INSTITUTE for ADVANCED STUDY Einstein Drive Princeton, NJ 08540-0631 Telephone 609.734.8204 Fax 609.683.7605 Email
“ he Institute for Advanced Study has Talways been very fortunate in its Nancy S. and friends, whose ongoing support has been critical to the success of this institution Duncan L. MacMillan: since its earliest days. Over the decades, Leading by Example friends have made vital contributions to the Institute in many different ways. They have ancy and Duncan MacMillan have been Friends helped it to grow and thrive, and to have of the Institute for Advanced Study since 1993, an extraordinary impact on research and Nand members of the Chairman’s Circle of the scholarship worldwide. This issue of Friends since 1997. Nancy joined the Board of Trustees Attributions pays tribute to three couples in 2001 and currently serves as Chair of the Develop- who, as good Friends of the Institute, have ment Committee and as a member of the Search Com- shown consistent commitment to its work. mittee for the seventh Director of the Institute. The Nancy and Duncan MacMillan are MacMillans have made generous contributions in nurturing the young field of theoretical support of the Professorship in Theoretical Computer computer science with their support of the Science in the School of Mathematics. Professorship in Theoretical Computer Computers have played a significant role in the lives Science in the School of Mathematics. As a of Nancy and Duncan MacMillan. The couple first met member of the Director’s Search Committee in the operations research department of Bankers Trust and Chair of the Institute’s Development in 1967, when working on financial modeling using DAVID GRAHAM Committee, Nancy MacMillan is helping to computers. It was a first job for both of them. Nancy define the Institute’s role in the 21st centu- had just graduated from Connecticut College, with a Nancy S. and Duncan L. MacMillan ry and strengthen the awareness of its pur- B.A. in economics and mathematics, and Duncan from pose in the outside community. Rutgers University, where he studied mathematics, I’m not a risk-taker.” At Bloomberg, he worked 7 days Elena and Giorgio Petronio were intro- after having served in the Marine Corps for four years. a week for the first few years. Duncan still works for duced to the Institute twenty years ago by “He thought he’d saved enough money in the service to Bloomberg LP. Enrico Bombieri, Professor in the School of finance college, but after six months he knew he hadn’t,” With their shared background in computing it is Mathematics, and have been very active says Nancy. Duncan received a scholarship funded by perhaps not surprising that the MacMillans were attract- Friends of the Institute ever since. They are the owner of the 21 Club in New York City. In 1995, he ed to the opportunity to support the new field of theo- convinced of the importance of fundamen- acknowledged his benefactor by establishing a scholar- retical computer science at the Institute. “When Phillip tal research and, in Giorgio’s words,“we ship at Rutgers that favors older students returning to approached us with the proposal for the professorship in support the Institute in any way we can.” train for new careers. “When he named the scholarship theoretical computer science, it seemed the perfect match The longstanding relationship between he put a little 21 in the name, in recognition of the help for us,” says Nancy. “It made sense because of my mem- the Institute and Peggy and Frank Taplin that he had received,” Nancy recalls. ories of the computer here, and because it is through began over thirty years ago, and continues While working for Bankers Trust, Nancy earned her computers and my husband’s work that we are able to into the 21st century. The Taplins have MA in economics from Hunter College in 1971. In 1977, do this.” The MacMillan’s gift of $3 million established endowed Memberships in the School of she received an MBA in finance from Rider University. the Professorship in Theoretical Computer Science that Natural Sciences. They have been tireless She is currently Publisher of the Princeton Alumni is held by Avi Wigderson (see page 2). advocates for the Institute’s conservation Weekly, and maintains a busy schedule, with commit- “A sense of connection is a key element in giving,” efforts and their generous support helped to ments on the Board of Trustees of the American Reper- says Nancy. “Any substantial gift is about confidence in make possible the preservation of nearly tory Ballet, and activities in support of the Auxiliary of the organization and confidence in its people. When you 600 acres of the Institute’s woods and the Medical Center at Princeton, as well as other local can make a difference, you want to.” fields. As important as these contributions non-profit organizations. Nancy MacMillan’s connection to the Institute for are, we also value greatly the less measur- Duncan went on to work for Salomon Brothers on Advanced Study is deepened by the fact that her great- able contributions that good friends also Wall