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Janet E. Saad began donating to the IEEE Foundation in 2014 to honor her father’s memory and long-standing relationship with the organization. Janet’s father, Ted Saad, was a pioneer in the microwave industry, and his name was synonymous with the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S). His career began at Sylvania Electric Products Inc. and after graduating from MIT he went to work at the MIT Radiation Laboratory during World War II. In 1955, he co-founded Sage Laboratories, and became President and Chairman of the Board. Throughout his career, Ted was an active IEEE volunteer serving on many IEEE boards and committees including the IEEE Foundation Board of Directors from 1998 through 2003. He was often recognized for his technical abilities and received numerous recognitions from IEEE including being elected as a Fellow in 1965.

“IEEE was such a major part of my father’s professional life. From my father’s early years working at the MIT Rad Lab and throughout his life, he understood the positive impact that technology – and specifically microwaves – could have. I began donating to the IEEE Foundation to honor his strong belief that technology can have a positive impact on the world,” shared Janet.

It has been important to Janet to continue to support the IEEE Foundation and the History Center because Ted served as the MTT-S Historian, helping to curate the Center’s Historical Collection. She believes her support both honors her father’s legacy and keeps the history of IEEE alive.

“Because of my father’s extensive activities associated with IEEE, I do not remember exactly when I first learned about the IEEE Foundation,” reminisces Janet. “I do remember his many trips to IEEE offices in Piscataway, NJ, USA. He spoke fondly and often of Karen Galuchie from the Foundation. I think he would be pleased to know that she is now the Executive Director, continuing to raise funds and make an impact.”

Janet deeply believes that the IEEE Foundation has a positive impact on the world, and is interested in programs like IEEE Smart Village, IEEE SIGHT, and initiatives that actively support women in engineering. She recognizes that the IEEE enriched her father’s life in many ways and gave him the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the positive advancement of technology in the world. And for that she is honored to keep the connection and legacy a part of her own history.