La Costa Glen Resident Receives Prestigious International Award

La Costa Glen resident Les Besser, recognized as the “Father of Computer-Aided Microwave Circuit Design Software,” has received international recognition for his contributions to society.

On Wednesday, June 19, Les Besser appeared on stage in Washington, DC, where he accepted the prestigious Microwave Career Award at the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society’s Microwave Symposium.

The annual event aims to acknowledge individuals with careers of meritorious achievement and outstanding technical contributions in the field. In the 1970s, while pursuing his engineering career, Besser wrote a computer-aided circuit design program, COMPACT™ (Computerized Optimization of Microwave Passive and Active ComponenTs), which not only revolutionized the field but also became the world’s standard, inspiring a new generation of engineers.

His company, Compact Software, marketed the first commercially successful computer program that enabled engineers to predict and optimize the performance of microwave circuits. After the program's international success, Besser founded Besser Associates to train engineers and technicians worldwide. He and his wife, Susan, traveled internationally with a team of 50 experts to present instructor-led interactive courses and workshops.

His company later trained more than 120,000 professionals in 29 countries. Besser has authored more than 70 technical articles and co-authored several textbooks.

Les Besser's life is a testament to the American Dream. In 1956, he and his family escaped from behind the Iron Curtain and found a new home in the United States.

Despite his international recognition and achievements, Besser remains an active community member at La Costa Glen, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to others. At 88, he still enjoys playing pickleball and tennis, and he continues to share his knowledge by teaching his neighbors AARP Safe Driver’s Education classes.