Indian-Origin Doctors Donate $500,000 Scholarship Fund
Indian-origin physicians and long-time North Carolina residents Dr. Rakesh Gupta and Dr. Vinita Gupta have contributed $500,000 to the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, strengthening financial support for future medical students. The donation is aimed at expanding access to education through scholarships and academic enrichment programs.
According to the university, $100,000 from the total amount will be immediately allocated as merit-based scholarships for students enrolling in the 2026 and 2027 academic sessions. The remaining $400,000 will be placed into an endowed fund dedicated to Enrichment Scholarships, which will support students after completing their first year of medical education. The initiative is expected to provide long-term financial assistance to aspiring doctors.
The Guptas, who have lived in Fayetteville for several decades, are well known for their contributions to both healthcare and community service. Dr. Rakesh Gupta, a gastroenterologist, played an important role in conceptualizing the university’s medical school and previously served on its Board of Trustees alongside his wife.
In a statement shared by the university, the couple expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back, describing their journey as fulfilling and enriched by strong community relationships and meaningful service experiences.
University President Stanley T. Wearden acknowledged their consistent generosity, noting that the couple has made significant contributions over the years, including major scholarship support for the medical school. He also described them as deeply compassionate and welcoming individuals whose efforts have positively impacted the institution.
The university recently honored Dr. Rakesh Gupta with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and Dr. Vinita Gupta with the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, recognizing their outstanding service and commitment to community welfare.
Both physicians built distinguished careers in medicine before retirement. Dr. Vinita Gupta served as a pediatrician in the U.S. Army for 25 years at Womack Army Medical Center, while Dr. Rakesh Gupta practiced gastroenterology in Fayetteville for decades. The couple originally met while studying medicine in Belgaum, India, before settling permanently in the United States.
Beyond medicine, they have remained active in community service, including helping establish a local Hindu temple and supporting various civic initiatives, while their two sons continue to work in the healthcare field.
