Distinguished Caltech alumnus Juris Hartmanis (PhD ’55), founding chair of Cornell University’s Department of Computer Science, passed away on July 29, 2022. Hartmanis was widely recognized for establishing the field of computational complexity theory. He was 94 years old.

In 2013, Caltech named Hartmanis a Distinguished Alumnus, the highest honor presented to alumni by the Institute, for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of computer science.

 “The outsized impact that Caltech continues to have on the sciences is remarkable," Hartmanis said when presented the award. "I remain in awe of the brilliant minds assembled here."

For more details about Hartmanis’ life and his lifelong dedication to, and foundational impact on, the field of computer science, read his obituary in the Cornell Chronicle below.