1 I,,, e·Universityof· Minnesota-Duluth Winter For Alumni and Friends of UMD 1990 UMD in the 1980s UMD continued to attract national attention ln the 1980s, from the success of our academic programs to athletic achievements. For a look back at UMD ln the 1980s, see pages 5-11. 1 7-: ..... CLARK THOMBORSON The·Universityof-Minnesota-Duluth·Bridge Page 1 Computer scientist thrives at UMD by Doris Pride Maybe it's because he spent eight years in Berkeley. Or perhaps it's Just that he was raised to be practical. Whatever the reason, Clark Thomborson is one of those professors who doesn'tjust talk about ideals, he lives them. A promising young professor in computer science at the University of California-Berkeley in 1979, Thomborson gradu- ally stopped applying for research grant money from the Department of Defense. "I was writing papers that were critical of the high percentage of military funding in computer science research. After awhile I thought it was hypocritical to take money from the defense depart- ment, so I stopped apply- ing for DOD grant money," says Thomborson. In an academic depart- ment where the average Clark Thomborson left Berkeley almost four years ago after he decided not to accept funding from the annual grant money per Department of Defense for research that would ultimately be used to further the Strategic Defense Initiative. faculty member was half- Today, the computer scientist is thriving at UMD in the computer science and computer engineering a -million dollars, departments. He is pictured here with his wife, Barbara, and their children, Luke and Juliet. Thomborson's funding soon dwindled to less than At UMD, his research wide and even keeps in expensive calculators were had found supercomput- a fifth of that, he says, has more practical appli- touch with former gradu- when they first came out? ers tended to compare prejudicing his prospects cations - building better ate students all over the Well, I don't think they'll unfavorably to individual for tenure. computers and networks world. ever be giving away PCs computer workstations in Why did the young for daily use in business, The son of an M.I.T.- with a book purchase, but some areas of research. professor decline to do academia and industry. educated engineer, Thom- they will become far more "Cray stock went back defense department "At Berkeley, the pace was borson grew up Clark affordable in the next few up again after a few days, research? so frenetic that it was Thompson in southern years," he says. but I was pleased to see "I have a strong appre- unusual for a colleague to California. When he Computer networking, that someone was listen- ciation for the practical - take the time for coffee or married Barbara Borske, he believes, is in its ing." Thomborson says I wanted to see my re- a relaxed conversation they merged their names infancy. "We're still in the with a chuckle. search pragmatically that might lead to re- to form Thomborson age of the pony express Although he chooses not applied in everyday life," search collaboration." (Tom-bor-son). when it comes to com- to contribute his talents to he responds. And con- But, he adds, part of After earning his puter networking." he the front lines of SDI ducting research that that Berkeley pace proba- bachelor's and master's says. Ultimately. he research, Thomborson is would ultimately be used bly has to do with the very degrees from Stanford predicts, computers will philosophical about the to further the Strategic nature of computer sci- University in California, be able to use voice ecological and military Defense Initiative didn't flt ence, a new and rapidly Thomborson went on to transmission - but that assaults on the environ- his idea of pragmatic evolving discipline. "Most earn a doctorate in com- will be much more expen- ment. research. research in computer puter science from Carne- sive to implement. "We're used to a level of So Thomborson became science is pursued at that gie-Mellon University in Although it's more of a material comfort that has one of a growing body of frantic pace - there's a Pennsylvania. concern than a prediction, an ecological cost." he elite, concerned scientists feeling that you need to Because computer he says the potential for says. "Very few of us have who argue the absurdity get it out the door before it science is such a young computer crime in finan- addressed the 'technoflx' of Star Wars research at becomes obsolete." discipline, one of the cial networks is very real. mindset." any cost. The technology changes biggest challenges has "It's something that His overriding philoso- After leaving Berkeley so quickly, he adds, that been simply in holding a further research can phy is "taking life as it is nearly four years ago, he it's not appropriate to department together. he probably