Sarkis Acopian

Sarkis Acopian (December 8, 1926 – January 18, 2007) was an inventor, industrialist, environmentalist, and humanitarian who came to the United States as an immigrant from Iran in 1945. He studied mechanical engineering at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.^[1] He left Lafayette to serve in the United States Army. After he received an honorable discharge, he graduated from Lafayette with a B.S. in mechanical engineering.

Career

After graduation, Acopian was employed by Weller Electric Corp., where he designed a power sander and a soldering gun that later became two of their main products.^[2] He started his own company, Acopian Technical Company, in 1957. There he designed and manufactured the first ever solar radio.^[2] The Acopian Solar Radio was promoted as "Revolutionary - No Batteries or Outside Electrical Plug-ins - Uses light for its source of energy" on the 1957 product's instruction sheet.^[3]

In 1960, Acopian Technical Company began manufacturing low-cost, plug-in regulated power supplies that used vacuum tubes and plugged into a standard octal socket.^[3] Today, Acopian Technical Company remains a leading power supply manufacturer.

Philanthropy

Acopian supported many non-profit agencies throughout his lifetime. "He has made numerous donations to national and international causes which have included The Acopian Engineering Center at Lafayette College, the Acopian Center for Conservation and Learning at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, The Acopian Center for Ornithology at Muhlenberg College, as well as endowing the environmental education program at the American University of Armenia and the Florida Institute of Technology.".^[4]

In a speech honoring Acopian, United States Representative Charles Dent recounted a story from former senator Bob Dole. Acopian donated $1 million to the National World War II Memorial, the single largest contribution. In return, Acopian asked only for a seat at the dedication ceremony.^[2]

References