Street. In 1981, he and Salomon colleague Michael uncle Herbert Halsey Maass was instrumental in its make: those of perceptive insights, sound Bloomberg with two other associates formed Bloomberg founding. Attorney and close adviser to the Bambergers, advice, constant goodwill, and the generous LP to provide analytical services to investment and Maass introduced them to Abraham Flexner, in the commitment of time and energy that helps securities firms worldwide. Duncan designed many of expectation that something great would result. Thus, goals become reality. the applications by which the company provides instan- Nancy’s great-uncle was the catalyst that brought the If a person is known by the company he taneous access to real-time financial data. Since 1981, Institute into being. As a Trustee from 1930 and Pres- or she keeps, an organization may be mea- Bloomberg LP has transformed the securities business, ident of the Board from 1942–1949, his wisdom and sured in part by the quality of its friends. and Mike Bloomberg has become Mayor of New York leadership helped shape the Institute from its inception In a time of unrest and change, we grate- City. But, coming at a time when their children, Kevin until his death in 1957. fully acknowledge and cherish our friends. and Alissa, were very young, Nancy admits to being Although she was just 12 years old when her great- apprehensive about the move from Salomon. “I thought uncle passed away, Nancy had a warm relationship with – Vartan Gregorian, Board of Trustees he shouldn’t leave since he was doing well at Salomon. (Continued on page 2) Avi Wigderson From left, Phillip A. Griffiths, Institute Director, Nancy S. MacMillan, Trustee, and James D.Wolfensohn, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. CLIFF MOORE
idely recognized as an authority in the MacMillans (continued from page 1) for genetics research with a gift to Rutgers Wdeveloping field of theoretical comput- her great-aunt Hannah, whom she remembers as University. Their generosity to Rutgers stems er science, Avi Wigderson’s work advances an a very modest woman. At a time when few chil- from the affection Duncan feels for his alma area last explored at the Institute during the dren had even heard of a computer, Nancy was mater, where he currently serves on the Board tenure of John von Neumann. Professor aware of the importance that her relative of Governors. Their generous support of the Wigderson’s particular research interests attached to the Institute: “She would speak about Institute stems from a first-hand appreciation include randomness and computation, algo- how exciting it was and about the computer.” As of its special mission. “I hear repeatedly from rithms and optimization, proof complexity, the wife of Herbert Maass, Hannah had observed Members that the Institute is unique in anticipat- quantum computation and communication, the machine that was John von Neumann’s ing every need, so that a scholar’s only concern cryptography and distributed computation. Electronic Computer Project (ECP). Von is to pursue research for a period of intense The practical use of computers, and the Neumann was a Faculty member until his death, creativity,” says Nancy. Of her own visits to the mathematical depth of the abstract notion of also in 1957. The year 2003 is the centenary of Institute, she comments, “One comes here and “computation,” have significantly altered and von Neumann’s birth in Budapest, Hungary. feels refreshed and renewed and eager to learn expanded theoretical computing into a new His legacy was the focus of a public lecture by something. It’s a very calming atmosphere, but at science with its own paradigms. The field’s Director’s Visitor George Dyson at the Institute the same time, you know all these wonderful foundations draw upon the fundamental disci- on March 6. In “Von Neumann’s Universe: thinkers are here, now as in the past.” plines of mathematical logic, pure mathemat- 1903–2003,” Dyson emphasized von Neumann’s During a recent visit, Nancy and her second ics and applied mathematics. In the last quar- revolutionary work in computing. cousin, Matthew Oristano, the grandson of ter century, the field has developed into one Designed as a mathematical tool, the capa- Herbert Maass, learned more of their relative’s of the most vibrant and active areas of scien- bilities of the early computer were tested on role in the Institute’s past and were introduced tific study to attract talented young scientists. problems drawn from dynamic meteorology. to some of the Institute’s present Faculty and Professor Wigderson was appointed to a Some fifty years later, this ground-breaking work Members. “We met a cross section of the Insti- newly-created faculty position in the School that led to advances in weather prediction is tute community — somebody who was 30, of Mathematics in 1999. He leads the special being recognized. In April, Franklin Medals in somebody who was 70. Their energy and program in Theoretical Computer Science Earth Sciences were awarded to theoretical excitement