Emilio A. Fernandez '69

Emilio Fernandez’s success as an inventor and entrepreneur stems from his belief in the value and permanency of education. At an early age he saw his family migrate from their native land of Cuba where they left all they had. His father rebuilt their lives guided by his principles and aided by his education. It was the moment when Mr. Fernandez realized the impact of education — it was the only asset that no one could take away.

Years later, while at UMD, he co-founded Pulse Electronics with classmate Angel Bezos.  The company went on to produce electronic monitors and control for the railroads. Pulse continued to grow, it was acquired by Wabtec and Mr. Fernandez became Vice Chairman of its Board. Today Wabtec is a Fortune 500 NYSE listed company and the leading provider of electronic products and digital solutions for the Rail Industry the World over.

Peers and colleagues credit him with having over-the-horizon vision, and the determination to crystalize an IDEA into a practical solution. Mr. Fernandez has been an early-stage investor in many startup companies covering a broad technological spectrum, and has been awarded 27 patents across various fields. One particular patent defined key elements of e-reading devices such as the Kindle and became the most cited US Patent ever issued. 

Mr. Fernandez has served on many corporate, philanthropic and cultural boards, including the Board  of the Foundation for a Creative America, the Hispanic Leadership Council, the Board of Trustees  of the George Washington University, as Chairman of the George Washington Medical Center, the  Hispanic Business College Fund, Inc., the Board of Trustees of the University of Maryland College  Park Foundation, the Board of the Smithsonian Institution Washington Council, the Board of  the National Museum of American History, the Stevens Institute of Technology Board of Trustees,  and the Board of Visitors of the A. James Clark School of Engineering. He was the inaugural chair of the Clark School’s Fearless Ideas: The Campaign for Maryland. Over his years of service he has been recognized with countless awards by the universities and groups that he has influenced. At the University of Maryland he was awarded the Centennial Medal, and was inducted into the A. James Clark School of Engineering Innovation Hall of Fame. He was also presented the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Clark School’s Glenn L. Martin Medal.