The Michigan State University Philanthropist Award is presented to individuals, families, associations, corporations or foundations with a proven record of providing major, ongoing financial support and leadership to Michigan State University. Their generosity encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropy toward MSU.
This year, the award was presented to Dr. Shashikant Gupta Ph.D. & Mrs. Margaret Kettles Gupta.
Dr. Gupta guides the business strategy and technology direction for Apex CoVantage. Directing the development of numerous trailblazing technologies over the years, Dr. Gupta also serves as Apex’s chief technologist. His philosophy of balancing the cognitive power of the human mind with the processing power of computers has guided all of Apex’s technological innovations. His passion for identifying and designing next-generation technologies led Dr. Gupta to develop software products like the award-winning ProField mobile workforce management system. A strong sense of social justice inspired his establishment of the Gupta Family Foundation, a private foundation that supports organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Prior to founding Apex, Dr. Gupta was a consultant to the U.S. government, developing computer models to address nuclear waste-disposal issues. He holds an MBA and Ph.D. from Michigan State University.
Mrs. Gupta oversees Apex CoVantage global operations and drives the adoption of cutting-edge technologies throughout the organization. An enduring belief that Apex should act not just as a company, but an agent of positive social change, led Mrs. Gupta to serve on the boards of the Gupta Family Foundation and several non-profit organizations, including Wolf Trap (the only national park devoted to the performing arts), Cornerstones, and the Reston Historic Trust, in addition to her role as a trustee of Cleary University. She holds two degrees in Political Science, BA from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an MA from the University of Michigan.The Michigan State University Philanthropist Award if presented to individuals, families, associations, corporations or foundations with a proven record of providing major, ongoing financial support and leadership to Michigan State University. Their generosity encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropy toward MSU.