about their research and being at and Discrete Mathematics (TCS/DM) which meteorologists Norman A. Phillips and Joseph the Institute was infectious,” Nancy recalls. works in close collaboration with Princeton Smagorinsky. Both scientists attribute their suc- Excitement for the pursuit of intellectual and Rutgers universities, and research groups cess to their early work at the Institute, which ideas is the hallmark of the Institute and of the such as the Center for Discrete Mathematics Smagorinsky has described as “the most impor- relatively new field of theoretical computer and Theoretical Computer Science (DIMACS), tant formative period of my career.” science. The generous support of Nancy and and the NEC Research Institute. The MacMillans appreciate the fundamental Duncan MacMillan contributes to this vibrant Born in Israel in 1956, Avi Wigderson nature of work carried out at the Institute. “This and active area of scientific study that had its received his B.Sc. in computer science place creates a certain energy,” says Nancy. “It early beginnings at the Institute half a century summa cum laude from Technicon-Israel gets attention because some key big names were ago and is attracting many of the best young Institute of Technology before undertaking here in the past. But even if those names were scientists of today. M.S.E., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in com- not associated with the Institute, it would de- puter science at Princeton University. He serve the same attention because of the work has taught at the University of California, that goes on now.” Berkeley. In 1995–96 he was a visiting As self-effacing as her great-aunt, Nancy Member in the School of Mathematics at prefers gift-giving to be anonymous and had to the Institute. He is also a professor at the be persuaded otherwise by her husband, Duncan. Institute for Computer Science of The “We live modest lives. But my husband believes L EON L EVY Hebrew University, Jerusalem. In 1994, he very strongly about leading by example. He per- (1925-2003) received the Nevanlinna Prize, presented by suaded me that if having one’s name associated the International Mathematical Union, for with a gift encourages others to contribute then The Institute for Advanced Study outstanding work in the field of theoretical that is as important as the gift itself.” is profoundly grateful computer science. He is also a recipient of The MacMillans lead by example in their the Yoram Ben-Porat Presidential Prize for generous support for the McCarter Theatre, for the life of Leon Levy. outstanding Researcher. where Duncan is a member of the Board of Trustees. In 1999, the couple spearheaded a path
2 Ways to Give
C HARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST s a native of Trieste, Giorgio property, or other assets are transferred into Petronio appreciates the interna- the trust. The trustee manages the trust assets A.tional character of the Institute for and pays the donor a variable income for life Advanced Study perhaps more than most or for a term of years. When the trust donors. He and his wife, Elly, came to the terminates, the remaining assets in the trust United States in 1979, when Giorgio was are transferred to the charitable institution. named group chairman of Johnson and Giorgio views it as an ideal investment Johnson. Socially, they met fellow Italian vehicle, in which one can “... say goodbye to Enrico Bombieri, a professor in the $1 million, for example, but in return receive Institute’s School of Mathematics. As that an income for life.” This was attractive to Elly personal relationship deepened, they came and Giorgio. to learn more about the Institute’s goals While enthusiastic about the benefits of and purpose. They were particularly a charitable remainder trust, which he impressed by its global impact — the fact described as “writing a will in advance,” that each year nearly 200 scholars and Giorgio cautioned that it is important to scientists from all over the world come choose the method or investment vehicle here to work under the guidance of the Elena and Giorgio Petronio that best meets your needs, particularly in Institute Faculty, and then return to their this time of changed world circumstances. A home institutions, sharing what they have learned. CRUT provides payment of a percentage of the fair market value of “I think this is fantastic,” Giorgio stated. “I support this 100%.” the trust, which is re-valued annually. As the value of the trust Giorgio and Elly first demonstrated their support in 1984 by join- increases or decreases, so does the payment, which can be a downside ing the Friends of the Institute. They started coming to the lectures in today’s uncertain market. and concerts, and “... the Dining Room was quite an attraction.” Giorgio maintains that it has been a pleasure to give to the Later, they were introduced to Director Phillip Griffiths and his wife, Institute through a planned gift, rather than a more traditional Taffy, whom they have come to admire and respect. Giorgio particu- bequest. “If