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Thomas F. Garrity (Tom) joined IEEE in 1972 to access technical publications, notably the electric power Transaction papers. Interaction with engineering professionals worldwide has been the ultimate reward for his membership, according to Tom, but his fondest memory was being elected an IEEE Fellow. “This recognition by my peers and endorsed by the IEEE Board represents one personal high that I will never forget,” Tom said. 

Many IEEE committees and working groups have benefited from Tom’s service. He was a member of the PES Board and served on the IEEE Foundation Board from 1997 until 2002. “At my first Foundation Board meeting, I was impressed with the organizational horsepower present. There was a prestigious group of industry icons whose reputations as industry leaders were unprecedented. Membership on the Foundation Board opened my eyes to the work of the Foundation,” Tom said. 

The education, history and diversity programs of the Foundation command Tom’s attention. “Funding from the Foundation is the catalyst for many worthwhile endeavors,” he said. “The Foundation provides the organizational framework to address growing and changing needs, and offers our collective membership the opportunity to be leaders in our profession,” Tom added. 

“The IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Initiative is an example of a genuine need that is being met through industry and individual contributions. Absent such contributions, many worthy programs would go by the wayside.” Tom said, “When PES launched the Initiative, I saw an opportunity to volunteer my time, and financially support the critical scholarship program.” Tom expressed that member contributions are critically important to the ongoing support and growth of the profession. He said, “The work of the Foundation is pivotal to the sustenance of programs and growth of the electrical profession. Any contribution of any amount enhances our professional image and philanthropy.”