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.
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