A new graduate fellowship honoring the late Dr. Raytcho Dimitrov Lazarov aims to provide vital support to students in the Department of Mathematics at Texas A&M University.
Established by Dr. Peter Kuchment, Arthur George and Mary Emolene Owen Chair I and University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mathematics, the fellowship offers financial assistance to graduate students, enabling them to pursue their academic and professional goals.
Named the Dr. Raytcho Lazarov Graduate Fellowship in Mathematics, the fund commemorates Lazarov’s legacy following his passing in November 2024.
“He was a beloved faculty member and prominent figure in our numerical analysis group,” Kuchment said. “He was a great researcher, teacher and colleague who advised many students and was one of our most valuable faculty members. He was a friend — not only to me — but to most of the faculty here. He was an amazing scientist.”
Lazarov earned his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in mathematics from Wroclaw University, Poland, in 1966, and Ph.D. in physics and mathematics from Moscow State University, USSR, in 1972. In 1982 he got the highest research degree, Doctor of Science, (D.Sc.) in applied mathematics from Sofia University, Bulgaria.
He joined Texas A&M in 1992, achieving the rank of full professor and was later named Professor Emeritus. He is recognized internationally for contributions to computational methods for partial differential equations, multiscale and numerical analysis. Widely admired for his passion, kindness and intellect, he left an impression on students and colleagues alike.
With a founding gift from Kuchment and the generous support of many others, the fellowship endowment has reached more than $37,000 and will provide support to graduate students in good standing for generations to come.
The award honors Lazarov’s enduring impact, including his mentorship of 21 doctoral students, many of whom became respected researchers.
“It’s about commemorating Lazarov and his contributions, as we should remember and preserve the legacy of all our best people,” Kuchment said. “This fellowship is one of the ways our department does that as it also provides meaningful support to our top graduate students.”
The department welcomes additional contributions as every gift — large or small — helps carry forward his commitment to mentorship, research and academic excellence. To inquire about contributions, contact Karen Cochran, senior development officer for the Texas A&M Foundation in the College of Arts and Sciences, at kcochran@txamfoundation.com.