Gift Will Establish ‘Gangal Family Endowed Scholarship Fund’

Gift, Endowed Scholarship Fund, Gangal Family, FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science

From left: Danita Nias, vice president for institutional advancement and CEO of the FAU Foundation; Shiva Gangal; Sneh Lata Gangal; Stella N. Batalama, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science; and FAU President John Kelly. (Photo by Alex Dolce)

By gisele galoustian | 5/24/2018

Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science has received a $500,000 gift from the Gangal family’s nonprofit foundation to establish an endowed scholarship fund for engineering graduate students with an emphasis on bioengineering research. The “Gangal Family Endowed Scholarship Fund” will support talented students as they prepare for professional careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

“There is a tremendous need to fill an increasing number of available jobs in engineering and high technology fields,” said Stella N. Batalama, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. “This most generous gift we have received to establish the ‘Gangal Family Endowed Scholarship Fund’ will help us to develop a robust talent pipeline in this region and beyond to meet the needs of 21^st century economy, where STEM-related jobs will be in high demand.”

According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida’s labor demand in STEM fields has increased by more than 63 percent since 2010. Currently, there are more than 55,000 unfilled STEM jobs in Florida. That demand is felt throughout the state, including within the growing $5 billion modeling, simulation and training industry. While job growth through 2021 will be about 12 percent, data from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity shows STEM discipline growth projections at more than double that amount.

Shiva and Sneh Lata Gangal established their nonprofit foundation in 2014 in Coconut Creek. Shiva Gangal served as CEO of Tri State Engineering & Management Company (1983 to 2001), an engineering design and construction company in West Virginia. He received his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, India, in 1957. Sneh Lata Gangal also served as secretary and treasurer of Tri State Engineering & Management Company from 1983 to 2001 and received her B.S. degree from Agra University in India. Their daughter, Anjali Gangal, is vice president of Branch Banking & Trust Co., operating two banking branches in Fort Lauderdale.

“We are very excited to partner with FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science to support their talented students as well as their innovative research and engineering programs,” said Shiva Gangal. “In an increasingly complex world, we must ensure that Florida and the United States will be able to provide our STEM workforce and leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to help solve challenging problems that impact us globally.”

FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science offers 21 degree programs on the Boca Raton campus. Master’s degree programs include bioengineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and ocean engineering. The College’s Ph.D. programs include computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and ocean engineering. In addition, the College offers special master’s degree offerings including an M.S. in information technology and management; an M.S. in civil engineering with a minor in business; an M.S. in computer engineering and computer science with a minor in business; an M.S. in mechanical engineering with a minor in business; and an M.S. in ocean engineering with a minor in business.

About the Gangal Family’s Nonprofit Foundation (GnF), Cultural Diversity Appreciation Scholarship/Grant Program:
The GnF, a 2014 FL registered Corporation, is self-funded by Lata & Shiva Gangal without any public donations. The Foundation awards scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in universities and provides research grants. By the end of 2018, the Foundation’s accrued donation, towards awarded scholarships, would be approximately $150,000. GnF has additionally committed a gift of $500,000 to FAU Foundation. GnF contemplates additional gift commitments, in large amounts, during coming years. GnF awards scholarships/grants through U.S. educational institutions’ input.

GnF fosters ‘Family Value’ for educational excellence and an appreciation/understanding of the diverse cultures’ contributions to the U.S. economy. Productivity in the U.S. increases thorough understanding of both of these qualities. It is supported by the Foundation’s financial contributions by awarding scholarships/grants. The awardees will not only benefit but may serve as an incentive for corporate and philanthropic participation. Each year, it reviews the awardees progress in education and diverse cultural understanding. Awardees are mentored in the techniques for career- success. Awardees are interviewed annually for educational excellence and understanding of diverse cultures.

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