Molly Corbett Broad, Died at 81, American academic administrator

Molly Corbett Broad: A Visionary Academic Leader

Molly Corbett Broad (February 22, 1941 – January 2, 2023) was an esteemed American academic administrator who left an indelible mark on higher education. Her influential career spanned leadership roles in prestigious institutions, shaping the landscape of academia.

Early Years and Education

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on February 22, 1941, Molly Corbett was raised by Stanley A. Corbett and Margaret (née Kelly) Corbett, both esteemed public school teachers. Their dedication to education deeply influenced Molly's values. Molly Corbett began her higher education journey at Syracuse University, where she was a recipient of the General Motors Scholarship. A dedicated student and member of Kappa Alpha Theta, she graduated in 1962 with Phi Beta Kappa honors and a degree in economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Molly Corbett Broad maintained strong ties with Syracuse University throughout her life, serving on the Maxwell School Advisory Board and receiving various prestigious honors from her alma mater. She continued her academic pursuits, earning a master's degree in economics from Ohio State University.

A Career in Academic Leadership

Molly Corbett Broad's illustrious career in university administration commenced at Syracuse University, where she held vital positions from 1971 to 1985. Her roles included Manager of the Office of Budget and Planning, Director of Institutional Research, and Vice President for Government and Corporate Relations. She also served as the Director of the New York State Commission on the Future of Postsecondary Education in 1976.

Her journey led her to become the Chief Executive Officer for the Arizona University System from 1985 to 1992. She later joined the California State University System, serving as Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance from 1992 to 1993 and then as Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer from 1993 to 1997.

A significant highlight of Molly Corbett Broad's career was her tenure as the third President of the University of North Carolina system, a position she held from 1997 to 2006. During her tenure, she achieved remarkable milestones, including overseeing a historic $3.1 billion higher education bond and pioneering the state's inaugural need-based scholarship program. She advocated for increased minority enrollment, enhanced accessibility through technology, and greater autonomy for individual campuses. Molly Corbett Broad also sought innovative projects to generate additional funding for the UNC System and the state's economy.

Post her North Carolina tenure, she assumed the presidency of the American Council on Education on January 15, 2008, becoming the first woman to lead the organization since its founding in 1918. She left an indelible mark during her presidency, championing education until her departure on October 31, 2017.

Even beyond her formal roles, Molly Corbett Broad remained engaged in the educational landscape. She became a partner at RIDGE-LANE LP's Education Practice in 2018 and contributed her expertise through roles on the TIAA-CREF Board of Overseers and the PBS Board of Directors. Notably, she served as the chair of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, a significant research, policy, and advocacy organization.

Personal Life and Legacy

Molly Corbett Broad's personal and professional life were deeply intertwined. She met her husband, Robert W. Broad, during her time at Syracuse University, and they married in 1962. Their union was blessed with two adult sons. Tragically, Robert W. Broad passed away in 2020, leaving a void in her life.

On January 2, 2023, Molly Corbett Broad peacefully passed away at the age of 81. Her remarkable contributions to academia, her pioneering spirit, and her unwavering dedication to education will forever be celebrated and remembered as a vital part of her enduring legacy.

Mohamed Enani, Egyptian writer and translator, Died at 83

Mohamed Enani: A Respected Egyptian Scholar and Translator

Mohamed Enani (Arabic: محمد عناني) was a prominent and highly regarded figure in the world of literature, celebrated for his exceptional contributions as a translator, fiction writer, dramatist, critic, and scholar. Born on January 4, 1939, in Rosetta, El-Behera, Egypt, Enani's life was dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the art of language. His passing on January 3, 2023, marked the end of an era in Egyptian literature and translation.

Educational Pursuits and Early Career

Mohamed Enani embarked on his educational journey, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors. He achieved a B.A. (hons.) in English Language and Literature from Cairo University in 1959, showcasing his early dedication to language and literature. He further pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, a significant turning point in his life.

In the UK, Enani achieved significant milestones, completing his M. Phil. from London University in 1970 and later his Ph.D. from Reading University, Berkshire in 1975. These academic achievements solidified his expertise and provided the groundwork for his future contributions to literature and translation.

Prolific Literary and Translation Career

Throughout his illustrious career, Mohamed Enani authored an impressive body of work, totaling more than 130 books in both Arabic and English. His literary output spanned a wide range of genres, encompassing translations, critical essays, and creative writings, showcasing his deep understanding of language and literature.

Professional Engagements and Academic Contributions

Mohamed Enani's professional journey included a significant stint at the BBC Monitoring Service in Caversham, Berkshire, where he served as a foreign language monitor from 1968 to 1975. Concurrently, he pursued advanced degrees from London and Reading Universities, enriching his linguistic and cultural insights.

