Chattar Samra

Dr. Chattar S. Samra 1924 - 2011 WILBRAHAM, MA - Dr. Samra dedicated himself to the pursuit of knowledge and to educating and inspiring students for more than five decades. Upon receiving his B.A. from the University of Punjab, India, he arrived in the United States in 1948 to continue his education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his M.A. and Ph.D in Political Science & International Studies. While at Berkley, he served as visiting Professor at the Academy of Asian Studies of the College of the Pacific and as a member of the faculty of The Institute for International Studies at the University of California. In 1960, he accepted a teaching position in the Department of Political Science at American International College in Springfield, MA. In 1962, he was appointed Chairman and led the department until his retirement in 2006. In 1972, Dr. Samra was recognized as an Outstanding Educator of America. In addition to his classroom teaching, Dr. Samra will be remembered as a mentor and advisor to hundreds of students, many of whom went on to pursue successful careers in public service. Dr. Samra authored books and articles on Sino-Soviet relations and International Politics. He was highly regarded as an expert in International Relations and was a sought-after speaker and commentator on current events in the Middle East and Asia. He was a thought-provoking and insightful scholar who challenged conventional thinking. Dr. Samra considered teaching a calling and was proud of his long and rewarding career educating, inspiring and mentoring all those who entered his classroom and his life. Dr. Samra was born in Samrai, Punjab, India on March 5, 1924 a son of the late Mohan S. and Bhajan Kaur. Chattar passed away on Wednesday November 16 at home. Chattar was the devoted husband of 65 years to the late Surjit K. (Sandhu) Samra who passed away on May 12, 2009. Dr. Samra will be deeply missed by his daughters. Bali K. Samra and husband Peter Daboul, and Pam K. Samra, all of Wilbraham; his son, T.J. Samra and wife Patty of Cambridge, MA; his brother, Nirvar Samra and wife Sukminder of Turlock, CA; and his many extended family members and friends. Dr. Samra's family will receive friends on Tuesday November 22, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road in Springfield with a Memorial Service to follow at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Samra's memory may be made to the Chattar and Surjit Samra Scholarship Fund in care of the American International College, Alumni & Development Office, 100 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109.