Robert Lovett Ashenhurst, a pioneer in the teaching of computer science to college students, died October 21, 2009, at his home in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. He was a professor emeritus of applied mathematics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the first chairman of the University's Committee on Information Systems, a predecessor of the Department of Computer Science. He was 80 years old.
In addition to pioneering a new scientific discipline, he enriched the University's ceremonial and musical life for more than 50 years.
When he joined the faculty in 1957, computer use was generally limited to advanced graduate students in the sciences or business. But one former student recalled "when computers were considered the realm of a narrow elite" Ashenhurst "boldly enabled Chicago undergraduates to learn more," teaching the fundamentals of computer science in the College.
Under his direction, the Committee on Information Systems built the first computer network on campus in 1969.
"He was one of the first researchers at the University of Chicago to foresee the importance of the then Arpnet, soon to be called the Internet," said Linus Schrage, a professor emeritus of operations management at Chicago Booth.
"A recent check of the Mathematics Genealogy project shows that there are nearly 250 people in academia today who can trace their academic ancestry to Bob's Committee on Information Systems," Schrage said.
In 1968 Ashenhurst took on the role of University Marshal, the University's ceremonial officer. As Marshal he was responsible for the smooth flow of the awarding of degrees at convocation, as well as dinners for Nobel laureates. He was Chicago's longest-serving Marshal, holding the position for 32 years.
"It has been a pleasure over the years to see the joy in graduates after each ceremony," he told the University of Chicago Chronicle in 2000 when he stepped down as Marshal. "And to complete my last College ceremony sitting next to the President of the United States was a most satisfactory way to finish."
This past spring Ashenhurst received the Norman Maclean Faculty Award, which recognizes emeritus or very senior faculty members at the University of Chicago who have made outstanding contributions to teaching and to the student experience of life on campus.
He received the lifetime achievement award from the Association for Computing Machinery for his 35 years of contributions to the organization, including serving as editor-in-chief of Communications of the ACM and editor of the monograph series.
He was one of the founders of the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company at the University of Chicago and he co-wrote and served as pianist in the annual Quadrangle Club Revels Show for more than 40 years. The lighthearted program stars University faculty, students and community members.
Ashenhurst was very active in the Hyde Park community, serving on the board of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Health Center and other groups.
He retired in 1999 after 43 years on the Chicago Booth faculty.
Ashenhurst received three degrees from Harvard: an undergraduate degree in physics in 1950, a master's degree in applied mathematics in 1954 and a Ph.D. in applied mathematics in 1956.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Levner, sons John Ashenhurst and David Ashenhurst, daughters Julia (Jody) Ashenhurt and Martha (Molly) Lundin, and stepson Geoff Levner.
Other survivors are grandchildren Catherine Ashenhurst, James Ashenhurst, Kevin Lundin and Nancy Lundin.
In accordance with Ashenhurst's wishes, no memorial service is planned. A celebration of his life may be held at a future date. Contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
—Prof. Chuan He