Upon returning to Egypt in 1975, Enani embarked on an academic career as an English lecturer at Cairo University. Over the years, he ascended the academic ranks, becoming an Assistant Professor of English in 1981 and eventually earning full tenure at Cairo University in 1986. He also played a pivotal role as the Academic Coordinator of Cairo Open University's English Translation Programme from 1997 to 2009, contributing significantly to the program.

Additionally, he served as the editor of Egyptian Theatre magazine from 1986, fostering a platform for discussions on theatrical arts. He also co-edited the Cairo monthly cultural publication Sutur from 1997 to 2007, showcasing his editorial expertise.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout his career, Mohamed Enani received numerous awards and recognitions, celebrating his dedication to literature and translation. Some of these notable honors include the State Award in Translation in 1982, the Order of Sciences and Arts, 1st Class in 1984, and the International Translation Award of King Abdullah in 2011, among many others.

Legacy and Conclusion

Mohamed Enani's legacy is one of dedication, scholarship, and a profound love for language and literature. His impact on Egyptian and Arabic literature, as well as his contributions to translation and education, continue to inspire generations of scholars and writers, ensuring that his remarkable work lives on and continues to shape the literary landscape.

Mitică Popescu, Romanian actor, Died at 86

Mitica Popescu: A Revered Figure in Romanian Theater

Mitica Popescu (Romanian pronunciation: [miˈtikə poˈpesku]; December 2, 1936 – January 3, 2023) was a cherished Romanian actor celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the realm of theater and film.

Early Life and Trials

Born on December 2, 1936, in Bucharest, Mitica Popescu embarked on his artistic journey in the mid-1950s when he began his studies at the Institute of Theatrical and Cinematographic Art. However, his path was abruptly altered. In 1958, the Securitate, Romania's secret police, arrested him on charges of planning to flee the country. This event led to a grim period of imprisonment, enduring three years of harsh sentences in various facilities.

His incarceration began at Malmaison Prison in Bucharest before enduring the challenging conditions of the labor camps at Periprava and Salcia on the banks of the Danube. Despite these tribulations, Popescu's resilience prevailed.

Theater Odyssey

Upon his release, Popescu found solace through the support of fellow actors Radu Beligan and Mircea Șeptilici, who aided him in securing a position at the esteemed Teatrul de Comedie in Bucharest. In 1963, he resumed his pursuit of acting, rekindling his studies.

Graduating in 1967, Popescu's talents found a home at the Teatrul Tineretului in Piatra Neamț, where he graced the stage until 1973. In a significant move that year, he joined the prestigious Teatrul Mic in Bucharest. For nearly four decades, he captivated audiences with his performances at Teatrul Mic, cementing his status as a distinguished figure in Romanian theater.

Awards and Commendations

In recognition of his illustrious career, Mitica Popescu received numerous well-deserved awards and accolades. In 2002, he was honored with the National Order of Faithful Service, bearing the title of a knight. The UNITER celebrated his lifetime achievements with a prestigious career award in 2009. The pinnacle of his career arrived in 2013 when he was bestowed with the esteemed Gopo Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Personal Journey and Farewell

In 1977, Mitica Popescu's life took a beautiful turn as he married the accomplished actress Leopoldina Bălănuță. However, his world was touched by sorrow when his beloved wife passed away in 1998.

On January 3, 2023, tragedy struck as Mitica Popescu passed away at the Elias Hospital in Bucharest, where he was undergoing medical treatment. At the time of his passing, he was 86 years old. In a fitting tribute, Popescu was laid to rest with full military honors in Bucharest's Bellu Cemetery, beside his cherished wife Leopoldina Bălănuță. His legacy as a luminary of the Romanian stage will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Mimosa, French magician, Died at 62

Hervé Le Marchand: Weaving Magic and Laughter

Hervé Le Marchand, known by his stage name Mimosa, was a French magician whose performances blended humor and enchantment, leaving audiences captivated by his magical prowess. He graced the stage of magic from May 1, 1960, to January 3, 2023.

Early Years and Educational Beginnings

Hervé Le Marchand's magical journey commenced during his years as a student at École Centrale Paris. Engaging with the circus and magic club during his studies, he left an indelible mark on the institution. His influence extended to the prestigious Gala des grandes écoles in 1985, showcasing his burgeoning talent.

Balancing Acts: Magic and Engineering

Following his graduation, Le Marchand embarked on a successful career in computer engineering. However, magic remained a deep-rooted passion, and he seamlessly balanced his technical expertise with the allure of magic, carving a unique niche for himself.

A Rising Star in the Realm of Magic

In 1989, a defining moment unfolded as Le Marchand clinched the first prize at the esteemed Festival mondial du cirque de demain in Paris. This triumph propelled him into a full-time commitment to magic, leaving a lasting impact on the magical world. His accolades continued with circus prizes in Geneva and Norway, solidifying his place as an enchanting magician.

A Journey Beyond Borders

Le Marchand's love for magic transcended geographical boundaries. He embraced diverse magical traditions and cultures through his life with his Thai wife and extended stays in Japan. This global exposure enriched his craft, incorporating various magical elements into his performances.

Farewell to a Magical Legacy

Tragically, on January 3, 2023, at the age of 62, Hervé Le Marchand bid farewell to the world. His passing marked the end of an era in magic, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, astonishment, and the joy of enchantment.

Hervé Le Marchand, fondly known as Mimosa, will forever be remembered for his remarkable ability to interlace humor and magic, creating a mesmerizing tapestry that brought smiles and wonder to audiences worldwide.

Michael Rawlins, Clinical pharmacologist, Died at 81

Sir Michael David Rawlins: A Pillar of Healthcare and Patient Advocacy

Sir Michael David Rawlins, born on March 28, 1941, in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, was a distinguished British clinical pharmacologist and an eminent figure in healthcare regulation and patient protection. His remarkable career was dedicated to advancing medical science, ensuring safety, and fostering innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape of the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

Michael Rawlins was born to Reverend Jack Rawlins and Evelyn Daphne Douglas-Hamilton on March 28, 1941, in the historic town of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He attended Uppingham School in Rutland and achieved distinction in his undergraduate studies at the University of London in 1962. Fueled by a passion for medicine, he earned his medical degree from St Thomas' Hospital in 1965.

Career

Rawlins initiated his medical career with enthusiasm, completing his house jobs in surgery and medicine at esteemed institutions. His expertise started shining during his tenure with the National Committee on Pharmacology from 1977 to 1983. In 1980, he became a member of the Committee on Safety of Medicines, showcasing his dedication to patient safety. This commitment led to his appointment as the Chairman of the Committee in 1993, a position he held until 1998.

In 1998, Rawlins assumed the role of Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, a position he held until 2008. His influence extended to healthcare technology assessment as he actively participated in the Standing Group on Health Technology Assessment from 1993 to 1995.

Rawlins' most significant contributions to healthcare regulation were as the Chair of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) from its inception in 1999 until April 2013. His tenure saw influential decisions, including the assessment of the flu medication, Relenza, significantly shaping healthcare policies in the UK.

In 2010, Rawlins played a pivotal role in establishing the all-party parliamentary group for Huntington's disease in the UK Parliament, garnering support from over 40 MPs and peers. From 2012 to 2019, he chaired UK Biobank, contributing to the advancement of medical research.

In November 2014, Rawlins assumed the position of Chair of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), a role renewed for an additional three years in 2017. His leadership in these key healthcare organizations reflected his unwavering commitment to patient safety and innovation.

Eponymous Lectures

Rawlins' illustrious career was also marked by delivering several eponymous lectures that made a lasting impact on medical discourse. Notably, his 2008 Harveian Lecture challenged traditional hierarchies of evidence-based medicine, advocating for a holistic evaluation of clinical evidence and emphasizing the importance of judgment in medical decision-making.

Honours and Awards

Rawlins' remarkable contributions to medicine were recognized through numerous accolades. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London in 1977, followed by his induction as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh a decade later. His accolades included the Hutchinson Medal in 2003 and the prestigious Galen Medal in 2010. Rawlins was knighted in the 1999 New Year Honours, and he was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours.

Personal and Family

In 1963, Michael Rawlins married Elizabeth Hambly, a nurse, and they had three daughters. Despite their separation in 2005, Rawlins' dedication to family and public service remained steadfast.

Passing

On January 1, 2023, Sir Michael David Rawlins passed away from sepsis and heart failure in Darlington. His passing marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to patient protection and healthcare innovation. At the time of his passing, he held the honorary position of professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, and served as an emeritus professor at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He is survived by his daughters Vicky, Lucy, and Suzannah, as well as eight grandchildren.

Meenakshi Narain, Experimental physicist, Died at 58

Meenakshi Narain: A Trailblazing Physicist Bridging Continents

Meenakshi Narain, born on May 9, 1964, in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, left an indelible mark on the scientific world as a distinguished Indian-born American experimental physicist. Her career was a journey marked by pioneering discoveries and notable positions, including serving as a Professor of Physics and Chair of the Department of Physics at Brown University. Additionally, she made significant contributions as the Chair of the Collaboration Board of U.S. institutions in the groundbreaking Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Collaboration.

