When Lauri Hiivala (ElecE 6T5) entered the University of Toronto in 1961, the world was on the cusp of a technological revolution. “We were in the very early days of computers,” he recalls. “Smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers did not exist in those days. We didn’t realize we were in the early stages of the digital age.”
Armed with an electrical engineering degree from the University of Toronto, Lauri built a career that was both rewarding and impactful. His education not only provided the technical foundation to succeed in industry but also instilled the values of perseverance and curiosity that carried him throughout his career.
Having grown up with limited financial means, Lauri understands firsthand the transformative power of higher education. That experience has shaped his lifelong commitment to ensuring the next generation of engineers has access to the same opportunities that he did.
“I recognize the importance that a university education gave me — I want to give back.” – Lauri Hiivala, ElecE 6T5
Today, Lauri and his wife have established scholarships to support ECE students, continuing a proud tradition of philanthropy shared by his classmates from the Class of 6T5. “I recognize the importance that the university education has given to me,” he says. “I want to give back to the university in fulfillment of the success that my education here at U of T has allowed me to achieve.”
Through his generosity, Lauri is helping aspiring engineers turn their ambitions into reality, ensuring that U of T’s legacy of innovation and excellence continues for decades to come.