As a firm believer that engineering involves the practical implementation of science, it’s not hard to understand how Wayne Ponik ended up with such a distinguished career at Teradyne, the world’s largest supplier of automatic electronics and telecommunication test equipment. Following graduation in 1965, Wayne began work as a field manager for GE, and eventually found himself at Teradyne, a company who at the time was far ahead of the innovation curve. Wayne celebrated an illustrious career at Teradyne sharing greatly in the company’s long history of technological discovery and innovation. Wayne credits his WPI undergraduate education with much of his success offering that among other things, it helped him become an ever curious innovator and sound problem solver.
As a California resident, Wayne didn’t have the opportunity to visit campus for many years. When he agreed to serve as a member of his 50th reunion committee, he attended the first committee meeting on campus and took a student-led tour of campus where he saw both the ever-faithful maintenance of his beloved alma mater and its dynamic growth. Filled with questions for the students and great interest in the many changes on campus, he enjoyed the tour immensely, sharing that it was a highlight of his trip back to The Hill.
It was with gratitude for and appreciation of his alma mater that Wayne began supporting WPI. As a loyal donor, Wayne began his legacy of philanthropy at WPI over three decades ago by generously supporting the university’s current use needs, and over time, he and his wife Pat became supporters of the university’s future as well. In recognition of the 50th Reunion, Wayne and Pat became Alden Society members in 2015 when they informed WPI that it was beneficiary of their retirement account. An IRA transfer reduced his taxable income and fulfilled his philanthropic goals. A simple call to his plan administrator solidified his dedication to WPI and its mission. Wayne and Pat continue their active involvement with WPI; attending regional events and meeting frequently with Theta Chi brothers at various locations around the country.
“More than ever, I recognize the importance of WPI’s unique culture,” Wayne stated. “Not only did I receive a top caliber academic education at WPI, I was also immersed in a culture created by the administration and the faculty of the university that provided inspiration and motivation to the entire student body. When I attended WPI, the seeds of the WPI Plan were being sown by leaders like Professor Bill Grogan. The WPI Plan is not only unique to WPI, it represents the extraordinary values and attitudes imbedded in the WPI community. When I visit the campus today, it’s clear that the WPI culture is stronger than ever. It was no surprise to me that the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Ranking recently awarded top honors to WPI for the quality and accessibility of its facility, as measured by the student body. It’s important that we keep that strong integration within the university, and I continue to support and contribute to that goal.”