In Memoriam: David C.F. Stoddard

The faculty, staff and students in Auburn’s School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) extend our deepest sympathies to the family of David C.F. Stoddard, a 1963 graduate of the industrial design program. He passed away in Atlanta on July 10, 2021.

Stoddard was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and grew up in Arlington, Texas, where he studied engineering and architecture at the University of Texas before transferring to Auburn in 1961. He specialized in retail equipment design and merchandising displays, creating some 2,000 projects for Coca-Cola, 7-Eleven and other major retailers. In 1995, he was awarded International Display of the Year by the Point of Purchase Advertising Institute. Stoddard held over 33 U.S. patents.

Along with his son David, Stoddard served many years on SIGD’s Advisory Council, sharing his knowledge of the industry with the school’s faculty. He was also a frequent guest lecturer in classes and was an invited juror at the IDSA Student Merit Awards Portfolio Review. He was awarded the department’s Distinguished Service Award in 2002. Stoddard credited his Auburn education for giving him the skills that were the foundation of his design career, which spanned almost six decades.

“Over 35 years, David C.F Stoddard shared his friendship and support of the industrial design program at Auburn University,” stated SIGD school head Clark Lundell. “He was an accomplished designer and longest serving active member of the SIGD Advisory Council. We are all grateful for his loyalty, support and insight.” Industrial design program chair Shea Tillman said, “His reliable presence and infectious humor were a constant. He will be greatly missed.”

SIGD Advisory Board member Gina Berry has graciously contributed to a gift in honor of Stoddard which will help establish the David C.F. Stoddard ’63 Memorial Scholarship Fund. Additional donations to this scholarship may be made through Auburn University Foundation/Stoddard Scholarship and mailed to Melissa Denney at 221 Dudley Hall, Auburn, Alabama, 36849. If you have questions, please call 334.332.1452.