In the Fall of 2019, The ATLAS Institute at CU Boulder asked me to document the visit of esteemed alumnus and recipient of the Turing Award and Kyoto Prize: Alan Kay.
Known by many as a forefather of Computer Science and personal computing interaction, Alan's contributions to modern computing are nearly endless. To name just a couple, he developed much of the foundation upon which all modern programming languages are built upon, and also invented the idea of computer programs running inside of 'windows' on a desktop computer (an idea drawing upon his years of experience in the theater program at CU Boulder - thinking of computer programs as 'actors' which are summoned to the stage to play their part before being dismissed).
During his time at CU completing dual Math and biochemistry degrees, Alan worked as professional jazz guitarist, performing often in Macky Auditorium, and also playing several of CU's precious antique organs.
As a computer scientist myself, it was an absolute honor to spend time with a long-time hero of mine, as he revisited some of his old haunts around campus.
During his time at CU completing dual Math and biochemistry degrees, Alan worked as professional jazz guitarist, performing often in Macky Auditorium, and also playing several of CU's precious antique organs.
As a computer scientist myself, it was an absolute honor to spend time with a long-time hero of mine, as he revisited some of his old haunts around campus.
During his time as a student, Alan helped build sets and produce dozens of plays at the Mary Rippon Theater:
"I vividly remember laying right here in the grass and reading that George Norlin quote on many a warm sunny day."
Alan returned to visit an old friend; A prized antique organ hidden away in the tower of Macky Auditorium:
Alan also visited the research facilities and classrooms of the ATLAS Institute to learn about the groundbreaking research and creative technology education happening there. Afterwards, he delivered a keynote speech about designing a creative career, and how being a polymath has continued to benefit his life and work.