help. but the and Just living it." To his was quickly hired at UMD polish a paper. says. "There aren't many system will never be children. ages 2 and 6, he in the computer science It's fitting that the very older faculty members, so totally invincible." he says. simply hopes he can give and computer engineering technology he studies at 36 I'm considered a When Thomborson a sense of balance to live departments. "It's been enables Thomborson to senior professor, literally. recently gave a paper. in an unsure universe. amazingly fertile for me thrive in Duluth. "Duluth That's a little pressure." "Shouldn't a Cray be "The dinosaurs were here," says Thomborson, isn't isolated for me What predictions does Much Faster than a doing OK, too, until recently promoted to full because I can keep up-to- Thomborson have for the Workstation?" at a Twin something happened." he professor. "People here date via the computer future of the technology Cities colloquium, the says. "Maybe we'll be have time in a way that at networks." he studies? For one thing, stock of supercomputer luckier." Berkeley they didn't have Through his computer he says that personal giant Cray Research, Inc .. Doris Pride is news time. I've found it possible network. he submits computers will multiply dropped four points. While director in the Alumni and to work on research with research papers. consults and become cheaper. conducting his own Media Relations office. fellow faculty." with colleagues nation- "You remember how research, Thomborson Page 2 ' .:. • The Winter Bridge . ,. • Carlson steps down CLA dean resigns Student dies in freak Watt named assistant from VCAA position after three years kayaking accident development director Robert L. Carlson, vice chancellor Judith Gillespie, dean of the UtttD A scholarship fund for outdoor James M. Watt has been named of academic administration, will College of Liberal Arts, resigned In education has been established at assistant director of development return to the classroom as profes- January. Associate Dean Jackson UMD in memory of Matt Link, a at UMD. In his new position, Watt sor of chemistry at UMD effective Huntley will serve as interim dean UMD student who drowned in a is responsible for cultivating and July 1. Carlson was named UMD's until the search process is com- freak kayaking accident in Decem- soliciting regional businesses for academic vice chancellor in April of pleted for interim dean. Gillespie, ber. Link, 21, of Willow River, was contributions, assisting in all 1988, after serving as acting vice who has been at UMD for more taking part in a three-month in- community fund drives and special chancellor for nearly two years. than three years, resigned to ac- ternship in New Zealand as part of campaigns, supervising the UMD Chancellor Lawrence A. Ianni cept a position at Lakewood Com- UMD's Outdoor Education Pro- annual fund drive, and developing praised Carlson for his work with munity College in White Bear Lake, gram. Witnesses say his kayak and writing promotional material. UMD's North Central reaccredita- Minn. became lodged under an iron bar, Most recently with Altek Computer tion process and the establishment pinning Link beneath rushing Systems Inc. of Duluth, Watt has of UMD's Achievement Center. He DeWitt acting director water at a small dam where he and worked for the Carlson Companies, also cited Carlson's crucial role in of Tweed Museum other kayakers were practicing. BBF&W Advertising/Bradseth maintaining stability during the Link was the first UMD student to Group, Courier Network Interna- transition between chancellors in Martin DeWitt has been appointed participate in the New Zealand tional, and as administrative aide 1987. Ianni said a screening com- acting director of the UMD Tweed student exchange, and he was to Duluth Mayor John Fedo. A mittee will be formed and a nation- Museum of Art. DeWitt, who has eight weeks into the internship. His 1981 graduate of UMD. Watt has wide search will begin by the been curator of exhibitions and father, Mike Link. has taught at also served as a fundraising and middle of February. A tentative collections for the past three years, UMD and is the executive director promotional consultant to the ···~ application deadline of April 1 has was appointed acting director fol- of the International Wolf Center in UMD Royal D. Alworth Jr., Insti- been set, with an appointment or lowing the departure of former di- Ely and director of Northwoods tute for International Studies. extension of the search estimated rector Steven Klindt to the Queens Audubon Center in Sandstone. in late May or early June. An or- Museum in New York. Prior to Donations can be sent to: Matt ganic chemist, Carlson joined the coming to the Tweed, DeWitt spent Link Outdoor Education Memorial UMD faculty In 1966.