When I reflect on my time at San Diego State University, one name shines brightly: Irwin Zahn. Irwin was an engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visionary whose remarkable contributions made a profound impact on countless lives. He believed in the power of ideas and the potential of students to shape the future, and his legacy continues to inspire.

Irwin’s career began as an engineer, but his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to build General Staple, an industrial stapling company, in 1954. Zahn grew the company into electrical/electronic connectors powerhouse AUTOSPLICE, which he sold in 2011, and his dedication to innovation remained steadfast throughout his life. After selling his company, he turned his focus to philanthropy, creating opportunities for others to dream, design, and develop. The Moxie Foundation funded the Moxie Center at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering as a demonstration to his commitment to education.

At San Diego State University, Irwin’s generosity was transformative. His foundation established the Zahn Innovation Platform (ZIP), a space where students could bring their ideas to life. But Irwin didn’t stop at funding a building; he became deeply involved, visiting regularly to engage with students and witness their progress firsthand. He had a knack for spotting the magic in the creative process—whether it was a prototype, a brainstorming session, or a pitch. When he saw students hard at work, his eyes would light up with pride. He believed deeply in their potential.

In 2016, I was honored to be selected as the inaugural Director of the ZIP Idea Lab and the Zahn Chair of Creativity and Innovation. After my appointment, I asked Irwin why he thought the national hiring committee had chosen me. He smiled and said, “You have moxie. And it’s passion that counts.”

Those words stuck with me. Irwin’s confidence in me fueled my dedication to the lab. It became my mission to honor his vision by fostering a culture of creativity and critical thinking. The ZIP Idea Lab became more than just a space—it was a launchpad for innovation, where students could explore ideas, solve problems, and develop real-world solutions.

Irwin’s influence extended far beyond SDSU. At UC San Diego, he and his family supported the Zahn Family Makerspace, a state-of-the-art facility where students can access tools and resources to transform their ideas into reality. This space reflects Irwin’s lifelong belief that innovation thrives when people have the freedom to create and the resources to succeed.

Irwin Zahn passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact lives and inspire creativity. His loss was deeply felt by the many people and institutions he touched. Through his generosity, vision, and unwavering belief in the power of ideas, Irwin left an indelible mark on the world. I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me to lead the ZIP Idea Lab and for his steadfast support.

Thank you, Irwin, for believing in moxie, passion, and the transformative power of creativity. You will be greatly missed, but your light continues to shine through the work you inspired and the dreams you helped make possible.