determination, curiosity and a remarkable commitment to excellence. Born in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, he grew up passionate about basketball and academics — pursuits that shaped his path to the inaugural Computer Science and Business Honors (CSB) cohort at UT Austin through the BHP Canfield Scholarship.

During his time at UT, Rohit joined Pi Kappa Alpha, discovered endurance sports and developed a deep love for Longhorn Football. His junior-year study abroad experience ignited a lifelong passion for travel.

A Defining Journey Abroad

Rohit graduated a semester early and used that period to travel extensively across Asia, Europe and Africa. While exploring the world, he prepared for the graduate management admissions test, wrote essays and completed interviews for the 2+2 MBA programs at Columbia, Wharton, Northwestern and the University of Chicago. The combination of global immersion and academic preparation shaped his next steps.

Professional Promise

Rohit joined Greenhill & Co. as an Investment Banking Analyst in June 2023. During his first-year analyst program, he participated in the highly competitive on-cycle private equity recruiting process, earning an offer to join GTCR in Chicago as a Private Equity Associate beginning August 2025. He described this achievement to his family as feeling like “receiving an admission letter from Harvard.”

Rohit passed away in March 2025. His colleagues remember him as a mentor, a loyal friend and the team’s “culture carrier”— a person whose presence elevated everyone around him.

About the Scholarship

The Rohit Mandava Memorial Endowment for Experiential Learning supports McCombs students seeking study abroad and experiential learning opportunities. Preference is given to students in the Canfield Business Honors Program with financial need.

“As Rohit’s family, we hope he is remembered for his drive. He approached every goal with full commitment, ambition and heart. Through this scholarship, we want students to climb their own mountains with the same spirit that defined Rohit’s life.”

—The Mandava Family