A former photonics CEO has donated two $25 million gifts to establish centers for advanced photonics at Stanford and Duke universities.

Donors Michael J. Fitzpatrick, former CEO at E-Tek Dynamics Inc. in San Jose, Calif., and his wife, Patty, are both Duke University alumni.

The centers will aim to educate photonics engineers, develop joint research and educational programs and aggressively develop industry partnerships to bring photonics technologies to market.

The couple said the gift to Duke acknowledges the innovative approaches that Kristina Johnson is developing as dean of the Pratt School of Engineering, and the university's reputation in bioengineering. The Stanford gift acknowledges its advanced technology reputation and collaborations with industry.

David A.B. Miller, a professor of electrical engineering, will direct the Stanford institute. David Brady, a former leader of the University of Illinois Photonic Systems Group, will head the Duke center.