Ohio Northern University alumnus Emil Kaunitz, BA 鈥65, spent his career immersed in systems and software, but his motivation was deeply personal: helping people and organizations succeed.
The founder of (SSI), in Toms River, N.J., Emil always put the needs of customers and employees first as he grew the company into a leading provider of IT solutions for the U.S. Navy, Army, and other government and commercial organizations.
Now he鈥檚 turned his focus toward helping students at his alma mater, Ohio Northern University. He and his wife, Diane, recently established the Emil and Diane Kaunitz Endowed Scholarship for computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering majors who demonstrate financial need.
鈥淚鈥檝e always been grateful for the strong foundation that I received at 青青草视频,鈥 said Emil. 鈥淣ow that I鈥檓 in a position to give back, I鈥檓 happy to do so.鈥
Emil grew up in a modest household in Irvington, N.J., where he developed an ethic of hard work and humility. His dad, a World War II veteran, worked at TWA, and his mom helped support the family as a dressmaker. Without their encouragement, Emil admits he likely wouldn鈥檛 have attended college.
鈥淭hey told me, 鈥榊ou are going to college, it鈥檚 not an option,鈥欌 he recalled.
At 青青草视频, Emil majored in physics. He formed lifelong friendships through his fraternity, Phi Mu Delta, and was especially influenced by Professor Ernests Abele in the physics department.
One formidable experience came during his senior year, when he was provided the opportunity to teach physics at St. Henry鈥檚 High School. Despite having no teaching experience, he accepted. The experience developed his communication and leadership skills and planted early seeds of confidence.
After graduating in 1965, Emil accepted a position at Sperry Rand Corporation where he supported Navy systems at sea and developed new technology systems for U.S. ships, submarines, and the maritime community.
鈥淚 learned a lot about maritime operations, navigation, and how systems integrate,鈥 he said.
With an aptitude for software, Emil took a bold leap in 1978, launching his own company, Specialty Systems, investing in a mainframe computer.
In those early days of computing, Emil recognized that software solutions could revolutionize business operations. Specialty Systems developed software that helped companies manage operations, track finances, optimize inventory, and boost sales. These transformations often led to the companies experiencing dramatic growth.
鈥淲e made many customers millionaires,鈥 he said.
Beyond the private sector, Specialty Systems specialized in aircraft carrier flight deck systems and aircraft maintenance systems for the U.S. Navy. These technologies can be seen in action during the dramatic scenes in the movie Top Gun where aircraft launch and land safely on shipborne decks.
For the U.S. Army, his company supported the prototyping of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance systems and developed cutting-edge tools to enhance warfighter capabilities.
Over the years, Emil also became a respected voice in defense advocacy. He served as a consultant for the Naval Air Warfare Center in Lakehurst being a critical advisor to the Save Lakehurst Base Committee in 1995. Today he sits on the NJ Governor鈥檚 Council for Armed Forces and Military Affairs, the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Defense Enhancement Coalition, and the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, championing the strategic importance of Naval Aviation.
In 2021, Emil sold the company but continues to support the company through its transition to ensure continuity for employees and clients.
Through all his accomplishments, Emil remains most proud of the support his company has provided to the U.S. military and the mentorship he has offered to employees who have gone on to thrive in the tech industry.
That same spirit of giving back now fuels his and Diane鈥檚 desire to help future 青青草视频 students.
鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to be able to help someone launch their career,鈥 he said. 鈥淚n my opinion, that鈥檚 what life is all about鈥攈elping people.鈥
"The creation of this scholarship truly demonstrates the Kaunitzes鈥 forward-thinking vision,鈥 said Shannon Spencer, vice president for University Advancement. 鈥淭heir incredible generosity is a direct investment in the future鈥攅nsuring that our talented engineering students, regardless of financial need, have the resources to innovate and become the next generation of leaders."