In Memoriam: Julian Feldman, Founding Faculty Member of UC Irvine ICS
Julian Feldman, founding chair and professor emeritus in the UC Irvine Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS), has passed away at the age of 95 in Boise, Idaho.
Feldman made an indelible mark on the UC Irvine campus and on ICS. In 1964, he left a tenured position at UC Berkeley to join the 25 original founding faculty at the new University of California campus at Irvine. At UC Irvine, Feldman realized his vision of establishing a computer science program that led to the 1968 creation of an information and computer sciences department. It eventually became the first standalone school of computing in the UC system nearly four decades later.
From 1969 to 1976, Feldman was the campus’s inaugural assistant chancellor for computing, a precursor to today’s position of assistant vice chancellor for information technology. In that role, he oversaw campus-wide computer resources, procuring state-of-the-art technology that facilitated both research and education.
By the end of the 1960s, UC Irvine’s ICS program was one of only a handful in the country offering graduate coursework in artificial intelligence – a decade ahead of most universities. Such innovations by Feldman won the UC Irvine campus national recognition.
Feldman was born and raised in Chicago. Following his high school graduation in December 1948, he attended several local Chicago colleges (without completing a B.A.) before matriculating directly into a master’s program at the University of Chicago. After earning his M.A. in political science, he pursued a Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University’s Graduate School of Industrial Administration, working with Herb Simon, Alan Newell, Franco Modigliani, and Jim March.
Feldman’s research interest in computing resource management included problems involved in the efficient and effective utilization of computing resources in organizations. In 1963, Feldman co-edited a groundbreaking anthology of AI research called Computers and Thought.
Feldman leaves an enduring legacy as a visionary and beloved and influential colleague and professor. In 2010, Feldman received the Extraordinarius Award, honoring individuals who have prominently contributed to the UC Irvine campus and exemplify the spirit and purpose of the university. His daughter Tammy shared, “As he wrote in his remarks there, in accomplishing great things ‘patience and luck are important ingredients in getting things done. But most important are partners and interested and sympathetic decision makers willing to take risks.”
Alumnus Paul Mockapetris Ph.D. ’82, noted by the New York Times for designing the Domain Name System (DNS) architecture that serves as “the address directory of the internet” and recently named #51 on the Forbes 250 America’s Greatest Innovators list, named Feldman as one of his great mentors and heroes.
Alumnus Greg Hopwood Ph.D. ’78 shared fond memories: “Julian Feldman with his wife, Rita, generously opened their home to frequent gatherings of students, faculty, staff and visiting professors. These occasions fostered a sense of common purpose and comradery in the early ICS years. Julian also got me interested in studying the economics of computing: how to value computing resources in teaching, research and commercial environments. Thinking about these ideas early in my career helped me make grounded decisions in my business relations as a developer, salesperson, marketer or customer. I also am very grateful for Julian’s support as my dissertation adviser.”
ICS Dean Marios Papaefthymiou highlighted Feldman’s influence: “His pioneering work in creating a school of human-centered computing has left a lasting legacy and is now more pertinent than ever.”
Feldman is survived by children Karin, Tammy, and Murray (Nancy), and grandchildren Jeremy (Cynthia) and Jonah. His wife Rita passed away in November 2001; his wife Marilyn passed away in March 2015.
Services were held graveside at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar on Wednesday, August 5 at 11:00 am. There will be a Shiva minion on Wednesday at 7:15pm at the Courtyard by Marriott (2701 Main St., Irvine) in the Turtle Ridge Room (meeting room B).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Julian Feldman Endowed Scholarship in the Bren School of ICS. Address: UC Irvine Foundation, Gift Administration, 101 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-5600 or online or to a charity of your choice.
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