Walt Woltosz
69
Auburn, Alabama
Chair, AU Real Estate Foundation, Inc.
Woltosz graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in 1969. He earned his master’s in administrative science from the University of Alabama at Huntsville in 1976 and his master’s in aerospace engineering from Auburn in 1977. Early in his career in the aerospace industry, Woltosz managed the development of innovative simulation and modeling software for key space and military systems. In 1980, when his wife’s mother became ill, he turned his attention to developing augmentative communication systems for persons with severe disabilities. Since 1981, Words+, Inc., — a firm he and his wife Virginia (“Ginger”) founded — has been a leader in creating state-of-the-art products that “unlock the person” by providing the highest quality communication and computer access tools available – products that have been recognized by the Smithsonian Institute.
When world-renowned astrophysicist Sir Stephen Hawking’s ability to communicate was compromised by ALS, it was Woltosz’s Equalizer and EZ Keys programs that allowed Hawking to continue his groundbreaking work. In 1996, Woltosz founded Simulations Plus, Inc. and turned his inventor’s eye to developing simulation and modeling software for drug discovery and development. Today, Simulations Plus products are used by more than 200 pharmaceutical firms, including the world’s Top 25, helping to analyze new products, and saving millions of dollars in research and development costs.
Woltosz is a member of Auburn’s 1856 Society President’s Circle, Petrie Society, Athletics Talon Society, the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Keystone Society, Ginn Society Visionary Circle, and Engineering Eagles Society. He has served on the Ginn College of Engineering’s Alumni Engineering Council, Strategic Leadership Team, and the Auburn University Research Advisory Board, and he is a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association. Woltosz is married to Ginger Woltosz, who is a co-founder, member of the board of directors, and current secretary/treasurer of Simulations Plus, Inc.
When world-renowned astrophysicist Sir Stephen Hawking’s ability to communicate was compromised by ALS, it was Woltosz’s Equalizer and EZ Keys programs that allowed Hawking to continue his groundbreaking work. In 1996, Woltosz founded Simulations Plus, Inc. and turned his inventor’s eye to developing simulation and modeling software for drug discovery and development. Today, Simulations Plus products are used by more than 200 pharmaceutical firms, including the world’s Top 25, helping to analyze new products, and saving millions of dollars in research and development costs.
Woltosz is a member of Auburn’s 1856 Society President’s Circle, Petrie Society, Athletics Talon Society, the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Keystone Society, Ginn Society Visionary Circle, and Engineering Eagles Society. He has served on the Ginn College of Engineering’s Alumni Engineering Council, Strategic Leadership Team, and the Auburn University Research Advisory Board, and he is a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association. Woltosz is married to Ginger Woltosz, who is a co-founder, member of the board of directors, and current secretary/treasurer of Simulations Plus, Inc.
