Michigan Ross Community Members Mourn the Loss of Associate Dean S. Sriram

On Aug. 19, many members of the Ross community attended the funeral for beloved Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs S. Sriram. Throughout the service, colleagues, students, family, and friends shared heartfelt memories that gave a powerful glimpse into the kind of person Sriram was. Many also touched on his deep love and devotion to his wife, Priya, and daughter, Deeksha.

Dean Sharon Matusik underscored Sriram’s lasting impact on the Ross community.

“Sriram was a light to all who knew him — a stellar colleague, scholar, educator, and friend. He didn’t just believe in education as an idea. He loved learning, and he loved helping others to learn.”

“One of Sriram’s many qualities that stood out was the way he listened so thoughtfully to students, faculty, staff, and colleagues alike,” said Matusik. “He always sought to find a way forward that reflected the best of who we are at Ross. His care for this community and the people in it was evident in all that he did.”

Along with his extraordinary dedication to Ross, especially his students, several commented on Sriram’s warmth, kindness, and curiosity, as well as his sense of humor and infectious smile. Anocha Aribarg, area chair of marketing, also talked about the invaluable lessons he passed along.

“In our department meetings, Sriram often reminded us to make decisions that were beneficial not only to each of us individually or to our department, but to Ross as a whole,” she said. “And he did not just say this. He led by example.”

She also shared fond personal memories.

“For many of us, Sriram was much more than a colleague. He was a friend. I will always cherish the memory of celebrating our 50th birthdays together,” she said.

Sriram’s academic career began as an assistant professor at SUNY Binghamton before later joining the faculty at the University of Connecticut.

Sriram joined the Ross faculty in 2008. A professor of marketing, he received the 2024 Neary Teaching Award as the best professor in the Online MBA Program and the Arnold M. and Linda T. Jacob Faculty Developmental Award in 2010. Sriram was also an accomplished researcher whose work was published in several prestigious academic journals and presented at numerous national and international venues.

Sriram grew up in Chennai, India, where he graduated from DAV Secondary School. He studied Material Science at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. After graduation, Sriram worked in sales for a steel company. His interest in an academic career rather than industry led him to pursue a PhD in marketing at Purdue University.

He is survived by his wife, Priya; his daughter, Deeksha; his mother, Saroja; and many extended family members, colleagues, and friends.

Read the obituary published in The University Record