One Hokie engineer is maximizing the impact of his gift this Giving Day
Computer science alumnus and Board of Visitors member Jim Miller ’97 gives $50,000 to the College of Engineering to encourage participation in Giving Day 2026.
When computer science alumnus and current Virginia Tech Board of Visitors member Jim Miller ’97 chose Virginia Tech, he wasn’t just picking a top engineering program — he was honoring a family tradition.
Miller’s grandfather was a chemical engineer who’d proudly been a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets in the 1930s, giving Miller a deep appreciation for both education and giving back. He’s paying tribute to that legacy by sponsoring a $50,000 challenge gift to maximize the impact of gifts that support the next generation of Hokie engineers.
“Virginia Tech was always my No. 1 choice,” Miller said. “Being able to not only attend an excellent university but also follow in my grandfather’s footsteps was a dream come true. I feel I owe the university and those who paved the way before me.”
Inspiring the next generation
Miller arrived on the Blacksburg campus just as the internet was exploding in popularity. Intrigued by its rise, he found his home in the computer science department. He recalls late nights in the McBryde Hall basement computer labs, building relationships as well as computers.
“Back then, if you wanted a computer, you had to build it yourself,” Miller said. “I was at the right place at the right time and got a front row seat watching technology evolve throughout my career.”
In his work today, the innovation and critical thinking he learned at Virginia Tech are essential. Miller has founded and served as president and CEO of four companies since 2002, most recently Quantum Leap, which focuses on solutions to projected challenges to U.S. national security. His earlier ventures include Applied Security Inc., Vulnerability Research Labs, and Strategic Resources International.
“Virginia Tech prepared me for my career by teaching me how to problem solve, and there are no harder problems than those found at the intersection of national security and technology.” said Miller, who served on the advisory boards for the College of Engineering and the Department of Computer Science and was inducted into the college’s Academy of Engineering Excellence in 2023. “Even though I'm not programming every day, I'm solving problems every day.”
When he walks across the Drillfield or visits McBryde Hall, Miller reflects on the connection that binds fellow Hokies like him and his grandfather. This Giving Day, he hopes to honor that legacy with a gift that will strengthen the College of Engineering and inspire engineering alumni to contribute to the areas that mean the most to them.
“The cost of my education is dwarfed by the benefits I’ve received,” Miller said. “I’m enormously proud to serve Virginia Tech and help move Hokie Nation forward.”
Multiplying the impact
Every year, thousands of College of Engineering alumni and friends come together during Giving Day to support Hokies. This 24-hour event empowers the community to support the areas that matter most to them. To multiply the impact, Miller is sponsoring three challenges for Virginia Tech Engineering:
The top four engineering areas that show the biggest percentage increase in donors compared to their previous best year will earn bonus challenge funds: $10,000 for first place, followed by $6,000, $5,000, and $4,000.
The two areas with the highest total number of donors will also be rewarded, with $6,000 going to the top spot and $4,000 to second.
Engineering alumni from the classes of 2016–25 can make an even bigger impact through the young alumni donor challenge, where every gift to an engineering fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $15,000.
“Because the university gave me so much, I want to give back — and I hope others will join me,” Miller said.
Last year, more than 1,800 Hokies came together to raise $4.5 million for the College of Engineering and its units. Even small gifts help; a $5 donation can provide a four-piece landing gear for a drone that students use to conduct research.
Giving Day details
Giving Day 2026 will take place on Feb. 18-19, starting at noon EST. Track the progress of your department or school on the leaderboard in its race to win the challenge funds by securing the most donors.
Want to share the excitement with your community? Ambassadors lead the way on Giving Day by rallying their networks, spreading the word, and helping us build momentum. To score exclusive Giving Day swag, become an ambassador, make your gift using your unique ambassador link, and encourage two other Hokies to make a gift through your link on Giving Day.
Alumni and friends can support the College of Engineering and its programs by donating online. On the "Give" page, select the College of Engineering as the area of support. If you would like to designate a gift to a specific department or area, another dropdown menu will allow you to select a specific fund. If you don't see your preferred gift designation, call 800-533-1144 and make your gift over the phone.
