Paying it forward

After his passing in 2019, Rehan’s friends and family created this scholarship to carry on his legacy of community-building, mentorship, and embodied joy. Through this scholarship, we get to keep doing what Rehan loved – believing in people and getting them where they want to go.

Living the Dream

Rehan was a senior at the University of Virginia, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Business Engineering.

Precious son and loving brother, Rehan lived the promise of his life with integrity, humility, and gratitude, always with a ready smile and an encouraging word. Meeting him, you knew his interest in you was genuine.

Rehan was the recipient of the Kris Kishore Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to “a rising Fourth-Year Student at the University of Virginia to continue leading a life of public service that inspires others and brings lasting, beneficial change to the community.”

A much accomplished and passionate academic, Rehan also lived a life of service. He readily embraced the ups and downs of life, and helped others do the same through his work as a Resident Advisor, and later as the Vice Chair for Professional Expectations and Promotions for Housing and Residence Life.

Rehan was a member of Theta Tau engineering fraternity, IMP Society, Ultimate Club Frisbee, Madison House and the University Guide Service at the University of Virginia. He is an alumnus of Dominion High School in Sterling, VA.

Rehan’s friends and family heard from him a lot, both in words and deeds. From exchanging daily notes with his mother to constantly showing his father the perseverance and strength he possessed in the challenges he accepted, embarking on great adventures with his girlfriend Emily to being a steadfast friend and partner-in-crime to his little brother, Roshan; Rehan knew how to live a life built on loving relationships. His infectious sense of humor and lighthearted spirit were also part of what made him a wonderful and trusted confidant to the younger students he mentored and his ever-growing circle of friends.

Rehan Baddeliyanage, age 21, unexpectedly left this life on March 12, 2019, while living it fully, hiking a rainforest trail in Puerto Rico with friends.

Rehan is survived by his parents Ravi and Nadira Baddeliyanage; his brother Roshan; his grandmothers Mangala Baddeliyanage and Elaine Obeyesekera; and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is now in heaven with his beloved grandfathers, Marcellinus Baddeliyanage & Carl Obeyesekera and his best friend JP Popovich (Just KeeP Swimming).

Please view our News & Media page to learn more about Rehan and the scholarship. If you have a memory of Rehan, we encourage you to reach out to us.

In his own words

Double Take

Rehan Baddeliyanage shared a powerful story about kindness, generosity of heart, and his commitment to his friends and the UVA community, during the series, “Double Take: Stories That Make You Think Twice”.

Watch on UVA Today →

Rehan Baddeliyanage speaking on stage at Old Cabell Hall

Double Take: Stories That Make You Think Twice · UVA Today

Nominate someone

Know someone who
lives the legacy?

The scholarship is awarded on merit, with consideration for financial need. Character and impact matter more than a résumé alone.

At a glance

Deadline

March 22, 2027

11:59 PM ET

Add to calendar: Apple / Outlook Google

Award

$7,500

2027–2028 school year

Eligibility

A University of Virginia student entering their final year of undergraduate study.

How to send

Email your nomination to the scholarship committee.

Candidates for the scholarship should exhibit the following pillars:

Courage, resilience, and a determination to make every day count.

Warm compassion, steadfast loyalty, and community.

Inclusive leadership that fosters confidence and growth.

Meaningful impact through the spaces and communities you serve.

A fun-loving spirit, enthusiasm, and a catalyst for adventure.

Nomination guidelines

Make their story the centerpiece

All nominations should clearly communicate how the candidate embodies the scholarship pillars. Stories and examples are highly recommended. Submissions should take no more than 10 minutes to evaluate. Creativity is encouraged. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Who can nominate?

Professors, mentors, peers, and self-nominations are all welcome.

Use the subject line: “(Nominee’s Name) – Nomination 2027.” Include the email of the nominee in the email body.

What to submit

One submission in any of the formats listed, in whatever form best tells the story.

Multiple people may contribute to a single nomination.

Formats

Letter Video Slide deck Audio testimonial Other creative format

Honoring the life and legacy of Rehan Baddeliyanage

Paying it forward

Meet the scholars

Who makes your community better?

Living the Dream

Double Take

It was Rehan’s dream to always pay it forward

Meet the scholars

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Know someone who
lives the legacy?

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Make their story the centerpiece

Get in touch

Help make Rehan's dream a reality.

News & Media

Lucy Nguyen named the 2026 recipient

“If you’re reading this, give yourself grace.”

Through Grief, He Found His Way at UVA

Hoops Tournament to Honor Former Student’s Life

U.Va Community hosts remembrance event for University student Rehan Baddeliyanage

Double Take: Stories That Make You Think Twice

This page has moved
or never existed.

Honoring the life and legacy of Rehan Baddeliyanage

Paying it forward

Meet the scholars

Who makes your community better?

Living the Dream

Double Take

It was Rehan’s dream to always pay it forward

Meet the scholars

{{ rec.name }}

Know someone wholives the legacy?

Personal resilience{{ pillIcon1 }}

Genuine connection{{ pillIcon2 }}

Mentorship{{ pillIcon3 }}

Depth of involvement{{ pillIcon4 }}

Joyous humor{{ pillIcon5 }}

Make their story the centerpiece

Get in touch

Help make Rehan's dream a reality.

News & Media

Lucy Nguyen named the 2026 recipient

“If you’re reading this, give yourself grace.”

Through Grief, He Found His Way at UVA

Hoops Tournament to Honor Former Student’s Life

U.Va Community hosts remembrance event for University student Rehan Baddeliyanage

Double Take: Stories That Make You Think Twice

This page has movedor never existed.

Know someone who
lives the legacy?

This page has moved
or never existed.