it is right for your circumstances, such a gift can allow larly identifies with Dr. Griffiths’ defense of the value of “useless you to deepen your relationship with an organization you believe in, research,” which often unlocks the way to unforeseen discoveries while you are around to enjoy it.” Giorgio notes that, as a donor, it is that can have a tremendous impact on our lives. important to be able to trust that one’s gift is invested wisely. A par- When the Petronios began to explore the idea of setting up a ticular appeal of the Institute in this respect is the caliber of people on charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT), the choice of the Institute the Institute’s Board of Trustees, many of whom are well-respected came naturally. They were already staunch supporters; when they read names in the financial community. This extraordinary level of financial an Institute publication featuring an article about Professor Bombieri’s expertise is reassuring. positive experience in setting up a trust, they decided that a CRUT Members of the Einstein Legacy Society, the Petronios continue could fulfill some personal needs as well as satisfy their desire to to be active Friends of the Institute. Elly is an avid gardener while increase their support for the Institute. Giorgio, now retired from a long and illustrious career with Johnson The appeal of a CRUT lies in the guarantee of receiving a certain and Johnson, relishes the time and attention he can devote to “the percentage of interest each year, while permitting the avoidance of pleasures of giving.” capital gains taxes on highly appreciated assets. Cash, securities, real
AMIAS-Sponsored conducted at the Institute and which provided ical puzzles,” said von Staden. the blueprint for the modern computer. Diana Kormos-Buchwald, Director and Public Lectures The biennial AMIAS conference held April General Editor of The Einstein Papers, and 4–5 featured four speakers. Jean Bourgain, pro- Associate Professor of History at California ix free public lectures sponsored by the fessor in the School of Mathematics, presented Institute of Technology, presented “Einstein’s SAssociation of Members of the Institute for “A Journey in the World of Differential Equations,” Legacy: A Quarter Century of The Collected Advanced Study (AMIAS) drew a cross-section on Friday,April 4. Professor Bourgain explored Papers of Albert Einstein” on April 5. Described of the community to Wolfensohn Hall this term. some recent developments in the field, and as “one of the most ambitious publication On January 30, Director’s Visitor George touched on the “somewhat controversial role of efforts in the history of science,” the project Dyson inspired a young audience with “Project computers in the practice of pure mathematics.” comprises more than 50,000 Einstein and Orion 1957–65: An Illustrated Program for In “Human Dissection and Vivisection: Einstein-related documents. Ages Ten and Up.” Together with Freeman J. Science, Religion, and Politics in Ancient Also on April 5, molecular biologist Dyson, Professor Emeritus in the School of Greece,” Heinrich von Staden, professor in Arnold Levine, visiting professor in the School Natural Sciences (and the speaker’s father), the School of Historical Studies, discussed of Natural Sciences, presented “The Human George Dyson spoke on the value of imaginative Herophilus and Erasistratus, two Greek physi- Genome Project:Where Do We Go From Here?” speculation to the development of science. cians of the 3rd century BCE who were the first “The sequence of the human genome is now On March 6, George Dyson presented “Von ancients to perform systematic dissections of completed, and has given us new insights into Neumann’s Universe: 1903–2003,” describing human cadavers. “The uniqueness of their activ- human evolution, disease processes, and biologi- the work that John von Neumann, one of the ities within the history of ancient science and cal functions,” Professor Levine observed. 20th century’s most significant mathematicians, medicine presents a series of challenging histor-
3 Chairman’s and Director’s Circle Dinner
Annette Merle-Smith (left) with the evening’s speaker, Robert Anderson, and Vera Kohn.
Patricia Hagan (left) with Rosanna and Charles Jaffin.
Lynn Johnston (left) with William and Tina Greenberg. Elena Petronio and James Scott Hill.
n Tuesday, March 11, Phillip and OMarian Griffiths hosted an evening at Marquand House in honor of the Chairman’s and Director’s Circle of the Friends of the Institute for Advanced Study. Historian of science Robert Anderson discussed “Issues Museums Face Today.” A Member in the School of Historical Studies, Dr. Anderson was Director of the British Museum from 1992 to 2002. At the Institute he has been researching a book on the impact of museums on the lives of working people in the 19th century. Dr. Anderson’s presentation was followed by dinner. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA KANE Phyllis Heilborn (left) with Ginny and Robert Loughlin (center) and George Heilborn.
