Our Supporters
IEEE Smart Village is funded through three significant channels: IEEE Foundation and Societies, Corporate Donations, and Individual donations. It is through these organizations leaders’ seeing the need, and responding and these individual’s care and concern for others that sustains ISV. Without these generous people, the impact of Smart Village would not be possible. Thank you!
IEEE Foundation
IEEE
As the world’s largest technical association, IEEE is comprised of a variety of groups, active in publications, conferences, building technical communities, and societies.
Below are the IEEE operational units that are actively supporting the IEEE Smart Village initiative.
IEEE Societies
IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES)
The IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) provides the world’s largest forum for sharing the latest in technological developments in the electric power industry, for developing standards that guide the development and construction of equipment and systems, and for educating members of the industry and the general public. Members of the Power & Energy Society are leaders in this field, and they — and their employers — derive substantial benefits from involvement with this unique and outstanding association.
IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society (NPSS)
The IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society (NPSS) originated in 1949 as the Professional Group on Nuclear Science within the IRE. At about the same time, the AIEE formed two committees, one on nucleonics, the other on nucleonic and radiation instruments. In 1963, the IRE and AIEE merged to form the IEEE. This resulted in the creation of the Nuclear Science Group. In 1972, Plasma Science was added and the group was promoted to a society. The NPSS is composed of eight technical committees, and a Transnational Committee, with a common interest in advancing nuclear and plasma sciences.
IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS)
The IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) is one of the fastest growing technical societies of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). For over 20 years, PELS has facilitated and guided the development and innovation in power electronics technology. This technology encompasses the effective use of electronic components, the application of circuit theory and design techniques, and the development of analytical tools toward efficient conversion, control and condition of electric power.
IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS)
IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) is one of the largest special interest societies within IEEE. The IAS focuses specifically on the unique needs of industry and commerce. IAS is a source of professional power to its nearly 10,000 worldwide members. Through a network of over 100 chapters globally, regional events and national and international conferences, the society keeps members abreast of current developments in the area of technology in electricity and electronics.
The IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES)
The IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES) through its members encompasses a diverse range of technical activities devoted to the application of electronics and electrical sciences for the enhancement of industrial and manufacturing processes. These technical activities address the latest developments in intelligent and computer control systems, robotics, factory communications and automation, flexible manufacturing, data acquisition and signal processing, vision systems, and power electronics.
The Consumer Electronics Society (CES)
The Consumer Electronics Society (CES) is an organization within the IEEE that strives for the advancement of the theory and practice of Electronic Engineering and of the allied arts and sciences with respect to the field of Consumer Electronics and the maintenance of a high professional standing among its members, which now number over 5000. The society has long been the premier technical association in the Consumer Electronics Industry. The Consumer Electronics Society is truly international; its publications and presentations are authored by researchers from countries throughout the world.
The IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society (SMCS)
The IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society (SMCS) mission is to serve the interests of its members and the community at large by promoting the theory, practice, and interdisciplinary aspects of systems science and engineering, human-machine systems, and cybernetics. It is accomplished through conferences, publications, and other activities that contribute to the professional needs of its members.
The IEEE Council on SuperConductivity (CSC)
The IEEE Council on SuperConductivity (CSC) promotes programs and activities that cover the science and technology of superconductors and their applications. Superconducting applications span the range from small scale analog and digital circuits and systems, to large scale applications of MRI, electrical power generation, storage, and transmission. Applications include the development and enhancement of the associated materials.
IEEE Ad Hoc Committee on Humanitarian Initiatives
IEEE Ad Hoc Committee on Humanitarian Initiatives possesses a large network of volunteers around the world carrying out and/or supporting impactful humanitarian activities on the local level. This work is broken into five core areas: Projects providing local solutions, including the housing of the IEEE Special Interest Groups on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) program; Monitoring/evaluation/best practices, including metrics and impact assessment; Volunteer support activities, such as workshops, newsletter, training, awards, etc.; IEEE-external partnerships, such as with NGOs, governments, corporations, etc.; and Operations, including awareness/promotion, budget, and committee support.
