Stevens Institute of Technology has announced that Emilio A. Fernandez — entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist and emeritus trustee — will deliver the keynote address at its 153rd Commencement ceremony on May 21 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.
Fernandez, co-founder of Pulse Electronics and a pioneer in railway monitoring and safety systems, will address graduating students and their families at the outdoor event, which draws attendees from across the country and around the globe. The university noted that the Class of 2025 represents 44 states and 44 countries, with top majors including computer science, mechanical engineering and business and technology.
“Emilio A. Fernandez is an extraordinary innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose dedication to Stevens and to technological innovation exemplifies the values we aim to instill in our graduates,” said Stevens President Nariman Farvardin.
Fernandez launched Pulse Electronics as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland. The company, which developed advanced train control technologies, was later acquired by Wabtec, a Fortune 500 firm, where Fernandez served as vice chair. Under his leadership, Wabtec became the world’s largest provider of rail safety and productivity technologies.
The holder of 27 patents, Fernandez is known for his pioneering work in e-reading devices — one of his patents is the most cited U.S. patent in the field. His ventures span sectors including medical devices, energy-efficiency systems, and other technology innovations. He is currently managing director of Pulse Capital, a private investment fund focused on early-stage tech startups.
At Stevens, Fernandez served on the board of trustees for six years, chairing the Research Enterprise and Technology Commercialization Committee, and was named an emeritus trustee in 2021. He also helped launch and endow the iSTEM program at Stevens, which supports students in developing practical, tech-based solutions to real-world problems. The program’s model is now being adopted by other institutions, with Stevens serving as the lead institution in the network.
In 2019, Stevens honored Fernandez with its Friend of Stevens Award for his contributions to the university.
“I am deeply honored to address the Class of 2025 at Stevens Institute of Technology’s commencement ceremony,” Fernandez said. “Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how technological innovation can transform industries and improve lives. I look forward to sharing insights from my journey with these talented graduates as they begin their own paths of discovery and impact.”
In addition to his business and academic endeavors, Fernandez has served on several nonprofit and corporate boards, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the Foundation for a Creative America and the George Washington University Hospital.
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, with a rain date scheduled for May 22. Additional details, including accessibility accommodations, are available on the Stevens Institute of Technology website.
