CLEVELAND – University Hospitals (UH) is awarding its highest philanthropic honor to Monte Ahuja and his family. The award is being presented on the evening of the same day that UH is breaking ground for the Ahuja Medical Center, a new 600-bed hospital located in Beachwood, Ohio, named in recognition of the $30 million gift the Ahuja family committed to Vision 2010, UH’s $1.2 billion strategic plan. The Samuel Mather Award, named for one of UH’s earliest supporters, celebrates the exceptional generosity and civic vision of benefactors who have had a lasting and profound impact on University Hospitals.
“Monte Ahuja and his family completely encompass the spirit of philanthropy. Their unprecedented support for UH and our Vision 2010 plan demonstrates their commitment to the economic vitality of this region and to maintaining the highest caliber healthcare for the people of Northeast Ohio,” said Thomas F. Zenty III, CEO, University Hospitals.
The Ahuja family story is one of hard work, strategy and resolve. Born and raised in India, Mr. Ahuja earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering before emigrating to the United States in 1969. As a financially struggling student, he earned an M.S. in mechanical engineering at The Ohio State University in 1970 and an M.B.A. at Cleveland State University.
Upon graduation, he established a small distribution company that eventually grew into a global success. Today this business, now known as Transtar Industries Inc., is the leading worldwide distributor of original equipment quality transmission parts to the motor vehicle repair industry. The company – with 35 locations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico – has annual revenues of more than $250 million. In a major restructuring in 2005, Linsalata Capital Partners acquired a majority stake of Transtar. Mr. Ahuja retained a share of the company and his roles as Chairman and CEO.
While in college, Mr. Ahuja met his future wife, Usha. A gold medalist for mathematics in India, the future Mrs. Ahuja was in the United States obtaining her Ph.D. She taught mathematics at several universities for nearly 20 years while also serving as a business partner and confidante to her husband. Mrs. Ahuja is currently a member of the UH Board’s Development Committee, and she has been instrumental in coordinating many events that support UH.
Mr. and Mrs. Ahuja have two daughters, Ritu and Manisha who is married to Neil Sethi. The Sethis have a son, Rohan.
“We are so fortunate to be able to give back to the community. This award, The Samuel Mather Award, is an honor for our family. We are deeply touched by the sincere gratitude expressed by everyone at UH,” said Mr. Ahuja, who is chairman of the UH Board of Directors and who led the Board task force that developed Vision 2010. “All recognition aside, our family firmly believes in the mission of University Hospitals and in the future of healthcare in this region. We are so blessed to be able to help make the vision a reality.”
The Ahuja Medical Center will be part of a $244 million health care campus that UH is building near the intersection of Interstate 271 and Harvard Road. It will feature a comprehensive array of inpatient and outpatient services ranging from high-tech minimally invasive surgery to leading-edge diagnostics and procedures. Physician offices and facilities for community outreach and education programs are also in the plans.
“The Ahuja Medical Center is one of the most exciting construction projects being undertaken in health care today, and it would not be possible without the Ahuja family,” said Zenty. “This new hospital is more than a building; it is a promise to the people of Northeast Ohio and beyond. The Samuel Mather Award is more than recognition of generosity; it is a heartfelt expression of thanks from everyone at UH.”
About The Samuel Mather Award
The Samuel Mather Award recognizes the exceptional generosity and civic vision of benefactors who have had a lasting and profound impact on University Hospitals. The prestigious award is named in honor of Samuel Mather (1851-1931), one of University Hospitals’ earliest benefactors and one of Cleveland’s greatest philanthropists. The award is given annually, and past winners include The Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation, Carole and David Carr, Dr. Donald J. and Mrs. Ruth W. Goodman, Iris S. and Bert L. Wolstein, Barbara Lazaroff and Wolfgang Puck, Richard and Marcy Horvitz, The Kruse Foundation, George M. Humphrey II, Vincent K. and Edith H. Smith Memorial Trust, Britton Fund, The Weinberger Foundation, Leonard and Joan Horvitz, Alfred and Norma Lerner, Fred and Alice Lennon, Hanna-Humphrey Family, and the Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation.