Arbib honored at CS homecoming

During the annual Computer Science homecoming event held on October 14, alumni and friends gathered at a luncheon to celebrate Professor Michael Arbib’s 35th anniversary of his arrival at UMass Amherst. Earlier that same week, Arbib gave a presentation as part of the Department’s Distinguished Lecture Series.

Arbib, a former UMass Amherst Computer Science Department chair, was a professor in the Department from 1970 to 1986. Upon his arrival in 1970, Arbib began the process of establishing the Department’s Ph.D. program. He is currently a University Professor, Fletcher Jones Chair and Professor in Computer Science, and Professor of Biological Sciences, Psychology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern California.

(left to right) Professor Michael Arbib talks with Professor Andrew Barto and CS alumnus Dr. Jeff Bonar (Ph.D. '85) at the CS Homecoming.

In addition to the luncheon in Arbib’s honor, other homecoming events included a research poster session, building tours, and reception. College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean George Langford greeted the crowd at the start of the reception.

Even though there was torrential rain during CS homecoming day and for the rest of the weekend, a good showing of alumni and friends braved the storm to attend the event. Attendees got the chance to reunite with old friends and faculty and see the latest research initiatives in the Department. Stay tuned for plans for next year’s event.