ON Semiconductor Partners
ON Semiconductor is a Fortune 500 semiconductors supplier company whose products include power and signal management, logic, discrete, and custom devices for automotive, communications, computing, consumer, industrial, LED lighting, medical, military/aerospace and power applications. Read Article about ON Semiconductor.
Individuals who are Powering Opportunity – IEEE Smart Village embraces the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) for 2030. We are obviously focused on SDG #7- Affordable and Clean Energy but we also directly impact Goal #4 – Quality Education and Goal # 8 – Economic Growth. Through the generous support of caring people, we have a proven record of providing affordable and clean energy access to more than 300,000 of the world’s most vulnerable citizens, improving the educational opportunities for more than 37,000 students, and providing jobs for more than 6,000 individuals. Tremendous need still exists for those who live in extreme poverty and in some of the most remote locales of the world where grid electricity is unlikely to reach, where education is stuck in the chalk and paper world of yesterday, and where opportunities for economic growth are extremely limited. Without loyal supporters, like the individuals below, this would not be possible! Thank you!
Armand Neukermans, Ph.D.
Appreciating IEEE Smart Village’s Enlightened Approach
A veteran researcher, industry executive, author and inventor, the now-retired Armand Neukermans has dedicated himself to supporting various environmental projects and social causes, which led his path to cross with IEEE.
In addition to helping to ‘broker’ this mutually beneficial partnership, Armand has proudly donated to IEEE’s Smart Village Fund. “Given the crucial problems now facing humanity, I very much applaud and support IEEE’s efforts to reach out beyond its traditional professional endeavors and support the social well-being and advancement of the world community through its powerful channels,” Armand said. “The IEEE Smart Village program is a sterling example of this enlightened approach.”
Quotes
“I became involved in a number of philanthropic efforts and met Professor Tom Kailath, who introduced me to other IEEE contacts,” Armand shared. In light of a community solar purchasing project Armand drove years earlier and the global network of solar social entrepreneurs he’d developed, “the IEEE Smart Village initiative immediately resonated with me,” he said. “Given IEEE’s worldwide strength and professional status, it seemed that this effort could scale very readily and make significant contributions.” Recently, Armand also helped connect the engineering department at Santa Clara University, CA, US with Smart Village. “I was aware of the university’s engineering outreach efforts and decided that this might be a perfect fit for the IEEE program,” he said. This proved true, and the two institutions partnered quickly.
“This kind of program benefits both the recipients of the technology as well as the students,” Armand confirmed. “They have an opportunity to work on meaningful projects at an early stage in their career, which often has a very profound and beneficial effect on the careers they choose.”
Dave Green (HKN Member) – IEEE Senior Member
Paying It Forward
Volunteering is extremely important for Dave. “I have learned how to lead by example and through persuasion which has proven valuable in my career.” Recently retired from teaching at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Electrical & Engineering, Dave is long-time volunteer for IEEE. In addition to serving as Vice President of Grants on the IEEE Foundation Board, he has served in a variety of positions including IEEE Board Director, IEEE Treasurer, IEEE Secretary, and as part of the initial teams for IEEE Young Professionals, vTools, and IEEE Collabratec. Next year, he will serve as IEEE Foundation Treasurer.
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Dave also supports the IEEE Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) and IEEE Presidents’ Scholarship Funds, saying, “I encourage the support and recognition of the students who will be our successors and wish to set a good example for them. The IEEE Foundation provides an opportunity to pay it forward and make the world a better place through the technologies we have developed and deployed.”
Dave’s proudest moment while serving on the IEEE Foundation Board of Directors was when he voted to focus on Priority Initiatives which led the IEEE Foundation to have a significantly larger impact in advancing technology for humanity.
