"Unrestricted funds allow us the flexibility to respond to rapidly changing needs and emerging opportunities," Larry Benefield, dean of engineering, says of the gift. "With this contribution, the Woltosz family strengthens that ability and advances the college toward its vision of becoming one of the nation's engineering elite."

Woltosz, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees in aerospace engineering from Auburn and a master's degree in administrative science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, is chairman, president and CEO of Simulations Plus, Inc., a Lancaster, Calif., software company focusing on pharmaceutical and biotechnology research.

Ginger Woltosz holds a bachelor's degree in business from San Jose State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

"I am proud to be an Auburn engineer," says Woltosz, who with his gift became a member of the College of Engineering's Keystone Society. "For more than 30 years I've worked alongside engineers who graduated from schools like MIT, Stanford, CalTech, and USC, with mutual respect for each other's skills and contributions. A quality education is expensive, and state funding is insufficient."

John Cochran, head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, says enhancements in his department will include new equipment for use in course study, funding for new faculty and supplies and equipment for student design teams.

"Higher education is an investment in the future," said Woltosz. "As an Auburn student, I was the beneficiary of funds that enabled me to get a great education and to now be in a position to give.

"We all benefit from advances in science, technology, and the arts that originate from students who were educated with supplemental funds from donors. Ginger and I feel obligated to support higher education, and we believe Auburn Engineering is an excellent vehicle for doing so."