Faculty Senate Chair and award-winning engineering faculty member Steven L. Garverick died suddenly Friday, Sept. 27. He was 56.
Garverick, a member of the electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) faculty for more than two decades, distinguished himself strongly in teaching, research and service—and at the same time demonstrated a kind and warm temperament that engaged all who knew him.
“Steve was the consummate professional and an incredibly valued member of the faculty,” said Jeffrey L. Duerk, dean of the engineering school. “From his university responsibilities with the Faculty Senate, to the recent chair search in EECS, to his own research and student engagement, Steve set a high standard and will continue to serve as a role model for the school.”
Garverick earned all three of his degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: a bachelor of science in electrical engineering in 1979; a master of science in electrical engineering and computer science in 1980; and a doctoral degree in solid-state electronics in 1987.
After earning his PhD, Garverick started a career in industry, working as a lead designer and project leader for General Electric’s Corporate Research and Development team for six years in Schenectady, N.Y.
He then joined Case Western Reserve in 1992, over the years focusing his research on mixed-signal integrated circuit design, high-temperature electronics, low-power and wireless sensor/actuators, biomedical instrumentation and neuromorphic circuits. Garverick owned 18 patents throughout his career and consulted with multiple companies across Northeast Ohio.
Some of his most recent research, which he presented on campus when the university hosted the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers EnergyTech Conference, proved an impossible feat possible: He and his team designed and fabricated integrated amplifier circuits that operate under extreme temperatures, up to 600 degrees Celsius.
Garverick also gave extraordinary energy to his teaching and research. He won the John S. Diekhoff award for graduate teaching in 1997 and earned a nomination from students in the mentoring category in 2009. He developed five new courses in electrical engineering and computer science during his career, and launched an effort to create undergraduate offerings for the school’s energy program. Finally, he played a pivotal role in efforts to help implement the university-wide undergraduate program, SAGES (Seminar Approach to General Education and Scholarship) in 2005.
Garverick served on many department, school and university committees over the years, including the last six as a member of the Faculty Senate. In 2012-2013 he served as chair-elect of the Senate, and began his term as chair last May after commencement.
“Steve was a friend and respected colleague. He was a dedicated teacher and researcher, and his commitment to the students, department, school and university are a model for all of us to emulate,” said Ken Loparo, chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “He will be missed by all.”
Garverick is survived by a daughter, Susan (Morgan) McClellon; his parents, Sheldon and Helen Garverick; and brothers Tim (Lee) and Randy (Chris) Garverick. He was preceded in death by his son, Scott.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brown-Forward Funeral Home (17022 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights) and Thursday, Oct. 3, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Shaker Heights (21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights). A private interment will follow.
Garverick’s family requests those who wish to make contributions in his name do so to a charity of their choice or to the First Unitarian Church of Shaker Heights.