Throughout his remarkable life, Dr. Shingara Singh Sandhu was well known for possessing the penchant to succeed in everything he did. But he will be most remembered for his gift to inspire and positively change lives.

Mrs. Monica Greene, '96, was a 16-year-old student from Newberry, S.C., who decided to attend Dr. Sandhu's summer science program at Claflin University. The two kept in touch after the program and developed a friendship.

Two years later, Mrs. Greene thought she could not afford college. She intended to go to a technical college with the hope that she could help out her parents financially. Then, she got an unexpected call from Dr. Sandhu.

“The phone rang and Dr. Sandhu said you're coming to Claflin,” said Mrs. Greene. And she did.

Dr. Sandhu managed to get Mrs. Greene a scholarship and employment as a lab assistant on campus.

“He was quite influential. He shaped my life, along with many others. Some of the friends I have and the things that I've done happened directly because of him,” Mrs. Greene said of Dr. Sandhu.

Dr. Sandhu passed away on Jan. 6 at the age of 78. He left behind a close-knit family of which he was very proud.

Dr. Sandhu was born in Ganganager Rajasthan, India in 1930. He braved desert winds and sandstorms to attend school, eventually graduating Punjab Agricultural University with a degree in agricultural chemistry. After he married Jatinder Kaur Jallianwala, with whom he had four successful children, Dr. Sandhu moved his family to the United States arriving in 1965. He received a doctorate in environmental chemistry from Utah State University while tackling a dramatically colder climate than in his native land.

Dr. Sandhu , who became dean of the School of Math and Sciences and retired in 2006 as Professor Emeritus, becoming the only Claflin faculty member awarded that distinction.

Dr. Shingara Sandhu, middle, receives a plaque for being named the 1996 Governor’s Professor of the Year from former Gov. David Beasley, left.  Dr. Sandhu’s wife, Jatinder Kaur, is pictured right.

Vice President for Planning, Assessment and Information Technology Dr. Zia Hassan noted Dr. Sandhu's work at Claflin paved the way for the institution to be established as a beacon for visionary research.

Despite those achievements, many of Dr. Sandhu's colleagues and friends remember his dedication to encouraging students to pursue professions in research and medicine.

Dr. Hassan noted that Dr. Sandhu was a first-generation college student, much like many students at Claflin. Dr. Hassan said Dr. Sandhu's mission was the epitome of “Access and Success”, the theme for Claflin's 140^th anniversary celebration this year.

Dr. Sandhu founded summer and Saturday science programs for grade-level students across the state while at the University. Those programs led to many students choosing Claflin for their undergraduate studies.

Dean of the School of Business Dr. Harpal Grewal also fondly remembers Dr. Sandhu's helping hand and encouragement.

In 1983, Dr. Grewal moved his young family to Orangeburg after he was offered a position as a professor. Dr. Sandhu quickly took him under his wing. He helped Dr. Grewal by letting him stay at his home until he found a place of his own. Dr. Grewal said he always felt he was part of the Sandhu family.

“Although we were colleagues, he was more of a fatherly figure to me,” said Dr. Grewal, who like Dr. Sandhu was also a Sikh, a religion founded in 16^th century India that promotes equality, honesty and sharing with the less fortunate.

Dr. Grewal said Dr. Sandhu was instrumental in establishing the first Sikh organization, the Sikh Religious Society of South Carolina, and temple in the state. Dr. Sandhu served as the first president of that organization.

Dr. Shingara Sandhu, left, and Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, middle, often engaged in lively conversations with students on campus.

Overtime, Dr. Sandhu's legacy in South Carolina and Orangeburg reached far beyond academics. He was an affluent real estate developer and active in the community. He served on the boards on the District Health Center, Claflin Development Corporation and Orangeburg School District Five.

Rotary Club of Orangeburg President Dr. Ed Davis recalled that Dr. Sandhu was always engaged in Rotary Club events that benefitted local causes. He said Dr. Sandhu especially enjoyed ringing the bell for Salvation Army's annual Christmas fundraising drives.

“He was always strong in his convictions and had a good heart. He genuinely cared for the community and was concerned with the education of local children,” Dr. Davis said.

Dr. Davis also pointed out that Dr. Sandhu was often the first person at Rotary Club meetings. “He was a stickler for time,” he said.

Dr. Sandhu's timing played a large role in Mrs. Greene's life - and unbeknownst to them - many others later.

Like Dr. Sandhu, Mrs. Greene is a strong advocate for students at Claflin. Today, she helps many freshmen adjust to college life and prepares them for the future. That nurturing nature stemmed from her college days at the University when Dr. Sandhu hired her as a summer advisor for students.

“His wisdom and guidance helped me to find my path,” Mrs. Greene said. “Now, I am grateful to be able to mentor, inspire and advise tomorrow's leaders. I owe so much to Dr. Sandhu. His life was one of purpose and he will truly be missed.”