Academy Receives $550,000 Naming Gift from Leo L. Beranek

Leo Beranek

At a September 12 ceremony in Cambridge, in recognition of a $550,000 endowment gift from Leo L. Beranek, the Academy announced the naming of its library. Beranek, a former president of the Academy, provided the donation to the endowment to help launch the Academy's naming campaign. Speaking before more than 150 Fellows and guests, Secretary Emilio Bizzi dedicated the Leo L. Beranek Library and thanked the co-founder of Bolt, Beranek and Newman for his generosity and many years of service to the Academy. "This donation is an important milestone in naming the rooms of the Academy and in increasing our endowment," noted Bizzi.

"Leo Beranek's wide-ranging work in science and engineering has helped shape our world, from the beginnings of the Internet to the architecture of concert halls and opera houses," said Academy President James O. Freedman in a statement read by Secretary Bizzi. "Dr. Beranek is a practical visionary who represents all that this Academy stands for—a scientist and businessman who achieved great distinction in his profession and a concerned citizen who has served countless educational and cultural institutions," he added.

In addition to leading Bolt, Beranek and Newman's seminal work on the development of computer networks, Beranek was a founder and president of WCVB-TV-Channel 5 in Boston. He has also long been active in civic organizations and served as President of the Academy from 1989–1994. Dr. Beranek currently chairs the Academy's Development Committee.

At the conclusion of the dedication program, Bizzi announced that Beranek had been named the first recipient of the Academy's Scholar-Patriot Distinguished Service Award. The award was created to recognize individuals whose extraordinary achievements honor the spirit of the Academy's founders.

Back to the November 2000 Newsletter