Joseph Martin donates Fairchild Semiconductor stock for high performance computers

Joseph Martin, a member of the President's Advisory Board at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has made a generous donation of Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc. stock to the school. The College of Engineering at the university's residential campuses in Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., will use the donation for high-performance computer equipment to enhance its capability in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and other areas.

"This is a powerful gift to Embry-Riddle students," said James Hill, the university's vice president of Development. "Technology has always played a central role in meeting our students' educational needs.  This contribution will take our computational capabilities to another level, ensuring that our students have opportunities to master the latest technologies and to compete in the industry."

Martin's gift will expose students to the kinds of technology they will need for success during their careers. The planned supercomputer system includes 12 processors of "lightning fast" 1.4 GHz Intel Itanium II CPUs (64-bit with 3 MB extended L3 and approximately a 500 GB of network-attached data storage space). This Linux supercomputer can be accessed by an x-windows terminal interface through a campuswide local area network.

Professors will use the system to teach large-scale simulations beyond the capabilities of desktop personal computers. In particular, advanced computing power is needed for simulations in Computational Fluid Dynamics, applications using finite element simulations in heat transfer and structural mechanics, as well as Monte Carlo simulation in physics. The SGI ALTIX 350 computing system is made by Silicon Graphics Inc., the world's leader in high-performance computing, visualization, and storage.

"These new breed machines are the tools our students will use when they enter the workforce," said Don Rabern, dean of the College of Engineering at Embry-Riddle's Prescott campus. "As a leading-edge educator, we must prepare students for industry expectations by giving them access to these machines before they reach the workplace rather than when they do."

Martin made the gift after a recent tour of the Prescott campus with the Embry-Riddle President's Advisory Board. Martin saw a presentation on the efforts of the College of Engineering and their work to enhance the university's capability in Computational Fluid Dynamics. Martin realized the university's need and decided to offer assistance to his alma mater.

Martin, who graduated from Embry-Riddle in 1974 with a B.S. in aeronautics, is a Senior Executive VP and CFO of Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc. Martin is also vice chairman of Fairchild's Board of Directors, with more than 23 years of experience in the semiconductor industry. Previously, he was a founder and the CFO of VTC Inc., and later VP Finance for National Semiconductor.

FMI: www.erau.edu