Mathematics is Focus of Two Grants CAMPUS CURRENT
Computer Science Pioneer Wins Mudd Prize MICHAEL ERLINGER LAUDED FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Michael Erlinger, among the first computer scientists at Harvey Mudd College and instrumental in building the Computer Sci- ence Department, was recently named the recipient of Harvey Mudd College’s 2011 Henry T. Mudd Prize.
“I feel deeply honored to re- Michael Erlinger
ceive this award,” said Erlinger. “The list of previous awardees includes many of those who have served as my mentors. In my dealings with other college de-
partment chairs over the last few years, I have come to realize just what a special place HMC is. I feel extremely lucky having come to HMC and having the support of faculty and staff that allowed us to build one of the top computer science programs in the world.” Erlinger joined HMC 11 years prior to the establishment of the department for which he served as department chair for 10 years. His supportive and energetic leadership and creative thinking led to the recruitment of outstanding computer sci- ence faculty, increasing the size and quality of the department. He was successful in increasing the number and diversity of stu- dents in the department while offering them new opportunities such as joint majors and research opportunities. Erlinger was also lauded for his active outreach to the community through engagement with local primary and secondary schools. He is widely recognized for his leadership in undergraduate education and research. In recent years, his research has moved away from networking security and management to ways to infuse computer science into the K–12 education arena. He is co-project director with Elizabeth Sweedyk, associate professor of computer science, of a $580,033 grant from The National Science Foundation to advance a software development model that engages college and middle-school students. The three-year grant for “The Games Network: Games for Students, Games by Students” challenges HMC computer science students to develop educational games based upon learning objectives set by real-world customers: middle-school social studies teachers. He is also working with computer science Professor Zachary
Dodds to develop a computer science course aimed at middle school students. Erlinger, Dodds and Sweedyk hope to shatter stereotypes about the computer science field by introducing younger students to the fun, creative side of software develop- ment and computer science.
The Henry T. Mudd Prize is awarded each year at commence- ment to a member of the College community whose service to the College and its mission is exemplary. Henry T. Mudd (1913– 1990), the son of Harvey S. Mudd, was instrumental in the cre- ation and early development of the college named for his father. He served as a founding trustee and chair of the board for 23 years.
Baumgaertner Retires from HMC
Carl Baumgaertner, who received a Silver Star for heroic service during World War II, retired this year from his position as clinical professor of engineering at Harvey Mudd College. Baumgaertner came to HMC
from Honeywell, a manufacturer of civil and military avionics and other aerospace products. As chief engineer at Honeywell, he spent 17 years at the company’s plant in Minneapolis, Minn., before he was transferred to its West Covina, Calif., plant, where he was director of engi- neering for another 17 years. He soon became involved in the College’s engineering Clinic
Program, first sponsoring a computer software project and then 11 more projects over the years. Upon retiring from Honeywell in early 1985, Baumgaertner’s
colleagues at HMC suggested he come and work at the College. Dur- ing the fall of 1985, he began working with the development office, selling Clinics to companies. After a year, he began teaching a Clinic and later an electronics class—the two things he continued until his retirement this year. “I absolutely love the students and the College,” said Baumgaert-
ner. “The most rewarding thing I’ve done has been here at Mudd because I’m in a position to help others.” Baumgaertner received the Silver Star—the third highest
military decoration awarded for gallantry in action—in 2008 after being awarded the medal in 1945 but never receiving it. He was a company commander, leading an infantry company of 187 onto Utah Beach in June 1944 under the command of General George Patton. Baumgaertner returned from the war in 1946 and then attended St. Thomas College (mathematics and physics) and Univer- sity of Minnesota (master’s degree in electrical engineering) before beginning his Honeywell career.
Faculty News
SUMMER 2011 Har vey Mudd College
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KEVIN MAPP
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