Professor Matthew Mashikian – who founded a multimillion-dollar company after retiring from UConn – is making it easier for aspiring engineers to succeed and is teaching again – this time on the topic of giving back.
That was the message the former electrical and computer engineering professor delivered to UConn friends, family and leaders at a campus event on July 29, when he announced a $1 million donation to endow the Matthew & Margarethe Mashikian Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub in the School of Engineering. The endowment will help students, faculty and researchers learn about and pursue technology entrepreneurship opportunities.
Mashikian retired in 1997 with an idea he was confident he could grow into a viable business. With the support of several former engineering deans, he leased space on the Depot Campus for what would become IMCORP—a company that provides leading technology to diagnose and locate problems with underground electrical lines. power cable.
Mashikian said he and his wife, Margarethe, wanted to make a gift that expressed their commitment to the Faculty of Engineering, and their donation will serve as an example to other faculty members and alumni of the importance of giving back to UConn. Mashikian touched on some of the challenges students face in the world of engineering and talked about the value of having people who believe in you and support you.
“I have overcome many challenges myself,” he said. “27 years ago, I retired from UConn and decided to use some of the patents that several of my colleagues and I had developed at the university. I needed some help transitioning from the academic world to the ‘real world.’ I wish that at that timeAt that time, we had a center that would have helped me. I hope that these difficulties will be easier for others, whether students or teachers, who want to become entrepreneurs.urs.“
Former Dean of the School of Engineering Kazem Kazerounian, who returned to teaching on August 1, expressed his gratitude for the generous gift, emphasizing that the innovation of faculty and students is the foundation of UConn’s success. Commenting on Mashikian’s gift, Kazerounian said, “Matt and Margarethe, your investment in our students and faculty continues to fuel the fire of innovation within us. You have shown the same fire, innovation and passion in your own careers. We learn from you.”
For more information about donations and gifts to the college, visit UConn Engineering.
