Schulich’s Indigenous Pathways Program receives major donation from proud alum

Childhood memories and a burning desire to improve the lives of others have always fuelled University of Calgary alum Milton Carrasco’s philanthropic efforts. From modest beginnings when he was forced to move from his home in Uganda, the co-founder of global software company Transoft Solutions has been able to support those who helped him along his journey, including the Schulich School of Engineering.

In the spirit of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, Carrasco has announced Transoft will donate $125,000 over five years to the Schulich Indigenous Pathways Program, which supports Indigenous students in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree.

“At every opportunity within our means, we contribute towards our corporate social responsibility as best as we can,” says Carrasco, MEng'92. “Transoft’s support of the Indigenous Pathways Program is extra-special to us, as we recognize the lack of representation of the Indigenous population in the field of engineering.”

Carrasco says his engineering journey has allowed him to see the world empathetically as he aspires to break down barriers to achieve workplace equity.

Humble beginnings

Carrasco grew up in a large, low-income family in Uganda and says they didn’t have much beyond the basics of food and shelter.

When he was 10 years old, his father passed away, leaving his mother to take care of the family. While she had only a primary-level education, Carrasco says she was intelligent, industrious and "taught me generosity."

He was forced to leave his home country during Idi Amin's expulsion of all Asians, arriving in the United Kingdom with only a little money in his pocket and the clothes on his back.

“Those memories of yearning for a little extra in my life have made me understand the pain of those who don’t have the means to provide for themselves or their family,” says Carrasco, who completed a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Southampton in 1975.

From part-time student to co-founder

After graduating, Carrasco migrated to Canada and married his childhood sweetheart, Valerie, who is also from Uganda. Despite graduating with honours, an ongoing rececssion proved challenging to find employment. He finally found an engineering position and worked full-time in consulting while raising their three daughters.

He worked to complete his Master of Engineering degree on a part-time basis, and credits Dr. John Morrall, PhD, of the Department of Civil Engineering for helping him balance his priorities.

“If it wasn’t for John, who was caring, encouraging and understood the challenges of working in a consulting environment and studying part-time, I would likely have dropped out,” Carrasco says of the now-professor emeritus. “For students like me, it was pure routine to attend evening classes and return home for a late dinner, so there wasn’t much time for anything else.”

As he completed his studies, Carrasco teamed up with Tim Evans to work on software called AutoTURN, which simulates vehicle maneuvers for those designing roads and highways.

With this flagship product, they founded Transoft, which now has 12 offices worldwide and more than 50,000 software users across 150 countries. Transoft specializes in transportation software for professionals in traffic safety, road and infrastructure design, and airport and airspace operations.

In recognition of his success, Carrasco received the 2022 Arch Award for Career Achievement from the University of Calgary Alumni Association.

Improving the lives of others

Having personally benefited from the generosity of governments and others, Carrasco and his wife know first-hand the impact assistance can have on those in need.

But, he says, now that they have the means, they want to pay it forward in any way they can.

“The values of charity, caring and equity are important values that we have instilled in Transoft’s corporate culture, ensuring we do as much as we can to improve the lives of others and our communities,” Carrasco says, adding that the Schulich Indigenous Pathways Program was a perfect fit in many ways when he began looking for initiatives to support.

He says it aligns with the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion mission, directly impacts engineers, and the program is well-structured with a successful track record.

Carrasco says he hopes other Schulich alumni will consider supporting the program to collectively help create equity for Indigenous students who want to pursue a career in engineering.

“We are humbled by the support we have received from Milton and everyone at Transoft,” says Schulich Interim Dean Anders Nygren. “Their generosity will help make a tremendous impact on Indigenous students looking to pursue a career in engineering.”