In Memoriam
Donald Morrison
Donald Morrison, founder of the UNM Computer Science Department, died Sept. 5 at University Hospital. He was 82. A co-worker remembered Morrison as "the heart of the department."
Morrison served as a naval officer in the South Pacific during World War II. He received his doctorate in math from the University of Wisconsin. As a UNM math professor in 1971, he began to set up computer science courses. In 1973 Morrison was named chairman of the division of Information and Computing Science. He continued to push for an undergraduate program, which eventually was established in 1976. Morrison retired from UNM in 1989.
As a researcher, Morrison's major contribution was PATRICIA, Practical Algorithm to Retrieve Information Coded in Alphanumeric. Patricia is also the name of Morrison's wife of 62 years. The family has requested that donations in Morrison's name be made to the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, 333.
Everett M. Rogers
UNM Professor of Communication Everett M. Rogers, 73, scholar, teacher, writer and mentor, died Oct. 21 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
A campus memorial is scheduled Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Student Union ballroom.
Rogers’ 30 books – translated into 15 languages – and more than 500 articles shaped and influenced the field of communication, sociology, marketing and political science. He is perhaps best known for his book “Diffusion of Innovations.”
Rogers dedicated nearly 47 years to teaching and research
In 2002, Rogers was selected the university’s 47th Annual Research Lecturer— the highest honor UNM bestows on its faculty. He continued to teach at UNM until fall of 2004 when he was forced to retire due to illness.
Rogers is survived by his wife Corinne Shefner-Rogers and two sons. Contributions may be made to the University Hospice in Rogers’ name. Donations may be mailed to: 1650 University NE, Suite 200, 87102.