On October 2, 2014, the IEEE New Orleans Section got up close and personal with an engineering rock star. Digital protection pioneer, Dr. Edmund Schweitzer III, founder of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, spoke to IEEE members and guests at the National World War II Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana.

The dinner was an IEEE Distinguished Lecture with the title “Technology to Improve the Reliability of the Electric Power System.” This event was a joint event sponsored by two New Orleans Section societies: the Power and Energy Society (PES) and the Industry Applications Society (IAS). In addition, it was co-sponsored by the local utility company – Entergy and other patrons: New Orleans IEEE Section, Ampirical, Power Control System, MS Benbow, and Powell.

Dr. Chan Wong, the New Orleans IEEE PES Chair, introduced Dr. Schweitzer during the event, and he specifically acknowledged Dr. Schweitzer’s contribution to the City of New Orleans, post Hurricane Katrina where Schweitzer Engineering Laboratory had provided exclusive services to Entergy in helping to restore the flooded substations. In addition, Dr. Wong also expressed appreciation to Dr. Schweitzer and his wife for contributing great effort in the IEEE PES scholarship for developing the next generation of power engineers.

The event was a huge success, with over 150 attendees. Dr. Schweitzer addressed the need for transmission services that can accommodate fluctuations in generation and quickly bring the system back into balance after events. He talked with attendees about shaping a system that can accept, operate, and protect new, alternative sources of energy. In addition to the dinner and presentation, guests were able to tour the WWII Museum and enjoy camaraderie with fellow IEEE Members.

“Great presentation, Great Venue, Great Food, Great Folks, all adds up to a Great Meeting… The best IEEE PES Local Meeting I have ever attended in my over 50 years in the IEEE PES.” By Tommy Mayne, VP of Meeting (IEEE PES)

“It was truly an honor to get to meet Dr. Schweitzer. He is an icon in our industry, and I know the engineers in our New Orleans section were really excited about the opportunity to hear him speak. The venue of the WWII museum was an added bonus. Overall, it couldn’t have been a more memorable event!” — Tammy, Director of the Transmission Engineering, Entergy

“Having Dr. Schweitzer here with us, a man of such significance to our business, is very special. It’s a great experience for our engineers and suppliers to spend some time with him and hear what he has to say about our industry. Nights like tonight are great opportunities to inspire our engineers, participate in recognizing some of their achievements, and build stronger relationships with others in our industry”– Clay Adams, Director of Entergy Project Management and Construction, Entergy

For pictures of the event, check out this site: IEEE PES Distinguished lecturer Dr. Schweitzer spoke at the WWII museum

Acknowledgement to Dr Cat Wong (Vice Chair of New Orleans IEEE Section), Dr Maryclaire Peterson (Director of New Orleans IEEE Section), Mr Dean Ruiz (Chair of New Orleans IEEE IAS) and Ms.Jackie Peers (Director of SEL University)as part of the organizing committee of this event