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Dwight Hutchins standing in front of a podium giving a speech at the EDP 50th Gala

Mark Dean Center for Advanced Computing Established Through Hutchins Gift

The Tickle College of Engineering celebrated the 50th anniversary of the named Dwight Hutchins Office of Engineering Diversity Programs (EDP) with a gathering that honored its rich history and set meaningful foundations for current and future students.

Mark Dean

In alignment with the gift that named the program, Hutchins (BS/ChE ’86) announced two related honors for alumni colleagues, recognizing achievements of both worldwide and very personal impact.

Hutchins honored fellow EDP alumnus Mark Dean (BS/EE ’79) by establishing the Mark Dean Advanced Computing Program Endowment in the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS).

Dean is a pioneer in computing and holds three of nine PC patents as the co-creator of the IBM personal computer released in 1981. He earned the college’s top recognition for alumni with the 2005 Nathan W. Dougherty Award. Dean followed his distinguished IBM career with a return to UT Knoxville to serve as a computer science faculty member and interim dean of the engineering college.

The endowment will be used as a matching/challenge incentive for a corporate partner to provide additional funding to fully endow a Mark Dean Center of Advanced Computing.

“Dean literally helped invent the personal computer,” said Hutchins. “This center will recognize that legacy, and continue to invest in quantum, AI, and, cyber so that we can continue to dominate and advance the art and science of computer engineering and computer science.”

Dwight Hutchins mingling with other people at the EDP 50th Gala

“I am humbled and greatly honored to have this center carry my name,” said Dean. “This honor is one of the most significant and cherished of my career. The endowment will help the Tickle College of Engineering and the EECS department to continue to support professors and students in the advancement of computing technologies. I would like to thank Dwight Hutchins for his generous contributions to the college and university, including his involvement with this new center. It is people like Dwight who are making it possible for the college and university to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead us into the future.”

Contact

Randall Brown (rbrown73@utk.edu)