Heart of Technology: Gary Smith Scholarship Fund

Background:

Gary was the best-known industry analyst in EDA (Electronic Design Automation), our small but vital industry. He defined market segments, tracked market share, offered revenue projections, consulted with major EDA providers and their customers, published detailed research reports, and served as a tireless advocate for more efficient ways of designing chips that may have a billion transistors or more.

Gary was born in Stockton, California, and he grew up in the San Joaquin Valley. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. After six years of active duty in Vietnam, he embarked on a career in semiconductors working for a variety of companies, including National Electronics, International Rectifier, TRW, Signetics, Telmos, Plessey and LSI Logic.

Creating a Legacy - SJSU Gary Smith Scholarship Endowment:

The Gary Smith Memorial Scholarship Endowment will award one undergraduate student annually participating in San Jose State University Educational Opportunity Program's Guardian Scholars Program. A vital program for Silicon Valley's public university, Guardian Scholars serves youth emancipated from foster care, Wards of the Court, and certified homeless individuals who are highly self-motivated to complete their college education at SJSU. Students planning careers in the tech and/or EDA industries are strongly encouraged to apply.

SJSU is honored to celebrate Gary's legacy in such a special way. In addition, Gary Smith Memorial Scholarship students will be able attend our flagship industry event, the Design Automation Conference.

Your tax-deductible gift will help to permanently endow the fund and provide scholarships in perpetuity for students from underserved backgrounds. For generations, students touched by this scholarship will represent Gary's legacy. This is a wonderful way for those who respect and admire Gary to celebrate his life.