Today, at the Technical University of Moldova, a truly special event took place — a historic moment for the academic community and for the entire country. The Rector of UTM, Prof. Viorel Bostan, awarded the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, one of the most influential innovators of the 20th century and an iconic figure of Silicon Valley.
The solemn ceremony gathered over 350 participants, including senators, professors, students, and UTM’s partners. During the event, the Rector of UTM delivered a heartfelt Laudatio dedicated to the man who forever transformed the relationship between humans and technology:
“Through his inventions, Steve Wozniak reshaped the tech world and the way people interact with the digital environment. His simple yet profound philosophy — ‘The human is more important than technology’ — reminds us that true innovation begins and ends with the human being.”
Born on August 11, 1950, in San Jose, California, Steve Wozniak showed a passion for electronics from an early age, inheriting from his father — an engineer — not just technical precision, but also a strong sense of social responsibility.
In 1976, together with his friend Steve Jobs, he founded Apple Computer Inc., launching the Apple I — the first fully functional personal computer. A year later, Wozniak created the Apple II, a technological leap forward that for the first time integrated a central processing unit, keyboard, color graphics, and floppy disk drive.
Through these innovations, Steve Wozniak laid the foundations of the personal computer era and made technology accessible to millions of people around the world.
Beyond his inventions that reshaped the digital world, Wozniak is recognized for his modesty, altruism, and ongoing involvement in education. After leaving Apple, he dedicated himself to numerous philanthropic and educational projects, supporting digital literacy programs in schools and promoting hands-on learning through experimentation and creativity.
He is a co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a defender of digital freedoms, and a sponsor of renowned cultural and educational institutions such as the Tech Museum of Innovation, the Silicon Valley Ballet, and the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.
For his achievements, he has received the National Medal of Technology (1985), awarded by U.S. President Ronald Reagan, the Heinz Award for Technology, the Economy and Employment (2000), and the Hoover Medal (2014), one of the most prestigious honors for engineers serving humanity.
In his speech, Rector Viorel Bostan emphasized that Steve Wozniak’s legacy transcends the boundaries of technology:
“Through creativity, courage, and a humanistic spirit, Steve Wozniak shows us that true innovation is not measured in products, but in the impact it has on people. Today, the Technical University of Moldova pays tribute to the inventor and the man who proved that technological and moral progress can go hand in hand.”
By conferring the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, UTM expresses its gratitude to a personality who has inspired generations of engineers, programmers, and dreamers. Wozniak’s legacy — turning curiosity into creation and technology into humanity — resonates deeply with UTM’s mission: to educate engineers who build the future.
One of Steve Wozniak’s messages, which captures the essence of a life lived in balance between mind and heart:
“Life to me was never about accomplishment, but about happiness — which is smiles minus frowns.”
Today, the Technical University of Moldova dedicates this title as a sign of profound respect for the man who made the world smile through technology.
