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John Zulaski has been a member of IEEE for more than five decades, but his passion for learning and tinkering goes back even further. His inquisitive nature pre-dates his time at S&C Electric Company, even before he earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology, Illinois, USA. It all really started for John when he was just a kid.

“Growing up in the 40s, my parents were very supportive of any educational interests I might have shown,” John stated to the IEEE Life Members Newsletter in 2021. “Though money was tight, they always found a way to provide an Erector set, Lincoln Logs, chemistry sets, etc. that kept me happily occupied for many hours.”

In 2009, John came full circle when his childhood experiences became the spark that inspired the IEEE Region 4 Science Kits for Public Libraries (SKPL) program. For the past 15 years, John has been dedicated to developing this program from its modest origins. He has witnessed significant growth in the science kits each year, which are now available throughout the Midwest of the United States, including all 80 branches of the Chicago Public Library system.

And while John’s volunteer efforts have been impressive, equally impressive is his commitment to supporting the program he launched beyond his lifetime. John has chosen to give a donation through his estate plans to the SKPL program, which makes him a member of the IEEE Foundation’s Goldsmith Legacy League.

“It is my hope,” explains John, “that my gift can provide the resources for expanding the program beyond the territory of Region 4 and ensure that it is sustainable after I’m gone.”

John explained that he feels confident in entrusting the planned gift to the IEEE Foundation due to its strong reputation. This reputation gives donors assurance that their expectations will be met and their contributions will be wisely managed. John is familiar with the IEEE Foundation, having connected with its staff early on to receive support for fundraising related to the SKPL program.

When asked what he would say to encourage others to join the IEEE Goldsmith Legacy League, John wanted us to share one of his favorite quotes:

“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about what you’ve done with those accomplishments. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”

― Denzel Washington, A Hand to Guide Me

About the IEEE Goldsmith Legacy League
The IEEE Goldsmith Legacy League celebrates the elite group of legacy-giving donors building tomorrow by ensuring that IEEE programs can turn their ambitions into impact. These “Forever Generous” donors are recognized for including the IEEE Foundation in their estate plans. The Foundation team would be honored to assist with finding the right way for you to integrate IEEE into your estate plan and join the IEEE Goldsmith Legacy League, just like John.