A visionary educator and UMSSW faculty member from 1972–2012, founded the UMB–Rajagiri partnership, shaping global social work through cross-cultural learning and international collaboration.
The University of Maryland School of Social Work mourns the passing of esteemed faculty emeritus Raju Varghese, EdD, MPH, MSW, MA. Dr. Varghese passed away peacefully on Oct. 16, surrounded by his family.
A native of Kerala, India, he devoted his life to social work and global education. After earning his undergraduate degree in biology from Kerala University and an MSW from the Madras School of Social Work, he came to the United States in 1966 to further his education and teaching career. He went on to earn a second MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, a Doctorate in Education from Temple University, and a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Varghese was the visionary behind the long-standing partnership between the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) and Rajagiri College of Social Sciences in Kerala. His leadership in establishing this pioneering international education program and his dedication to fostering cross-cultural learning were instrumental to its success.
The impact of his work continues through faculty and students who benefited from his vision. UMSSW Clinical Professor Joan Pittman participated in the first trip to Rajagiri in 1997 as an MSW student traveling with Varghese. She now helps lead the program’s ongoing trips to Kerala with UMSSW students.
“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 Dr. Pittman.
Reflecting on his lasting impact, Dean Judy L. Postmus noted how deeply Dr. Varghese’s spirit and dedication have helped shape the school community and its mission through five decades of service.
“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,” Postmus said. “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and an enduring commitment to social work and this community. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as all those who had the good fortune to work and learn with him during his many distinguished decades of service to the School of Social Work and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.”
A wake will be held Thursday, October 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Baltimore (7321 Windsor Mill Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244), followed by funeral services on Friday, October 24, at 9:30 a.m. His official obituary can be found here.