An Engineering Innovator

As early as he can remember, David G. Sant was fascinated with anything scientific - astronomy and chemistry and any mechanical or electrical system. That fascination would lead Sant to Utah State University to pursue an education in electrical engineering, and then on to the communications industry where he would further his interests and achieve great success.

His success allows him to follow his interest in education and to give generously to the students at Utah State University. Sant donated $1 million in May 2007 to his existing general engineering scholarship endowment in the USU College of Engineering to support students studying in the college.

"I am trying to make sure that any students who want to go to college can do so, without concern for their ability to pay for it," Sant said.

After several years with IBM, Sant became a key contributor to the growth and evolution of the telecommunications industry when it moved from an analog-voice-only medium to a digital-based communications tool. He followed his earlier interests when he founded several start-up companies based in the telecommunications business.

"I am always telling students to make career choices based on their interests and to make sure they like what they are doing," Sant said. "Success comes more easily when you enjoy life and when you enjoy what you are doing."

Sant carries that philosophy with him on a daily basis. He grew up in Franklin County, Idaho, with parents who instilled in him a great work ethic, and after a three-year stint in the United States Air Force, Sant decided he didn't want to be working on machines. He wanted to design them.

He enrolled at USU in the general education program and earned a place on the dean's list during his first quarter. He then quickly changed his focus to the College of Engineering where he would graduate with a bachelor's and master's in electrical engineering. During his time at IBM, he continued his studies at Santa Clara University in California, where he would earn an MBA.

"One of the outcomes of the legislative session this year is the continuation of the engineering initiative," said USU President Stan L. Albrecht. "Our graduate numbers are up in the College of Engineering and we are seeing a great success story. The funds coming from the legislature and great friends like David Sant make the success possible."

Sant said USU treated him well as a student and he has maintained a close relationship with the College of Engineering since his graduation. He and his wife, Diann, recently donated nearly $4 million to support the construction of a new state-of-the-art engineering innovation laboratory building at USU.

Explaining his motivation, Sant said he was looking for a substantial way to give back to the community that shaped his life. He said there is no better way to do that than to support the institutions that equipped him for his career. Sant and his wife have also established scholarships at Santa Clara University and San Jose State and provided funds for a library in Preston, Idaho.

"Mr. Sant's scholarship helped me out a lot my freshman year," said Ashley Kelly, a USU engineering senior from Franklin County, Idaho. "I actually came to USU to try and get on the softball team, and when I didn't make the cut, I was able to devote all my time to my studies. Being an engineering major is a lot of work, but it is worth it. The friendships I have made and the skills I have learned are irreplaceable."

Sant believes the students are the future of USU's College of Engineering. The college is in the position to achieve a world-class reputation, he said. He is happy to be associated with the college and Utah State University.

For more information on USU's College of Engineering, visit www.engineering.usu.edu.