Photo: Dr. Lili Tabrizi
Lili was born in Shiraz, Iran, on May 8, 1955, as the third and youngest child of her family. She began her elementary education in Shiraz and later moved with her family to Tehran, where she completed her elementary and high school education. After graduating from high school, she completed the challenging university entrance exams (koncoor) with high marks and gained admission to the esteemed engineering department at Sharif (Aryamehr) University of Technology in Tehran. She earned her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (EE) with a minor in physics, graduating with high honors, placing her among the top 3% of all engineering graduates in 1975.
In 1976, Lili arrived at Michigan State University (MSU) where she earned both her master’s and Ph.D. degrees in EE, completing her studies in 1977 and 1983, respectively. Alongside her research project, Lili served as a dedicated teaching and research assistant during her time at MSU. Her exceptional academic achievements were acknowledged when she received the MSU College of Engineering Award in 1980.
Lili embarked on her academic journey as an Assistant Professor of EE at the University of Detroit in 1983. Swiftly ascending through the ranks, she attained the position of Associate Professor of EE in 1985, and in the same year, she was honored as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year at the University of Detroit. Lili subsequently transitioned to California State University Los Angeles (Cal State LA) in 1989, where she continued her career as a Professor of EE. Lili was a true “superwoman” who remained tirelessly dedicated to her work until her retirement just a few months ago in August 2023.
In addition to teaching and research, she conceived, coordinated, and taught review classes for the Professional Engineering (PE) License Exam in electrical engineering. The Cal State LA PE/EE program boasted one of the highest passing rates in the State of California, and was recognized as the premier PE/EE review program in the Los Angeles area. Acknowledged as a “champion” in securing external funding for Cal State LA, Lili served as the faculty director and principal investigator for the NASA SHARP PLUS program from 1995 to 2005. Cal State LA stood as the exclusive host of NASA’s apprenticeship program for an impressive 11 consecutive years. Additionally, she received Northrop Grumman’s “2008 Excellence in Teaching Award” and NASA’s Education Division and Quality Education for Minorities Network award. Lili was voted as “Electrical Engineering Professor of the Year” an astounding 14 times by her students. In 2009, she was honored as “Outstanding Professor of the Year” for all of California State University, Los Angeles.
Lili’s most cherished hobbies included spending quality time with family, engaging in social activities with friends, and exploring the world through travel. Her kind and steadfast character always shone through in group settings.
Rest in Peace, our dearest and beloved Lili. You were truly one of a kind and the best of the best, possessing intelligence, talent, courage, fierceness, humor, and a warm heart. You have etched yourself into each of us who had the privilege of crossing paths with you. Your presence will forever reside in our hearts and minds, and your love and memories will endure eternally. May God bless your soul just as you have blessed us with your beautiful heart, smile, and soul. You will never be forgotten.
We invite you to consider making a gift in honor of Dr. Lili Tabrizi, Ph.D. A scholarship is being created in her name.
To donate online, please follow these steps:
- Click here: https://www.calstatela.edu/givenow
- Enter the amount of your gift
- Under "Select the area you wish to support," scroll down and select "Other."
- In the box that appears below "Other," type "Lili Tabrizi Scholarship."
To send a gift by mail, please make checks payable to The Cal State LA Foundation, write "Lili Tabrizi Scholarship" in the memo line, and mail to:
All donations to the Lili Tabrizi Scholarship are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.