A Legacy of Leadership: Dr. Walter Loewenstern, Jr.

November 5, 2024

Last month, JA honored Global Council member and longtime JA supporter Dr. Walter Loewenstern, Jr., with the prestigious JA Legacy of Leadership Award, a testament to his remarkable contributions to JA and his enduring legacy. The award honors those who have dedicated much of their lives to making JA what it is today, like past honorees Patricia L. Francy and William Schawbel.

Walter’s career is marked by his dedication to fostering leadership and life skills among young people. Born in Houston, Texas, Walter served in the U.S. Navy for two years as an officer in the Civil Engineering Corp. He then moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where he spent eight years as an engineer for the Electronic Defense Lab of GT&E. In 1969, he and three other engineers founded the ROLM Corporation, which grew to join the Fortune 500 by manufacturing and selling computerized telephone exchanges and militarized computers. In 1984, IBM bought the ROLM Corporation, and Walter retired from the company four years later.

Walter’s journey with JA began over four decades ago, and his impact has been felt both in the United States and around the world. He first volunteered as a consultant for JA in the classroom. “I found JA students to be extremely interested in life skill subjects that they normally don’t learn in school,” he shared. “I was so impressed with that experience that it was the beginning of a 40-year association with JA.” Walter went on to serve on the board of Junior Achievement of Northern California for a number of terms and began supporting JA Worldwide in its infancy.

Through this time as a JA supporter and volunteer, Walter has witnessed our organization’s unwavering commitment to student success and evolution as new realities have unfolded. “We always have to adjust our communication skills to reach each new generation of students,” Walter said. “Other than that, I think JA has the right formula for student success.”

His belief in JA’s mission and its global impact underscores the significance of JA’s work in shaping future leaders: “JA is the best export the US has ever had! I love the fact that we are teaching students how to fish instead of giving them fish.” His advice for JA students and alumni? “Keep studying, ask questions of every successful person you know, and read everything you can.”

The legacy of Dr. Walter Loewenstern, Jr., is one of dedication, innovation, and unwavering support for the next generation. As we celebrate his achievements, we’re reminded of the profound impact that one individual can have on the world through leadership and mentorship.