4 Peggy and Frank E. Taplin, Jr.: When a man is tired of the Institute, he is tired of life...
n a small clearing in the woods behind the Both Peggy and .historic Thomas Clarke House stand four Frank Taplin, Jr. grew I.bronzed land markers. One records the his- up in Cleveland, Ohio. tory of the land, one commemorates its conser- Frank’s father founded vation, one acknowledges the hundreds of indi- the North American viduals involved in the preservation effort, and Coal Corporation in one is dedicated to the “foresight and generosity” 1913. Peggy’s grandfa- of Peggy and Frank Taplin. ther was the 19th cen- The Taplins are long-standing Friends of the tury American portrait Institute. Frank E. Taplin, Jr. has been a Trustee and landscape painter for more than thirty years. Since 1971, he has Joseph Oriel Eaton. been articulate on behalf of the Institute’s intel- Her sister is the painter lectual mission and tireless on behalf of its con- Anne Eaton Parker. servation efforts. In 1997, the Taplins’ generous Their family had a deep gift and Frank Taplin’s personal leadership was appreciation for art and vital in seeding the Institute’s efforts to preserve Peggy and Frank Taplin at home in Princeton. culture. Peggy recalls a 589 acres of Institute woods and fields in perpe- summer spent in tuity. The Institute Lands form a vital ecological of productivity. “What worries me is the num- Florence as a child, where the sisters knew the link in a network of open space between New ber of corporations, like Bell Labs, that used to Uffizi as well as their home. York City and Philadelphia. emphasize the importance of fundamental scien- In 1957, the Taplins moved to Princeton In the Princeton community, the Taplin tific research and are now driven more by the where Frank served as assistant to Princeton name is synonymous with music and Princeton desire for short-term results of their investment. University President Robert Goheen, until 1959. University’s Taplin Auditorium. Frank Taplin has I never question the importance of new knowl- Frank was not new to the University, however. headed boards for nationally eminent musical edge. One never knows how it will ultimately He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in his- organizations and earned a reputation for putting be useful. When Bell Labs developed the transis- tory with the class of 1937. Subsequently, he faltering arts organizations back on their feet: tor they had little idea of how it would be used. went to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. first, as a trustee of the Marlboro School of It replaced the vacuum tube,” he says. He left Oxford in 1939 with an M.A. in Music in Vermont, and subsequently as chief Frank Taplin is equally passionate about the Jurisprudence and thence to Yale Law School executive officer of the Metropolitan Opera benefits to the Institute and to the intellectual where he earned his J.D. in 1941. From Law Association, where he presided over an outstand- community at large of mentoring young scholars School, he volunteered for the Navy and served ing financial turnaround. While his success with and scientists. Believing that the interplay be- in naval intelligence during WWII. After four the Met is perhaps his most public achievement, tween visiting Members and permanent Faculty years in the Pacific, he returned to Cleveland he has raised major support for a long list of civic is a crucial element in the Institute’s success, the where he practiced law for four years before and cultural institutions, including the Lincoln Taplins responded to the opportunity to endow deciding to devote his attention to civic affairs. Center Chamber Music Society, the Cleveland named Memberships. The Taplins’ charitable Drawn to public service from an early age, he Institute of Music, the Cleveland Orchestra, and remainder trust endowed two Frank and Peggy has been engaged in philanthropic work ever Sarah Lawrence College. His successes are aided Taplin Memberships in the School of Natural since, at the national and local level. by the fact that he leads by example; his credibili- Sciences, in particle physics and in astrophysics. The Taplins are committed patrons of the ty, by the fact that he is an accomplished pianist in A conversation with Frank and Peggy Taplin arts who value fundamental research. Their his own right. He has performed with first class can be a heady affair, ranging from the scientific numerous gifts of artwork to the Institute professional musicians and, until lately, held a underpinnings of global