The scholarship was started by alumnus Emil Kaunitz and his wife Diane to benefit students studying computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
The new Emil and Diane Kaunitz Endowed Scholarship has been established at Ohio Northern University in order to support students who are pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering who also demonstrate financial need. The scholarship was established by Emil, an Ohio Northern University alumnus, and his wife Diane, to give back to the university that helped Emil start out on his successful career path in software solutions.
According to an article on Ohio Northern University’s website, Shannon Spencer, who serves as the vice president for University Advancement, was quoted as saying of the couple’s scholarship endowment, "The creation of this scholarship truly demonstrates the Kaunitzes’ forward-thinking vision. Their incredible generosity is a direct investment in the future—ensuring that our talented engineering students, regardless of financial need, have the resources to innovate and become the next generation of leaders."
Emil graduated from the university in 1965 with a bachelor degree in physics, which he credits to his family for making him go to college in the first place. His parents were hard workers who instilled within him a sense of ethics and humility.
Speaking of his family, Emil said, “They told me, ‘You are going to college, it’s not an option.’”
Emil’s time at Ohio Northern University was marked by friendships and community. He was a member of Phi Mu Delta and was influenced by physics professor Ernests Abele. During his senior year at the university, he was given the opportunity to teach physics at St. Henry’s High School, which he credits with instilling in him the confidence, communication skills, and leadership skills he utilized in his future career in software solutions.
Emil founded Specialty Solutions, Inc. in 1978, which developed software that would go on to be used by many corporations and businesses, and even by the military. Specialty Solutions created software to track inventory and expenses, boost sales, and manage daily operations. He helped develop technology used by the US Navy and the US Army, and went on to hold special positions of influence, like as a consultant for the Naval Air Warfare Center, a critical advisor to the Save Lakehurst Base Committee, a spot on the NJ Governor’s Council for Armed Forces and Military Affairs, the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Defense Enhancement Coalition, and the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance.
He sold his company in 2021. Emil and Diane now wish to pay it forward by helping other students pursue their dreams and begin their own illustrious careers.
Emil said, “I’ve always been grateful for the strong foundation that I received at ONU. Now that I’m in a position to give back, I’m happy to do so. It’s nice to be able to help someone launch their career. In my opinion, that’s what life is all about—helping people.”
For more information about Ohio Northern University, visit the school’s website.