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In Memoriam

Lee A. Becker

The Faculty of Worcester Polytechnic Institute notes with deep sadness and a great sense of loss the passing of our friend and colleague Lee A. Becker. His contributions to the WPI community will live on in the hearts and minds of the many people whose lives he touched.

Professor Becker had an unusual background for a computer scientist, earning a Ph.D. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Slavic Languages, followed by an M.S. in Computer Science from Indiana University. These interests came together in his research, which early on involved computer languages, language learning, and computer-aided linguistic analysis. Later, his research broadened to encompass artificial intelligence, machine learning, agent-based systems, and evolutionary algorithms.

Lee was a key member of the WPI Computer Science Department, teaching a wide variety of courses in programming, languages, and artificial intelligence, helping lead the AI Research Group, and serving the CS Department for many years as Associate Department Head. He also had many collaborations with colleagues in other departments, applying AI techniques to a range of problems for government and industry.

Lee was a beloved colleague, friend, and teacher. A dedicated scholar and educator, Lee cared passionately about WPI. He greatly enjoyed working with students, involving undergraduate and graduate students in his research. Lee spent many rewarding terms advising student projects at project centers located in Washington D.C., Venice, London, Silicon Valley, and Copenhagen.

Lee was devoted to his family, shared his great smile with everyone, played a mean game of chess, and ran a marathon. Lee had a passion for food, tennis, dogs, cycling and Slavic linguistics. He truly embodied the Renaissance ideal.

Therefore, it is resolved that we, the Faculty of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, express our lasting gratitude and admiration for Lee Becker's dedication and outstanding service to our university, and that this resolution be inscribed on the permanent records of Worcester Polytechnic Institute as a memorial to our colleague, teacher, and friend, and that a copy of this resolution be delivered to the family of Lee Becker to evidence our admiration for him and our sorrow at his passing.

- A Resolution of the WPI Faculty, passed September 9, 2004

Donations

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Lee's memory may be made to:

or directed to WPI in support of the Projects Program at:

The Lee Becker Memorial Fund
c/o WPI Development Office
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609-2280