It’s Only Common Sense: 20 Lessons in 20 Years—A Career in Common Sense
The Marketing Minute: Staying Positive When the Market Isn’t
Marcy’s Musings: Continuing to Invent the Future With SEL
SEL President Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree from Purdue University
May 23, 2022 | Schweitzer Engineering LaboratoriesEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, founder, president, and chief technology officer of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, received an honorary doctorate of engineering from Purdue University’s College of Engineering during the commencement ceremony held on Friday, May 13.
The university recognized Schweitzer as a pioneer in digital power protection and for his many other career achievements, including being a recipient of the IEEE Medal in Power Engineering and 2019 induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
“Your legacy is inspiring generations of people…[and] all of us here, to turn every single one of the brilliant minds that enter our school into brilliant, effective, and outstanding engineers,” said Dimitrios Peroulis, Michael and Katherine Brick Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering, during a luncheon honoring Schweitzer.
Schweitzer earned both his bachelor (1968) and master (1971) of electrical engineering degrees from Purdue and credits his alma mater with preparing him to take his interest in electric power and start his own company. Today, Schweitzer has been granted more than 250 patents and SEL products are helping protect, monitor and control electric power systems in 168 countries.
“I’m grateful for the recognition, but I’m even more grateful for the work you all do at Purdue to educate and inspire young people to go out and work to make the world a better place—the same way you did for me,” said Schweitzer.
Schweitzer has maintained his connections with the university through research collaborations, support for its educational initiatives and partnerships with the Purdue College of Engineering.
In 2019, Schweitzer and his wife, Beatriz, contributed $3 million to endow an electrical and computer engineering professorship and to support the school’s power and energy systems research area, now named Schweitzer Power and Energy Systems. In October 2020, Dr. and Mrs. Schweitzer made a $4 million commitment to support programs and scholarships at Purdue Polytechnic High School Schweitzer Center at Englewood, one of three free, STEM-focused charter high schools founded by the university and the City of Indianapolis.
SEL celebrated the grand opening of its new 100,000 sq. ft. facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, known as SEL Purdue, in 2020. The ground floor of the three-story building houses a manufacturing operation while the upper floors provide space for its Engineering Services and Research & Development divisions, which include opportunities for internships for Purdue students and research collaborations with the university’s faculty.
Schweitzer earned a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Washington State University (1977) and holds honorary doctorates from the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo León (2005), Monterrey, Mexico, and the Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi (2012), San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Marcy’s Musings: Continuing to Invent the Future With SEL
08/19/2025 | Marcy LaRont -- Column: Marcy's MusingsTwo years ago, PCB007 Magazine devoted an issue to Schweitzer Engineering Labs (SEL), a new captive greenfield PCB facility in Moscow, Idaho. We highlighted some of the most cutting-edge achievements in facility layout, design, and equipment in the PCB fabrication industry. SEL was a shining example of what was possible, providing insight and inspiration to PCB fabricators looking toward growth and expansion.
Advint and SanRex Expand High-Performance DC Rectifier Access for North American PCB Fabricators
08/12/2025 | Advint IncorporatedAdvint Incorporated has entered a strategic partnership with SanRex Corporation, enhancing access to industrial-grade DC rectifiers for the US printed circuit board industry. With a legacy of power innovation and performance across the globe, SanRex rectifiers are available through Advint’s proficient distribution network.
Review: PCEA Orange County Summer Meeting
08/06/2025 | Dan Feinberg, Technology Editor, I-Connect007The Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) represents a community of engineers, designers, and industry influencers dedicated to the advancement of PCB technology, design, and manufacturing, and the growth and knowledge of its membership. PCEA regularly hosts events to share the latest developments, best practices, and visions for the future of electronic design and manufacturing. The Orange County chapter seems to be one of the largest and most active ones and I was invited to attend the latest chapter event on July 24 in Costa Mesa, California.
Smart Mobility Powers Dual Circulation
08/04/2025 | PRNewswireChina's intelligent vehicle industry is embracing global cooperation with openness and innovation, while international automakers reevaluate the strategic importance of the Chinese market. Crucially, China's auto industry needs stronger connections to the world and deeper integration through global collaboration.
Advint and Sayron Bring Advanced Rectifier Solutions to High-Reliability PCB Manufacturers
08/01/2025 | Advint IncorporatedAdvint Incorporated has partnered with Sayron, a leading global rectifier manufacturer, to supply cutting-edge IGBT-based DC rectifiers to high-performance PCB manufacturers across North America and beyond. Sayron’s precision-engineered rectifiers align with the stringent requirements of advanced PCB processes.