MUSD Alumni Profile Series, Special Black History Month Edition: Donnie Eiland and David Mosqueda

Two Milpitas High School alumni and good friends Donnie Eiland and David Mosqueda joined forces to produce the now iconic documentary, ‘54: The Story Of Sunnyhills, the First Planned Integrated Community in the Nation.” (Click to watch the special producer’s cut)

To kick off Black History Month, these two talented producers shared a little bit about their upbringing and special moments that define who they are today. Let’s hear what they had to say:

Donnie Eiland, 61, a 1980 Milpitas HS graduate who attended Pomeroy Elementary and Russell Middle School, is now retired after working at Apple Inc. for 33 years, the last 20 as a Logistics Lead in Apple’s Maps Division and an IT Asset Analyst in Apple’s Marketing Division.

“MUSD schools helped instill in me the confidence to dream big and to always know that I matter,” Eiland shared. “Also, growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood/city helped prepare me to be comfortable in any work setting that I found myself in.”

His fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Beck, was an early inspiration because “she constantly told me that I was a natural born leader and to always shoot for the stars in whatever I pursue in life.” Later in his senior year, American Government teacher Tom Babagian “saw that I took a vested interest in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and told me to always hold onto his teachings and apply them to my own life.”

But Eiland’s fondest memories came from playing on MHS sports teams, where he competed against “some of the greatest athletes to come out of Milpitas and formed life long friendships as a result.” 

“Some of my greatest life lessons have been through principles that I learned from my Milpitas coaches,” he added. 

As for some words of wisdom for the younger MUSD generations, Eiland said: “Enjoy and embrace the rich, culturally diverse and tight-knit community that Milpitas has to offer. There’s no place like it.”

David Mosqueda, 62, a Milpitas native who attended MHS from 1976-1980 and grew up in Sunnyhills (where he remains today), is retired as well, after spending 18 years at NUMMI (New United Motors Manufacturing Inc.). He is presently known as a healer in the music and mixed martial arts world. “I take away pain before the musicians go on stage,” he shared.

Mosqueda cherished his unique and diverse upbringing in Milpitas, where he made friends from all different backgrounds. “Milpitas taught us not to judge a person by their color, religion, or creed,” he said. He married his high school sweetheart (Vicki Watts); the two have been together since 1977.

Before excelling in Machine Technology at San Jose City College, Mosqueda was inspired by MHS auto shop teacher, Mr. Williams, who “inspired me to learn how to work on cars from body work to engine work.”

For the future generations of MUSD students, Mosqueda’s advice is to remain focused on their goals through high school and college so they set themselves up for a successful future. “You can enjoy the good life after you have graduated,” he said. “May all your dreams come true.”

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