From Barcodes to Breakthroughs: Honoring Ed Kaplan’s Lasting Legacy
Edward “Ed” L. Kaplan (ME ’65, Hon. Ph.D. ENG ’23) built his life on bold ideas. As co-founder of Zebra Technologies, he pioneered barcode and logistics technology that forever revolutionized global commerce. As a longtime trustee and one of Illinois Tech’s most influential alumni, he infused that same inventive spirit into his alma mater—empowering generations of students to turn ideas into impact.
Kaplan passed away in July 2025 at age 82, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and philanthropy that continues to shape the university.
“Ed’s generosity and vision have left an indelible mark on Illinois Tech,” says Sean Campbell, Illinois Tech’s vice president for advancement. “His commitment to innovation has strengthened our community for decades, and his impact will be felt for generations.”
BUILDING A LAUNCHPAD FOR INNOVATORS
Kaplan’s most transformative act of philanthropy was the creation of the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, which opened on Mies Campus in 2018.
The 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art hub for innovation embodies Kaplan’s belief that students learn best by doing. Its cutting-edge labs and collaborative spaces spark bold ideas and ignite an entrepreneurial mindset, while his transformational gift for the Kaplan Student Fabrication Center reinforced his enduring dedication to hands-on discovery, skills development, and preparing the workforce of the future.
“Through the Kaplan Institute, Illinois Tech students, faculty, and alumni will have all the resources they need to turn their concepts, ideas, and problems into real solutions,” Kaplan said at its dedication.
For today’s students, Kaplan’s vision is a launchpad. Programs such as the reimagined Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) Program and Startup Studio help students shape business ideas with support from alumni and industry mentors. One recent venture, S3cura, developed artificial intelligence-powered video surveillance that detects incidents in under 30 seconds—and was one of six finalists that recently advanced to the international Hult Prize finals to compete for a $1 million award.
“Ed was a mentor and dear friend whose impact is everywhere,” says Maryam Saleh, executive director of the Kaplan Institute. “The first thermal transfer barcode printer he invented at Zebra Technologies truly revolutionized product tracking logistics, but his true legacy is the mindset he instilled—inspiring those at Illinois Tech and beyond not just to invent, but also to invest in people and create lasting value. We will miss him.”
SCHOLARSHIPS, LEADERSHIP, AND ENDURING IMPACT
Beyond the institute, Kaplan and his family invested deeply in students and faculty. Through the Kaplan Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund, the Kaplan family has opened doors to life-changing opportunities, while the Carol and Ed Kaplan Armour College Dean of Engineering Endowed Chair has strengthened academic leadership and advanced innovation in engineering education. His commitment to experiential learning also will live on through the Kaplan Student Fabrication Center, which will give students the space and resources to experiment, build, and bring ideas to life.
From barcodes to breakthroughs yet to be imagined, Kaplan’s influence extends far beyond his remarkable career. Through physical spaces, scholarships, and endowments, his vision continues to shape Illinois Tech and inspire tomorrow’s innovators. His legacy lives on in every student daring to dream, invent, and make an impact—just as he did. —Howard J. Lee
Photo: Ed Kaplan