At North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles graduation, a surprise announcement left students overwhelmed with joy as a businessman revealed he and his wife would pay off all the final-year student loans for the 2025-26 graduating class.
- 176 bachelor’s and 26 master’s students had loans paid off
- Gift honors Kochhar family’s deep personal connection to NC State
- Support offers graduates financial freedom to build their careers
What happened
During the May 8 graduation ceremony at NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles, students expected a typical commencement, but instead experienced an extraordinary surprise. Anil Kochhar, speaking as the keynote presenter, announced a generous gift: he and his wife Marilyn would pay off all the final-year student loans incurred by the entire graduating class for the 2025-26 academic year.
This announcement touched a total of 202 students—176 earning bachelor’s degrees and 26 earning master’s—effectively wiping out a significant financial burden right as they embark on their post-graduation journeys. The announcement sparked an immediate standing ovation, filled with cheers and tears as students registered the life-changing impact of the gift.
Why it feels good
The gift carries deep personal meaning as it honors the legacy of Anil Kochhar’s late father, Prakash Chand Kochhar, who studied textile manufacturing at NC State beginning in 1946 after emigrating from Punjab, India. Having earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university, Prakash’s journey inspired this act of generosity.
Beyond the financial relief, the support symbolizes hope and opportunity. By eliminating loan obligations, the graduates gain freedom to take risks, pursue their dreams, and build meaningful careers without the weight of debt holding them back. For many, it’s a fresh start that transforms anxiety into excitement about the future.
What to enjoy or watch next
As these newly empowered graduates step into their career paths, watching how they leverage this gift could inspire similar acts of kindness and investment in future students. Community members and alumni might consider ways to support educational journeys through scholarships or debt relief programs.
In the broader conversation about education costs, stories like this highlight both the challenges students face and the profound impact that generosity can have. Keeping an eye on this class’s achievements could provide uplifting success stories that shine a light on the power of community support and legacy-driven giving.