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Ohio Northern University alumnus Emil Kaunitz, BA ’65, spent his career immersed in systems and software, but his motivation was deeply personal: helping people and organizations succeed.

The founder of (SSI), in Toms River, N.J., Emil always put the needs of customers and employees first as he grew the company into a leading provider of IT solutions for the U.S. Navy, Army, and other government and commercial organizations.

Now he’s turned his focus toward helping students at his alma mater, Ohio Northern University. He and his wife, Diane, recently established the Emil and Diane Kaunitz Endowed Scholarship for computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering majors who demonstrate financial need.

“I’ve always been grateful for the strong foundation that I received at ONU,” said Emil. “Now that I’m in a position to give back, I’m happy to do so.”

Emil grew up in a modest household in Irvington, N.J., where he developed an ethic of hard work and humility. His dad, a World War II veteran, worked at TWA, and his mom helped support the family as a dressmaker. Without their encouragement, Emil admits he likely wouldn’t have attended college.

“They told me, ‘You are going to college, it’s not an option,’” he recalled.

At ONU, Emil majored in physics. He formed lifelong friendships through his fraternity, Phi Mu Delta, and was especially influenced by Professor Ernests Abele in the physics department.

One formidable experience came during his senior year, when he was provided the opportunity to teach physics at St. Henry’s High School. Despite having no teaching experience, he accepted. The experience developed his communication and leadership skills and planted early seeds of confidence.

After graduating in 1965, Emil accepted a position at Sperry Rand Corporation where he supported Navy systems at sea and developed new technology systems for U.S. ships, submarines, and the maritime community.

“I learned a lot about maritime operations, navigation, and how systems integrate,” he said.

With an aptitude for software, Emil took a bold leap in 1978, launching his own company, Specialty Systems, investing in a mainframe computer. 

In those early days of computing, Emil recognized that software solutions could revolutionize business operations. Specialty Systems developed software that helped companies manage operations, track finances, optimize inventory, and boost sales. These transformations often led to the companies experiencing dramatic growth.

“We made many customers millionaires,” he said.

Beyond the private sector, Specialty Systems specialized in aircraft carrier flight deck systems and aircraft maintenance systems for the U.S. Navy. These technologies can be seen in action during the dramatic scenes in the movie Top Gun where aircraft launch and land safely on shipborne decks.

For the U.S. Army, his company supported the prototyping of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance systems and developed cutting-edge tools to enhance warfighter capabilities.

Over the years, Emil also became a respected voice in defense advocacy. He served as a consultant for the Naval Air Warfare Center in Lakehurst being a critical advisor to the Save Lakehurst Base Committee in 1995. Today he sits on the NJ Governor’s Council for Armed Forces and Military Affairs, the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Defense Enhancement Coalition, and the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, championing the strategic importance of Naval Aviation.

In 2021, Emil sold the company but continues to support the company through its transition to ensure continuity for employees and clients.

Through all his accomplishments, Emil remains most proud of the support his company has provided to the U.S. military and the mentorship he has offered to employees who have gone on to thrive in the tech industry.

That same spirit of giving back now fuels his and Diane’s desire to help future ONU students.

“It’s nice to be able to help someone launch their career,” he said. “In my opinion, that’s what life is all about—helping people.”

"The creation of this scholarship truly demonstrates the Kaunitzes’ forward-thinking vision,” said Shannon Spencer, vice president for University Advancement. “Their incredible generosity is a direct investment in the future—ensuring that our talented engineering students, regardless of financial need, have the resources to innovate and become the next generation of leaders."