Apple Co-founder to Speak at Santa Clara
By Kurt Wagner
While Steve Jobs may always be known as the face of Apple Computers, Steve Wozniak could be known as the brain.
The Apple co-founder invented the first ever personal computer, the Apple I in 1976, and not only changed the world of personal technology, but created a generation of college students in 2012 who have never experienced a world without it.
Wozniak is scheduled to speak on campus this evening in Mayer Theatre as part of the Santa Clara President's Speakers Series. His discussion, titled, "From Garage to Global Importance: the Rise of the PC," will begin at 7:30 p.m. following an invitation-only reception in the Nobili Hall dining room.
Wozniak's talk is the second of the series which is themed "Engineering with a Mission" in honor of the Engineering School's 100th year in existence. Although he has no prior connection to Santa Clara, once the engineering theme was decided upon last year, bringing in one of the most respected and influential Silicon Valley natives was a "no brainer," said Margaret Avritt, marketing director in the Office of Marketing and Communications.
"It's hard to understand what a huge revelation (the personal computer) was, that he put this thing together," said Avritt. "He's perfect for us because this is our neighborhood, the Silicon Valley, and he is such a pioneer."
While Wozniak is best known for his creation of the Apple I and Apple II computers that began the world's most famous startup over 35 years ago, he has continued to develop high quality technology for consumers around the globe since leaving the company in 1985. Wozniak is currently the chief scientist at a computer software company called Fusion-IO that specializes in creating memory platforms to help increase computer efficiency and processing.
Wozniak, who currently resides in Los Gatos, has also demonstrated a desire to help those in the community, an aspect of his character that further encouraged the university to invite him to speak, said Avritt. Wozniak has officially "adopted" the Los Gatos School District and not only donates products like laptops and software to the students and teachers, but spends hundreds of hours per year teaching students and faculty in the classroom.
"He's very much in the same kind of spirit of helping other people in the world after you've been successful," said Avritt. "He's that kind of person which I think fits with the Jesuit mission of the university."
In addition to numerous accolades for scientific and community achievement, Wozniak has demonstrated that he is a character with plenty of life experience to share. In 2009, Wozniak competed on "Dancing with the Stars" and in 2010 he appeared on "The Big Bang Theory," one of CBS' most highly rated shows. His autobiography, "iWoz," is a New York Times Best Seller.
Thursday's talk will take the form of a facilitated conversation with Santa Clara's Ahmed Amer, an associate professor of Computer Engineering. The talk will also include an opportunity for audience questions toward the end, creating a "free form" environment, said Avritt.
Tickets for the event have sold out. A handful of student tickets were given out for free on a first-come, first-serve basis in the fall and the remaining tickets open to the community sold out last week, said Avritt.
For those students who did not get a ticket but would still like to view Wozniak's discussion, viewing opportunities will be held in Taping Rooms A and B of the library. In addition, the campus cable network will run a live feed of Wozniak's talk.
Contact Kurt Wagner at jwagner@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4849.