“I am in awe of my fellow volunteers who use our technologies for the betterment of mankind,” said Dave Green, when asked why he recently pledged donations to the IEEE Smart Village Program and the IEEE-USA Community Outreach MOVE Fund. Adding, “both groups make me proud to be an IEEE member.”
Cecelia Jankowski (HKN Member) – IEEE Senior Member
Motivated to Make Life Better
Cecelia Jankowski donates to organizations that empower engineers, members, students, and people to help others and make life better. Her IEEE Foundation giving is driven by the opportunity to support a variety of young professional and student programs. Most recently, she donated to the IEEE Smart Village Fund because of “moving stories from IEEE staff members about humanitarian projects that showed improvements in quality of life for local villages in remote areas.”
Cecelia joined IEEE after attending an IEEE Student Branch meeting on campus, which ultimately led to her first job with Grumman Aerospace. She was invited to join Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) and was a charter member of the HKN Student Chapter at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in New York, USA. Cecelia volunteered for her local IEEE Section for several years while at Grumman, and then joined the IEEE professional staff.
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Motivated to donate year after year, Cecelia says “there is always a compelling program with a mission I am moved to support.” In 2013, Cecelia received the IEEE Eric Herz Outstanding Staff Member Award and donated part of the financial award to the IEEE Foundation. Cecelia thinks donating to the IEEE Foundation is the best way of supporting Advancing Technology for Humanity. As a member of the IEEE staff, she is able to see firsthand how her donation is applied and the benefits it enables.
Anil Pahwa – IEEE Fellow
Supporting IEEE Smart Village
Anil Pahwa joined IEEE in 1977 because it is the premier society for his profession, saying that, “the biggest benefit of IEEE membership is the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements and to network with the professionals working in my field of interest.” Anil has been in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, USA, since 1983, where he is University Distinguished Professor and holds the Logan-Fetterhoof Chair. His research focuses on reliability, automation and optimization of power distribution systems.
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Anil supports the IEEE Smart Village initiative. He says, “I have been in contact with the leadership team of IEEE Smart Village and have been impressed with their work dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world.” Anil serves as a volunteer on the IEEE Smart Village Development Committee. The IEEE Smart Village initiative provides electricity access to the remote rural communities of the world to provide them economic and educational opportunities.
Anil also donates to the IEEE Power & Energy Society Scholarship Plus Fund because its goal is to attract the next generation of students to power systems and prepare them for the future—which is an issue of great importance to him. When asked why is it important for IEEE members to support the IEEE Foundation, Anil replied, “because the IEEE Foundation advances the goals of the profession to make the world a better place,” noting that he is “impressed with their organization and approach to addressing different issues.”
Lewis Terman (HKN Member) – IEEE Life Fellow & 2008 IEEE President
Giving Back by Supporting Unique Programs
Lewis (Lew) Terman originally joined IRE (predecessor society of IEEE) in 1958. His father, Frederick Terman, was IRE President in 1941, and suggested he join as a student. “One could say that IRE/IEEE was in my genes,” said Lew. Serving as IEEE President in 2008, Lew has said that “being part of IEEE activities helps develop soft skills that are important in one’s career. I have met hundreds if not thousands of people I would not have met otherwise, and developed life-long friendships.”
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Over the years, Lew and his wife Bobbie have been steadfast supporters of the IEEE Foundation. They invest in activities and projects that are unique to the IEEE humanitarian goals. Both IEEE Smart Village and EPICS in IEEE are great examples. IEEE Smart Village involves bringing power to off-grid villages around the world, and EPICS in IEEE involves students doing technology-based projects, which both serve community and educate students through their involvement in carrying through the projects. “Both have very worthwhile objectives,” Lew noted.
Lew and Bobbie are members of the IEEE Foundation’s Heritage Circle, which acknowledges the individuals who have “given back” to IEEE throughout their lifetime. “Giving back is very important—IEEE and the technical world has been instrumental in my career and, just as important, in the fun my career has provided. Giving back to help IEEE impact society is both valuable and rewarding,” said Lew.
