CLINTON TOWNSHIP – Steve Wozniak, developer of the groundbreaking Apple II personal computer and co-founder of the Apple Computer company, will share his experiences in the early personal computer industry and talk about the importance of education in nurturing entrepreneurship during a Nov. 12 visit to Macomb Community College.
Wozniak’s visit is part of the college’s American Ingenuity: Embracing the Freedom to Dream program series that is ongoing at the Lorenzo Cultural Center through Nov. 21.
Wozniak’s name is well-known in computer and technology circles. In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for “single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.”
“Mr. Wozniak’s innovations and his obvious passion to encourage others to reach their goals through creativity and entrepreneurship make him a true American success story,” said Linda Wells, vice president, Student and Community Relations at Macomb Community College. “His creative spirit and desire to share that spirit by supporting education exemplifies the very essence of what Macomb is celebrating through the American Ingenuity series.”
In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer. The following year, Wozniak introduced the Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, color graphics and a floppy disk drive. The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry. For his achievements at Apple Computer, Wozniak was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honor bestowed on America’s leading innovators.
Highlighting his belief in education, Wozniak returned to college after his success with Apple, earning a degree in electrical engineering/computer science from the University of California-Berkeley in 1987.
Wozniak currently serves as chief scientist for Fusion-io and is a New York Times best-selling author wtih his 2006 autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon.
The Nov. 12 Chat with Steve Wozniak begins at 7 p.m., with NBC technology reporter Mike Wendland facilitating. Tickets are $15, or $5 for seniors, students, and military personnel and can be purchased by calling (586) 286.2222 or clicking on McCombCenter.Com
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