October 1st: International IEEE Day Commemoration

In a special commemoration of IEEE Day on October 1st, the modest tosti—a joy of melting cheese and toasted bread—met engineering and history. Allow me to introduce you to this unique combination of gastronomic delight and technical wonder.

Growling stomachs eagerly awaited satisfaction as the first floor of Flux was flooded with the tempting smell of baked bread. The tosti, a simple yet popular snack, caught the attention of engineers who are often preoccupied with circuits and codes. However, this was a celebration of International IEEE Day, not just a meal. More than 360 tostis were consumed, demonstrating the collective enthusiasm of hungry brains.

In order to comprehend IEEE Day, we need to travel back to 1884, where a group of electrical professionals founded the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) in a vibrant New York City. The foundations for what would become an important driver in technological advancement formed at their first technical meeting, that took place in Philadelphia that October.

The foundation for breakthroughs in telegraphy, electricity, and telephone were laid by pioneers like Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, and Norvin Green. Their efforts brought in a new era of technological possibilities by assisting in the expansion of electrical power, from large-scale power plants to AC induction motors. Companies like Siemens & Halske, Westinghouse, AEG, and General Electric proved instrumental in the commercialization of electricity, changing people’s lives with their revolutionary goods and services.

By focusing electrical power and communication while promoting the electrical engineering profession via publications, technical meetings, and dedication to standards, the AIEE flourished.

We commemorate this tradition on IEEE Day while seeking further developments. Simple yet comforting, the tosti eventually came to symbolize this bond—a bite of memories shared with colleagues, each one sparking discussions about the future. Let’s bear in mind the lessons of the past that influenced the present as we march forward.

May the tosti continue to unite and inspire at IEEE SBE!