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University of Maryland mourns passing of professor Varghese
Varghese played a key role in advancing global social work education and building international academic partnerships.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 22, Oct 2025
- 17:16 EDT
- 18
Raju Varghese / elm.umaryland.edu
The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) mourns the passing of longtime professor Raju K.G. Varghese, who passed away on Oct.16, at the age of 87.
A faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) for four decades, Varghese played a key role in advancing global social work education and building international academic partnerships.
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He was instrumental in establishing the ongoing collaboration between UMSSW and the Rajagiri College of Social Sciences in Kochi, Kerala, which has created opportunities for cross-cultural learning and professional exchange.
“Dr. Varghese’s passion and vision for creating lasting educational programs with Rajagiri College started more than 25 years ago, leading to hundreds of transformational global learning experiences for students and faculty,” said UMSSW clinical professor Joan Pittman, who first traveled to Kerala with him as an MSW student in 1997.
UMSSW dean Judy L. Postmus said Varghese’s contributions extended beyond the classroom. “Over the last several years, I had the privilege of getting to know Dr. Varghese and was continually in awe of his passion for our students, the impact of his global connections, and his unwavering dedication to the field of social work,” she said. “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and an enduring commitment to social work and this community.”
Born in Kollam, Kerala, India, Varghese was a founding member of the St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Baltimore, where he helped establish the congregation’s first permanent church building. In later years, he joined the St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church in Damascus, Maryland, where he remained active in church life and services.
His community involvement extended beyond the church. Varghese supported several charitable initiatives and served on nonprofit boards, including the Indian Christian Orthodox Network Charities, Inc. (ICON), which works to expand educational and resource access for underserved communities.
Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Baltimore, 7321 Windsor Mill Road, Windsor Mill, Maryland on Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m., followed by interment at St. John’s Cemetery in Ellicott City.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to Indian Christian Orthodox Network Charities, Inc. (ICON), noting “Dr. Raju Varghese Memorial” in the memo line.
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