By Claire Galvin, UConn School of Engineering Manager of Communications and Digital Strategy
The UConn School of Engineering family were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of alum, philanthropist and industry advisor Samuel Altschuler.
Altschuler died at the age of 95 on Feb. 5 at his home in Lexington, Mass. Altschuler received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1950. He went on to give generously to the institution and, specifically, the School of Engineering. Dean Kazem Kazerounian spoke highly of Altschuler and his brother, Stephen.
“For more than 30 years, Sam and Steve have supported our school with time, energy, funding and expertise,” Kazerounian said. “Sam was a pioneer in the electrical engineering field, and his strong legacy will continue throughout the years within and beyond UConn.”
Over 30 years ago the Altschuler brothers established the Altschuler Family Scholarship. The endowed fund has helped four students a year complete their education in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department.
“The Altschuler Family Scholarship is one of our longest-running endowments,” Kazerounian said. “Sam has lifted up young people, allowing the students of today to solve the problems of tomorrow.”
More recently, the brothers partnered with School of Engineering faculty to launch the Altschuler Cybersecurity Laboratory. The curriculum is offered to undergraduate and graduate students and gives pupils the skills to thwart cyber threats against businesses and industries.
According to Altschuler’s Boston Globe obituary provided by the family, he began his career as a manufacturing engineer with the Western Electric Company, an arm of AT&T. He then went on to work for Honeywell and Adage before starting his company Altron. Altschuler served as president of the Institute For Printed Circuits.
After serving the industry for nearly 50 years, Altschuler retired in 1998.
In addition to UConn, the Altschuler family gave to Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Sam leaves behind his wife Nancy, five children and their spouses and 11 grandchildren.
