From the UConn Foundation’s newsletter, Our Moment (April-May 2012), with permission.

The worksite accident that nearly took the life of Michael Gargano ’03 BSEE, also brought him to UConn and turned that life around in new, unexpected directions. Today he donates to support the University as a way of showing his vision for the future of engineering.

In 1999, while working on high voltage power lines, Gargano was nearly electrocuted and suffered serious burns over most of his body. Given last rites and in a coma for a month, he recovered to spend the following two months in the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital. A grueling recovery process involved having to learn to walk again and regain the use of his hands. Examining future career options for Gargano, his case manager suggested going to college, and particularly recommended UConn’s engineering programs.

Read the story here.