Outstanding Engineer Award, Millennium Medal to Internet pioneer

ANN ARBOR—Described by colleagues as the “unsung hero” and “one of the quiet pioneers” of the Internet, Eric Aupperle, president of Merit Network, Inc., and University of Michigan lecturer, and research scientist has received the prestigious Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) Southeastern Michigan (SEM) section’s “Outstanding Engineer of the Year Award” for technical achievements, and the “Third Millennium Medal” for long term service and contributions.

The “Outstanding Engineer” award is designed to recognize those who through their technical abilities have made outstanding contributions to their profession. The award is presented annually by IEEE’s Southeastern Michigan (IEEE/SEM) section to an individual who has “made noteworthy contributions to the field of engineering.” Aupperle was honored for his service to IEEE/SEM and for his contributions to the development of today’s Internet. He has been an active leader of the Southeastern Michigan section, holding eight officer positions and contributing as a member since he was a student in 1955 when the organization was known as the Institute for Radio Engineers (IRE).

The IEEE world headquarters recognized Aupperle’s notable service to the organization by presenting him with its prestigious “Third Millennium Medal.” The Third Millennium Medal is a one-time award for the year 2000 that honors a select group of IEEE’s members for their “outstanding contributions in their respective areas of activity.” Only 3,000 medals were awarded worldwide to a membership of approximately 400,000.

“Having been involved in the birth of today’s Internet, Eric has been a true pioneer who is most deserving of these honors,” said José-Marie Griffiths, U-M chief information officer. “He has made extraordinary contributions to the field of information technology. I’m delighted that he has been honored for his distinguished accomplishments.”

Aupperle played a vital role in the formation of the Internet by developing and operating NSFnet (the precursor to today’s Internet) through Merit Network, Inc. Merit had its beginnings in southeastern Michigan using the network protocols that were developed to network the three largest universities in southeastern Michigan—Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University. Aupperle has led Merit Network, Inc. since 1974 and participated in meetings with Vincent Cerf, Ken Kleinrock and others who are considered forefathers of today’s Internet. As lead partner in building NSFnet, Merit was responsible for engineering, managing and operating this Internet backbone from 1987 to April 1995 when NSFnet was decommissioned.

“Thanks to the extraordinary work of Eric and his staff, the NSFnet program was successful and the Internet, as it is known today, was born,” said James R. Woodyard, chair of IEEE Southeastern Michigan Section and associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Wayne State University. “We view Eric as one of the fathers of Internet.”

Merit Network, Inc.