David C. Evans Distinguished Lecture Series
The David C. Evans Distinguished Lecture Series is an annual event held at the University of Utah's School of Computing. This prestigious lecture series honors the legacy of David C. Evans, a pivotal figure in the history of computer graphics, computer science education, and entrepreneurship in technology.
History and Purpose
David C. Evans was a professor of Computer Science at the University of Utah, where he co-founded the Computer Science Department with Ivan Sutherland. His contributions extended to being a co-founder of Evans & Sutherland, a company famous for developing computer graphics hardware. The lecture series was established to recognize his pioneering work in these fields and to bring influential figures in technology and computing to share their insights with the academic community.
Key Features
- Annual Event: The lecture is typically an annual event, inviting distinguished speakers from around the world.
- Focus Areas: Topics covered often include computer graphics, computer architecture, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and the intersection of technology with various disciplines.
- Speaker Selection: Speakers are selected based on their significant contributions to the field of computing, often paralleling or extending the work of David C. Evans.
- Public Access: While primarily an academic event, the lectures are often made available to the public, either in-person or via streaming.
Notable Speakers and Contributions
Over the years, the David C. Evans Distinguished Lecture Series has hosted numerous luminaries:
- Alan Kay, who spoke about the future of computing and the Dynabook concept.
- John Hennessy, discussing advancements in computer architecture.
- Brenda Laurel, focusing on interactive narrative and human-computer interaction.
- Jim Clark, sharing insights from his work at Silicon Graphics and Netscape.
These speakers not only highlight the legacy of Evans but also inspire current and future generations of computer scientists with their forward-thinking ideas.
Impact and Legacy
The lecture series serves multiple purposes:
- It keeps the memory of David C. Evans alive, celebrating his contributions to computer science.
- It acts as a catalyst for innovation by bringing world-class thinkers to discuss cutting-edge ideas.
- It fosters a culture of excellence and intellectual curiosity within the School of Computing at the University of Utah.
- It provides students, faculty, and the broader community with access to thought leaders in technology, potentially influencing their research and career paths.
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