Pitt Professor and Alumnus Makes $2.5 Million Bequest to University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering

PITTSBURGH—Pitt Alumnus and Nickolas A. DeCecco Professor of Electrical Engineering Marlin H. Mickle (ENGR '61, '63G, '67G) has made a $2.5 million bequest to create two faculty chairs in the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, one of the largest gifts a faculty member has ever made to the University.

Mickle's gift will create the Ruth E. Mickle Chair and the Howard T. Mickle Chair, in honor of his parents. Both positions are within the Department of Electrical Engineering, where Mickle has been a faculty member since 1962. Mickle also is a professor of computer engineering and a professor of telecommunications in Pitt's School of Arts & Sciences.

"It is especially meaningful when members of our University family not only invest their time and talents but also support the University financially," said Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg. "Marlin is a cornerstone of a world-class engineering program, and I am grateful he has chosen to support a department that he helped build with his lasting and groundbreaking contributions."

Mickle is widely regarded for his research in the field of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, which, among other uses, are expected to replace bar codes. He has led the research team that invented the technology for a commercial-ready RFID tag—the PENI Tag—which can be deactivated permanently, solving privacy problems for both manufacturers and consumers.

"I owe a great debt of gratitude to the University of Pittsburgh," said Mickle. "This fine institution of higher education is where I gained my education and made my professional success."

In addition to making his recent planned gift, Mickle gives annually to the University of Pittsburgh and is a volunteer for the School of Engineering's Pitt Internal Campaign, the annual faculty and staff fundraising effort.

"Marlin Mickle represents the best qualities in our world-class faculty, as an accomplished scholar and dedicated teacher," said Gerald D. Holder, U. S. Steel Dean of Engineering. "We are grateful for his tireless efforts for this University, and his selfless gesture that will ensure his legacy continues within the School of Engineering."

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