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When Marko Delimar assumed the role of IEEE Foundation President, he brought with him a lifelong commitment to empowering students and young professionals—a passion cultivated through three decades of IEEE volunteerism and nearly 30 years of teaching at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. As his term concludes, President Delimar leaves the position with enhanced visibility and a renewed focus on the next generation of engineers, scientists, and STEM professionals.

“As I reflect on my time as President of the IEEE Foundation, I look back with fondness on all that we accomplished together,” shares Marko. “I appreciate the opportunities to lead fundraising initiatives and to make a meaningful impact on many wonderful and interesting programs at IEEE. I have also worked toward a common goal of increasing engagement and improving our daily operations to achieve greater efficiency with our board and staff.”

Marko’s journey with IEEE began in 1994 during his second year as an electrical engineering student at the University of Zagreb. Discovering that his university lacked a student branch, he didn’t simply join IEEE—he founded the first student branch in Croatia and served as its chair until his graduation in 1996.

After joining the University of Zagreb faculty in 1997, Marko continued his IEEE service, becoming chair of student activities for the IEEE Croatia Section and counselor for the student branch he had established. Under his guidance, the branch flourished, collaborating with student branches across IEEE Region 8 and around the world within just four years.

But Marko’s most transformative contribution came in 2006 when he co-created IEEEXtreme, the annual 24-hour programming competition that connects student members worldwide. Working with IEEE member Ricardo Varela, he developed an innovative solution to a persistent challenge: how to engage students globally despite time zone differences. The competition, which started with just 40 teams, has grown exponentially—last year, nearly 8,800 teams from 75 countries participated.

Marko’s volunteer trajectory continued upward through increasingly senior roles: vice chair of the IEEE Region 8, Region 8 director, and IEEE secretary. When Pedro Ray, the 2010 IEEE president, invited him to join the IEEE Foundation board in 2016, it was a natural extension of his commitment to supporting IEEE’s mission through philanthropy. 

As Foundation President, Marko made increasing awareness and engagement among his central goals. Under his leadership, the Foundation has elevated its profile through strategic initiatives, including the continuation of IEEE Foundation Day on 16 February. The inaugural IEEE Foundation Day in 2024 celebrated the Foundation as the heart of IEEE charitable giving. President Delimar had this year’s celebration focus on students and young professionals. The Foundation spotlighted scholarship recipients, grant beneficiaries, and fellowship awardees, demonstrating the tangible impact of donor support on the next generation.

“For me, IEEE Foundation Day highlights how the IEEE Foundation is more than a charitable organization—it is the heart of IEEE philanthropic efforts, where generosity meets impact,” Marko notes. “Our donor-supported programs—like scholarships, travel grants, awards, research grants, and competitions—are more than financial support for our students and young professionals; they are catalysts for making dreams come true.”

Marko’s term witnessed remarkable achievements across the Foundation’s portfolio. The IEEE Medal of Honor recipient Henry Samueli designated his US$2 million prize to support IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu, exemplifying the spirit of reinvestment in the community. The Foundation’s Annual Report received the 2025 Graphic Design USA Digital Design Award. IEEE MOVE expanded its disaster relief capacity with the addition of a new vehicle in India. The IEEE Global Museum opened traveling exhibitions, bringing engineering technology to life. Throughout 2025, the Foundation continued supporting educators through TryEngineering sessions and celebrated 15 years of IEEE-HKN as part of IEEE.

Marko’s vision for expanding donor engagement has been particularly forward-thinking. “I want to enable people with different professional journeys, economic backgrounds, cultures, and geography to be able to participate as donors for the IEEE Foundation,” he emphasizes. “Every donor—whether they are a student, young professional, or IEEE Life Member—is important.”

As Marko’s term concludes, his legacy is clear: a Foundation more visible, more engaged, and more focused than ever on ensuring the next generation has the resources to succeed. “I am grateful to have been the Foundation’s president and to have made an impact that I hope will last for generations to come,” he reflects. “I firmly believe that prioritizing the next generation is essential for the technology and engineering community. It is crucial for us to continue making advancements that will help humanity worldwide.”

To learn more about the impact during Marko’s presidency with the IEEE Foundation and the significant progress made through the efforts of so many working alongside him, please visit the Foundation’s impact page.