warming to the Essays of enhance the walls of the dining hall and common union card of the American Federation of Montaigne, whose famous remark “Mon métier room. Two years shy of his ninetieth birthday, Musicians (Local 4, Cleveland, Ohio). et mon art c’est vivre,” applies equally to Frank Frank Taplin expresses the Taplin philosophy. While his musical talents are appreciated Taplin. Frank is as likely to sit down at the piano Citing the accomplishments of Verdi, who was at the Institute for Advanced Study, where the and play a Bach fugue as quote a Shakespearean over 80 years of age when he composed Otello announcement of “Frank Taplin at the Piano” Sonnet, and don’t get him started on anyons, and Falstaff, he says, “The worst thing that can draws an eager audience for the holiday party, it those strange little particles named by Institute happen to us as we get on in years is to shrink is his passion for science that comes to the fore physicist Frank Wilczek in 1982. Frank Taplin’s from challenge. For me, enjoyment of life is here. “I’ve always been fascinated by anything witty “Anyons Anyone?” one of several high- largely linked to the ability to keep one’s curi- to do with the cosmos, anything to do with the spirited compositions inspired by the subatomic osity, to keep in touch with what is going on in origin of things, with astrophysics, even particle world, is included in his self-published chapbook the world, what’s being discovered and thought physics.” Of the Institute, where he regularly series titled Hot Doggerel (I-IV). about. At the Institute, one is in touch with the lunches and attends scholarly seminars, he As reserved as her husband is outgoing, finest minds ... the Institute’s permanent Faculty remarks, “I have a very strong feeling of its Peggy’s interests are health and welfare of the and its vibrant young visiting Members ... Waking importance as a place where gifted scholars have young and the underprivileged. The couple cele- up one morning to learn that Kirk Varnedoe had the opportunity to work at the frontiers of their brated a Golden Wedding Anniversary this year, joined the Faculty of the Institute was marvelous.” discipline without the constraints of departmen- on April 27. They met in 1951 when Peggy was Adapting Dr. Johnson’s famous quip, Frank tal or teaching requirements.” a young widow with three daughters and Frank Taplin substitutes “the Institute” for England’s Frank Taplin’s enthusiasm for the Institute a divorcee with children of his own. “He very capital city and expresses his enthusiasm in a recognizes its role as an independent institution graciously took on four women,” says Peggy. nutshell. unhampered by simplistic quantitative measures Together, the couple has raised six children.
5 BIG IDEAS Dinner At a celebratory dinner held on April 1, the Institute for Advanced Study and Thirteen/WNET New York marked the completion and release of BIG IDEAS, the four-part public television series in which several of the Faculty and scholars at the Institute present some of their ideas in conver- sation with science journalist Ira Flatow. The programs, titled “Exploring the Cosmos,”“Einstein’s Dream,”“A New History of the World,” and “Thinking Big,” aired in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area on April 3, 10, 24, and May 1, respectively. The series is also showing in over 45 markets across the country; please check local PBS listings for air times Institute Trustee Marina and dates, or the BIG IDEAS website at www.thirteen.org/bigideas. von Neumann Whitman.
Ambrose Monell and Rosalind P.Walter. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA KANE Professor Enrico Bombieri of the School of Mathematics, with Bill Baker, President of Ted and Mary Cross. BIG IDEAS Executive Producer Beth Hoppe (left), and Thirteen/WNET New York, Producer Larkin McPhee (right). with Mary Keating.
Non-Profit Org. INSTITUTE for ADVANCED STUDY Einstein Drive US POSTAGE Princeton, NJ 08540-0631 PAID Permit # 49 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Princeton, NJ James D. Wolfensohn, Chair Leon Levy,Vice Chair Martin L. Leibowitz,Vice Chair
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Nancy S. MacMillan, Chair Vartan Gregorian,Vice Chair
AMIAS (ASSOCIATION OF MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY) Melvyn B. Nathanson, President
FRIENDS OF THE INSTITUTE William G. Bardel, Chair
EINSTEIN LEGACY SOCIETY Martin A. Chooljian, Co-Chair Charles L. and Rosanna Jaffin, Co-Chairs
DIRECTOR’S OFFICE Telephone 609.734.8204 Fax 609.683.7605 E-mail