The University of South Florida today announced a $2 million gift to the USF Foundation that will benefit students and faculty in the College of Engineering. The estate gift from David Miga, owner and president of Electronic Design Specialists (EDS), will establish the David Miga Endowed Scholarship for Electrical Engineering and create the David T. Miga Innovation Facility Fund.
“As a successful entrepreneur, David Miga understands the power of innovation and discovery,” USF President Steve Currall said. “His generous bequest will help the University of South Florida support its commitment to nurture the next generation of innovators as they explore their passions and interests.”
The gift will lessen the financial burden of college costs for generations of students while also supporting the operational needs of the College of Engineering for at least 10 years. Specifically, the college will receive funds for equipment, supplies and maintenance associated with an open use “maker space” for students. This will provide the critical, tangible tools needed to effectively teach the hands-on aspects of the engineering curriculum.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of our donors,” College of Engineering Dean Robert H. Bishop said. “As engineering is all about helping people, these crucial investments are assisting us in making our collective future that much brighter.”
“Mr. Miga’s generosity will have a transformational impact,” USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman said. “The legacy he is leaving at USF will provide burgeoning engineers scholarship opportunities he never had.”
Miga, a self-taught engineer, founded EDS in 1981. The company provides contract design, engineering and small quantity manufacturing services and has developed products such as the wireless auto security system, digital ribbon tachometer and the automobile engine control computer. Prior to his work with EDS, Miga founded the Delta Base, which was a mobile communications, audio and security store.
“I want to reinvigorate the American spirit of innovation and invention by helping to provide engineers the access and opportunity they need to excel and, thusly, propel our country forward. I hope my endowment to USF will help accomplish this goal and maybe even inspire others,” Miga said.
USF’s College of Engineering comprises seven departments and serves nearly 7,000 students. The college has 12 major research centers and institutes, and is actively engaged in local and global research activities with foci on sustainability, biomedical engineering, computing technology and transportation. It has been recently recognized as a national leader in inclusivity and diversity.