50th Anniversary Launch Event

Thank you for joining the IEEE Foundation on 16 February 2023 for the 50th Anniversary Launch Reception in New York City. By attending this wonderful event, we were able to come together and reflect on the significant historical milestones of the foundation. It was a magical night of lively celebratory activities.

50th Anniversary Launch Event

Thank you for joining the IEEE Foundation on 16 February for the 50th Anniversary Launch Reception in New York City. By attending this wonderful event, we were able to come together and reflect on the significant historical milestones of the foundation. It was a magical night of lively celebratory activities. We heard from IEEE and IEEE Foundation leaders, while past famous innovators were transported in time to chat with reception attendees!

Where 50 years of collective impact come together.

On 16 February 2023, the IEEE Foundation kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration, which marks five decades of translating member and donor values into social impact by transforming lives through the power of technology and education. Established on February 16, 1973 as the philanthropic partner of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization advancing technology for humanity.

The video below was unveiled during the event - we invite you to view.

Board McDonald

Our 50th anniversary is more than a celebration and retrospective; it’s a chance for the IEEE Foundation to bring together philanthropists to build a brighter future for IEEE, IEEE members and IEEE partners and the world we share. I hope you will join me.

- John McDonald, Chair, IEEE Foundation 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee

Reception Images

Below are select series of photos from the launch event. Feel free to download and share on social media or with your network. If you share photos, please tag the IEEE Foundation and use the hashtah #IEEEDoingGood and #IEEEFoundation50.

Ralph Ford Copy

"As the IEEE Foundation marks its 50-year anniversary, the global need for sustainable development, internet access, STEM education and inspiring a new, diverse generation of technologists to take up such worthy endeavors has never been greater."

- Ralph Ford, President, IEEE Foundation

How Far Can You Go?

At the event, the IEEE History Center presented "How Far can You Go? Edwin Howard Armstrong and the Birth of our Wireless World," an exhibit on IEEE's first Medal of Honor winner. Attendees learned about Armstrong's invention of three basic technologies for continuous-wave (CW) radio transmission and reception: regeneration, superheterodyne, and wideband frequency modulation. Visitors admired one of his prototypes, as well as other significant artifacts from the period.

IEEE Saifur Rahman Headshot

"Making our world more equitable, sustainable and resilient is critical for every community, and the five decades of generous support from donors to the IEEE Foundation that support the IEEE programs that focus on these issues have been invaluable to under-resourced communities globally."

-Saifur Rahman, 2023 IEEE President

50th Anniversary News

3 IEEE SC23 M.Kiani A.Aliyu ISV Volunteers Pic2

IEEE Foundation Commemorates its 50th Anniversary and Looks to the Future at Sections Congress 2023

The IEEE Member and Geographic Activities Board hosts the IEEE Sections Congress every three years, bringing together hundreds of volunteer delegates from all 10 IEEE regions. The IEEE Foundation was…

IEEE Foundation Bruno BlogHeader

An Exclusive Interview with IEEE Foundation Chief Canine, Bruno McDonald

Our special guest today is Bruno, who is the Best Friend of John McDonald, the IEEE Foundation 50th Anniversary Chair. Bruno has recently been appointed as: The IEEE Foundation 50th…

Smaller Marie Currie

IEEE Foundation Celebrates 50 Years of Philanthropy 

Events will highlight donor-supported STEM education and humanitarian programs By Kathy Pretz Since its launch in 1973, the IEEE Foundation has raised more than US $135 million for more than 250 IEEE…