Carrying Forward a Legacy: For the Gowadia family, philanthropy is not about recognition—it is about responsibility.

Raised by parents who led by example, Huban and Purazar Gowadia grew up surrounded by strong values shaped by culture, integrity, and a deep sense of collective stewardship. To them, hard work was a matter of self-respect, understanding that personal success carried community responsibility, and being philanthropic was about noticing the needs of others and giving quietly to the extent they were able.

Their father, Aspie, an engineer’s engineer, fueled a lifelong curiosity about how things work. Hours spent together fixing motorcycles and tackling household repairs became cherished memories—and the foundation for Huban’s career in STEM.

“My father nurtured my constant curiosity and instilled a belief that learning is both a privilege and a responsibility. STEM gave me a way to turn that curiosity into impact,” said Huban. That belief led to nearly eighteen years of civil service and, ultimately, to mission-driven work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) for Huban.

When Huban and Purazar give, they aim to reflect their parents’ belief that they are stewards of what they have been fortunate to receive. “Honoring our father through our giving means turning the lessons he lived into something that continues beyond his lifetime. He always wanted to contribute to the education of STEM students, but didn’t always have the means. So, when he got a very rare form of cancer, and was asked if they could study his blood and tissue to help the cause, he was delighted,” shared Purazar.

Today, the siblings honor that intention through their support of the Livermore Lab Foundation. Supporting LLNL science through the Foundation is important to them because it contributes to the core of what makes the Lab exceptional: the people, the ideas, and the enduring mission in service of the nation.

“Great science in the public interest doesn’t happen by accident—it requires sustained commitment, thoughtful investment, and trust in people. The Foundation plays a unique role in enabling work that often sits at the leading edge—early‑stage research, emerging talent, and innovative approaches that may not yet fit neatly within traditional funding structures but are essential to future breakthroughs,” observed Huban.

Through their commitments to LLF, Huban and Purazar ensure that their parents’ legacy lives on in the next generation of scientists and engineers. We’re truly grateful for their example and support!