$25 million gift
from former student
honors professor

Read the story behind renaming of UC engineering building.

Read the Story
Dr. Mantei was a critical mentor in my life. He advocated for me, helped me believe in myself, and helped me realize my potential. I remain in his debt.

Jim Goetz (BSEE '88), Partner, Sequoia Capital ~ Investor & Entrepreneur

Funds from the $25 million naming gift will expand computer science both in the college and across the university, by adding outstanding faculty and providing opportunities for UC students to be inspired through exposure to computing skills.

Students first, and an open door

He's a brilliant and successful researcher, with numerous patents. Yet, his door was always open, and his philosophy is students first. If you walked in, you could sit down, and Professor Mantei would listen. Even today, he's focused on what the gift will mean to future students. "The donor’s gift will help many students across the university, and can serve as an example of giving forward to help others," Mantei said.

Thomas D. Mantei, PhD

Mantei joined the University of Cincinnati in 1981 as associate professor of electrical engineering. He served as department head, and directed the Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. He received numerous awards for his teaching during his career, including the Mrs. A.B. "Dolly" Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching, UC's top teaching honor.

Mantei/Mae Scholars

Since its creation in 2010, the Mantei/Mae Award has supported more than 100 high-achieving students in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Computer Science programs.