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Tributes | CSE Horizon Endowed Fund

Horizon Fund Tributes:

Honoring a Legacy of Innovation

The Computer Science and Engineering Horizon Endowed Fund was established to honor and build upon the legacy of the Department's leadership and support future accomplishments.

Horizon Fund donors have cited the following individuals for their inspiration and their legacy.

 

General

"Every class I have taken in the CSE department has increased my knowledge tenfold.  All the CSE professors have contributed to this education.  Thank you all."

--anonymous, class of '09

Jim Burnett

Emeritus Faculty

"Professor Jim Burnett was also a key influencer to me. He was the instructor of the entry level courses where I started TA'ing. He also let me guest lecture on days he was absent, and I ultimately became the course instructor myself for the entry level courses. You could not find a more decent man than Jim Burnett and his concern for the student and homey style were his hallmarks."

-- Kevin Ohl, class of '78

Wayne Dyksen

Professor

 
Wayne Dyksen Dr. Wayne Dyksen. Although my departure from MSU far preceded Wayne’s arrival on campus, my work with him as well as discussion with students give me a significant appreciation for the work he is doing in the department. The capstone work that is produced is outstanding – in the capstone course, he gets students “road-ready”. He is tough, but with the end goal of preparing students for what they will face once they leave MSU. I also appreciate Wayne’s efforts at outreach and his connections to parties outside CSE and the university as they all contribute to the success of the Department.

 - Kevin Ohl, class of '78

 

Richard Enbody

Associate Professor

Richard Enbody"Dr. Enbody -- I'll always remember the day in 231 you helped me decide on CS as a major -- a decision I've never regretted."

-- anonymous, class of '09

 

 

 

John Forsyth

Emeritus Faculty 

John Forsyth "I would like to recognize Dr. John Forsyth. John, you have been a friend as well as advisor to me, and I don't want to forget your wisdom as a faculty member as well. I also appreciated your blue fountain pen, marking up my exams, especially the one where you commented, "If you got more sleep, you might do better on the test." My only response is that if you knew I was up studying late, and that if you got more sleep, you might have been able to grade the tests better."

-- Kevin Ohl, class of '78

Harold Grossman

Emeritus Faculty 

"I would like to recognize Dr. Harold (Hal) Grossman. Although he is now a professor at Clemson University, Hal was a PhD student at MSU as well as instructor of one of the compiler class sections. He was an outstanding instructor and made very complex material seem simple. More importantly, it is Dr. Grossman who is responsible for me changing my major to Computer Science. When I arrived on campus in fall of 1974, my intent was to study chemistry. Fortunately, one of my first classes was computer programming taught by Harold Grossman. Based largely on his teaching as well as advising about careers in computer science, I was hooked. The rest, as they say, is history."

-- Kevin Ohl, class of '78

Harry Hedges

Emeritus Faculty 

Harry Hedges "I would like to recognize Dr. Harry Hedges, former Chair of the CS Department. Dr. Hedges, thank you for letting me be a teaching assistant, course administrator, and course instructor. In addition, thank you for letting me serve on various department committees. All of these experiences helped provide a foundation for me that I have built on continuously."

-- Kevin Ohl, class of '78


Hans Lee

Emeritus Faculty 

Hans Lee "Dr. Hans Lee was my faculty advisor for the courses in which I was an instructor. He provided guidance and wisdom to me that were invaluable in helping me be the best instructor I could be."

-- Kevin Ohl, class of '78

 

 

Mark McCullen

Academic Specialist

Mark McCullen"Mark McCullen is one of the nicest people I've ever met.  He's very knowledgeable and loves to assist in other's learning."

-- anonymous, class of '09

 

 

 

 Brenda Minott

Administrative Assistant

 Ms. Brenda Minott. Brenda was an administrative assistant in the department office during my time as a student and instructor at MSU. Her attitude was infectious and her assistance to me, including typing and reproduction of class materials and exams (before word processing) was invaluable.

- Kevin Ohl, class of '78

 

Charles Ofria

Associate Professor

Charles Ofria"Dr. Charles Ofria, the best doctoral advisor a student could wish for."

-- anonymous, class of '09

 

 

 

 

Charles Owen

Associate Professor

Charles Owen"Thank you for the knowledge and skills you have provided me in my time here.  It is appreciated more than you know, Dr. Owen."

-- anonymous, class of '09

"To Dr. Owen,  for promoting game development as a valid academic discipline; your foresight will bring many new students to our program."

-- anonymous, class of '09

 

Richard Reid

Professor Emeritus

 Dr. Richard Reid. Dick Reid was one of my instructors as I progressed from entry level to intermediate CS classes. He was one of the faculty members whom you don’t appreciate as much until after taking their class. Dr. Reid was tough and his exams even tougher (including the part of the exam where you could double the point value of one question while zeroing the point value of another – what a mind game). It was also fun getting to know Dick outside of class as we became occasional golf partners.

- Kevin Ohl, class of '78

 

R. E. Kurt Stirewalt

Associate Professor

Kurt Stirewalt"Dr. Stirewalt, your CSE 335 class was a turning point in my CSE career.  Thanks."

-- anonymous, class of '09

"Dr. Stirewalt, driving us to learn for ourselves and stand on our own feet has been the most beautiful thing I've taken from the program."

-- anonymous, class of '09

 

George Stockman

Professor

George Stockman"Dr. Stockman was always entertaining telling us about CS things before our time."

-- anonymous, class of '09

 

 

 

Eric Torng

Associate Professor

Eric Torng"To Dr. Eric Torng: thank you for never giving up on me; it's what makes you an extrordinary professor."

-- anonymous, class of '09

 

 

 

Teresa Isela VanderSloot

Academic Specialist

Teresa Isela VanderSloot"Thank you, Teresa, for all of your dedication to the department and to helping students succeed."

-- anonymous, class of '09

"I would like to thank Teresa VanderSloot for help giving me another chance :)

-- anonymous, class of '09 

 

 

Tony Wojcik

Professor Emeritus

Tony Wojcik  Dr. Tony Wojcik. Tony's leadership in numerous areas at MSU has left significant impact. From serving in roles as CSE Department Chair, Dean's Office, Cyber Security Initiative and University Administration, Tony led with integrity and humility. James Collins, author of Good to Great, has coined a concept titled "Level 5 Leadership". Briefly, this refers to a leader who acts in a way to achieve organizational success not for personal aggrandizement. Tony Wojcik is the embodiment of this concept. CSE, Engineering and MSU are all better because of his contributions over the years.

- Kevin Ohl, class of '78

 

 Learn More

If you would like additional information about the Computer Science and Engineering Horizon Endowed Fund or other giving opportunities, please contact the College of Engineering Development Office by e-mail egrdevel@egr.msu.edu or phone (517) 355-8339.