Donald B. Gillies

Donald B. Gillies (1928–1975) was a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1956 to 1975. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto (1949) and his Ph.D. from Princeton University (1953). At Princeton, he worked under John von Neumann, a pioneer of digital computing. Gillies contributed to early computing milestones, including calculating Sputnik's orbit and discovering three new prime numbers during ILLIAC II testing. Despite a lifelong stutter, he emphasized hands-on computing education, securing a Fortran compiler from the University of Waterloo to enable programming courses for non-CS students. He championed ethical computing and left a legacy of rigorous yet accessible education.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree: University of Toronto, Canada (1949)
• Ph.D.: Princeton University, USA (1953)

Research & Contributions: Gillies pioneered early compiler implementation, emphasized computational ethics, and advanced numerical analysis. His work bridged theoretical mathematics and applied computing, influencing generations of computer scientists.

Honors: The Donald B. Gillies Chair in Computer Science was established posthumously in 1999 by Larry White, a former student. This chair honors his enduring impact on computer science education and research.

Legacy: Gillies’ advocacy for accessible computing education and ethical technology use resonated beyond academia. His son, Don Gillies (MS ’90, PhD ’93), highlighted his dedication to empowering students through practical tools like the Fortran compiler.