Halfway through his first year at Case Institute of Technology, Grant Saviers (CIT ’66; GRS ’68, engineering) walked into the computing center and discovered the Burroughs 220—a room-sized machine humming with mystery. Encouraged to experiment, he discovered both an interest in computer engineering and a lifelong passion for exploration and innovation.
That early curiosity became the foundation of a pioneering career. Saviers learned computer engineering before it was even a formal degree, and went on to shape the field as an executive at Digital Equipment Corp. and, later, as CEO and chairman of Adaptec.
Decades later, that early experience continues to shape his philanthropy. Together with his wife, Dorrit, Saviers has consistently supported scholarships, experiential learning and makerspaces, such as Sears think[box], since 1976—always with the goal of ensuring students have the same opportunities he did to test ideas, take risks and learn by doing.
Now, the couple is building on that legacy with an estate gift of $2 million to establish The Saviers Fellowship Fund. The endowment will provide teaching fellowships for graduate students in Case School of Engineering, enhancing their professional development while they enrich the education of undergraduates.
Saviers has long emphasized experiential learning as a cornerstone of engineering education. Reflecting on his support of Sears think[box], he noted, “You have to get your fingers dirty and go nose-to-nose with physical reality to be a great engineer.”
He sees the new fellowship fund as a continuation of this commitment.
“It’s a natural extension to ensure the success of our investment in experiential learning,” Saviers explained. “I want to see students have the same opportunities I had.”
