The University of Nevada, Reno announced a $36 million individual gift to the University’s Foundation from the George W. Gillemot Foundation. This gift, with Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents approval, will create the George W. Gillemot Aerospace Engineering Department within the College of Engineering.

“The University is humbled and honored to be a part of fulfilling the legacy of George W. Gillemot and his vision of preparing exceptional aerospace engineers to meet the needs of the growing aeronautics and aerospace industries,” University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval said. "The University is extremely grateful for this generous gift.”

George W. Gillemot, who passed away last year at age 96, had a distinguished, influential and highly innovative career in the communications technology industry. He developed and manufactured products using patent-level technologies for telephone and communications companies worldwide.

An engineer, World War II veteran, and longtime resident of northern Nevada, Gillemot was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University in 2000 for his longtime support. His vision was to always expand the aeronautics industry in Nevada, which he felt was essential to the future of the state through its need for education, research and innovation.

“George W. Gillemot was an aviator, inventor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and dreamer, as well as a lifelong learner,” Tom Hall, Trustee for the George W. Gillemot Foundation, said.

“In September 2003, George proposed a new school of aviation and aerospace at the University of Nevada, Reno. This was to fulfill his passion for flight, but also to serve as a catalyst for learning, investigation, research, workforce development, and economic renewal for Nevada.

George was ahead of his time, and now, we are establishing the George W. Gillemot Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University, just as George had dreamed and intended.”

George Warren Gillemot was born on December 14, 1925 in South Gate, California. George grew up in Santa Monica, California and graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1943. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the Signal Corp of the United States Navy.

Specializing in electronics and communication. Some of his war-time duties included testing repaired aircraft. After his WWII stint from 1943-1946, George received an honorable discharge and returned to Santa Monica, California where he received his bachelor’s degree in engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from UCLA. Upon reuniting with his best friend from high school, he met - his best friend’s sister, Dorothy, who soon became his beloved wife of 63 years.

He worked his way up the ladder at Associated Telephone Company, which later became General Telephone Company (GTE). He had a beginning salary of $6.80 per day. He eventually became the Plant Methods Analyst Engineer, designing outside plant telephone equipment.

He retired in 1963 from GTE with a salary of $850.00 per month. In 1967, George formed his own engineering company named Communications Technology Corporation.

His new company developed and manufactured products for telephone companies worldwide. George filed and received many U.S. and foreign patents for telephone and communication adaptations. One of his early designs became an outstanding patent in 1978. This was one of more than 300 U.S. and foreign patents

Communications Technology Corporation flourished with 3,500 employees working in manufacturing plants and operations in the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong, Germany and UK.

In 1984, after receiving an attractive offer, George sold his company and moved with his wife, Dorothy, to the home they built at Lake Tahoe in Glenbrook, Nevada.

George then became active investing in real estate, pursuing philanthropic endeavors and enjoying life. George immersed himself in the wine business in Napa and Sonoma, becoming a partner in the famous Schramsberg Champagne Winery.

The couple moved to Washoe Valley where they wove a remarkable tale of local philanthropy. In addition to their support of the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2005, George and Dorothy donated their Cessna T-210 Centurion to the Nevada Highway Patrol.

He and Dorothy made a donation of $10 million to support the Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno. Joseph N. Crowley, President of the University, awarded George an Honorary Doctorate (Ph.D. of Humanities) at the 2000 UNR Commencement. In 2003, George created the Gillemot Foundation.

George was a unique, generous, self-made man who enjoyed life to the fullest.