Studies in Computer Science

This book is the proceedings ofa conference held November 1-3, 1989, to honor Samuel D. Conte for his many contributions to computer sci­ ences at Purdue University and to the profession as a whole. The com­ puter sciences program reflected the breadth of Conte's interests and ac­ complishments; there were tributes to Conte, perspectives on computer science itself, and research papers. The first part of these proceedings chronicles the career and contri­ butions; much of it is based on Conte's remarks made at the conference banquet. The second part of the proceedings starts with one vision of the future of computer sciences given in Peter Denning's keynote address. Historical accounts of building successful educational programs in com­ puter sciences follow. The third part consists of seven research contribu­ tions, primarily from past or present colleagues. These include Conte's numerical analysis, computational geometry, and discussions of software engineering. The conference was organized by the Purdue University Department of Computer Sciences and the Software Engineering Research Center at Purdue. Both of these organizations were founded by Conte, so is fitting for them to recognize their founder's achievements in such a con­ crete way.

Richard A. DeMillo has held senior positions in academia, industry, and government. Currently Charlotte B. and Roger C. Warren Chair of Computing and the Director of the Center for 21st Century Universities at Georgia Tech, he is the author of "Abelard to Apple: The Fate of American Colleges and Universities" (MIT Press).