Early Life and Educational Path

Narain's educational journey bore the marks of pivotal moments that guided her to the fascinating realm of physics. Despite initial familial expectations leaning towards a legal career, she was drawn to physics during high school. She pursued a math track, ultimately leading her to the captivating world of physics and statistics. Her academic pursuits took her to Gorakhpur University for B.Sc., IIT Kanpur for M.Sc., and Stony Brook University for her Ph.D. There, under the guidance of Juliet Lee-Franzini, her groundbreaking research on "Inclusive Photon Spectra from Upsilon States" set the stage for her impactful career.

Academic Trajectory and Contributions

Before her tenure at Brown University from 2007 onwards, Narain was an esteemed faculty member at Boston University for eight years. Her dedication and research prowess earned her the title of full professor in 2010. Her contributions extended across significant experiments, notably the DØ experiment at Fermilab, where the discovery of the top quark in 1995 made history.

Narain's journey in physics continued to the CMS experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider, where she played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking discovery of the elusive Higgs Boson in 2012. Her commitment to advancing scientific boundaries was further underscored by her role as Chair of the Collaboration Board of U.S. institutions in the CMS Collaboration from July 2018 to July 2022.

Advocacy, Outreach, and Legacy

Beyond her scientific contributions, Narain advocated passionately for gender equality in STEM fields. Her tireless efforts have had a lasting impact on the inclusion of women in science. She was also a strong advocate for science communication to the public, participating in events such as the WaterFire Big Bang Science Fair in Providence, Rhode Island.

The untimely passing of Meenakshi Narain in 2023 marked a profound loss in the world of physics. However, her legacy lives on through her groundbreaking scientific contributions, her tireless advocacy for women in STEM, and her dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the universe.

Martin Davis, American Mathematician, Died at 94

Martin David Davis: Pioneering Mathematician and Computer Scientist

Martin David Davis (March 8, 1928 – January 1, 2023) was a revered American mathematician and computer scientist, renowned for his significant contributions to computability theory and mathematical logic. His work has etched an indelible mark on the landscape of mathematics and computer science.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 8, 1928, in the lively city of New York City, Martin David Davis was raised in a household of Jewish immigrants from Łódź, Poland, who settled in New York City. Growing up in the vibrant borough of the Bronx, his parents instilled in him a profound appreciation for education, shaping his educational aspirations.

In 1948, Davis earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from City College. Fueled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he pursued a Ph.D. in Science, successfully obtaining it from the prestigious Princeton University in 1950. His doctoral dissertation, titled "On the Theory of Recursive Unsolvability," was guided by the eminent American mathematician and computer scientist, Alonzo Church.

Academic Journey

Martin David Davis embarked on an illustrious academic journey that traversed various esteemed institutions of learning. During the early 1950s, he served as a research instructor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During this time, he became an early programmer of the ORDVAC computer, marking the beginnings of his association with computing. Subsequently, he contributed his expertise to renowned institutions such as Bell Labs and the RAND Corporation. Later in his career, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the computer science department at New York University (NYU). His commitment to academia was unwavering, culminating in his retirement from NYU in 1996. Additionally, he enriched the field of computer science as a visiting faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley.

Contributions to Mathematics and Computer Science

Hilbert's Tenth Problem

One of Martin David Davis's most significant achievements was his pioneering work on Hilbert's tenth problem. This mathematical enigma, initially proposed by the German mathematician David Hilbert, revolved around ascertaining whether a Diophantine equation possessed an algorithmic solution. Davis's early engagement with this problem during his Ph.D. dissertation led to a conjecture that it was insoluble. Collaborating with American mathematicians Hilary Putnam and Julia Robinson during the 1950s and 1960s, they made substantial strides towards solving this conjecture. The culmination of their efforts materialized in 1970 with the significant contribution of Russian mathematician Yuri Matiyasevich, resulting in the MRDP theorem—honoring Martin David Davis, Hilary Putnam, Julia Robinson, and Yuri Matiyasevich. Davis had often described this problem as "irresistibly seductive" and a "lifelong obsession."

The DPLL Algorithm

In 1961, Martin David Davis joined forces with Hilary Putnam, George Logemann, and Donald W. Loveland to conceive the Davis–Putnam–Logemann–Loveland (DPLL) algorithm. This backtracking-based search algorithm proved instrumental in solving propositional logic formulae in conjunctive normal form (CNF-SAT), a critical component of Boolean satisfiability solvers. This algorithm built upon their earlier work, the Davis–Putnam algorithm, which was established in 1960. The DPLL algorithm continues to form the bedrock of fast Boolean satisfiability solvers.

Other Pioneering Contributions

Beyond his foundational work in computability theory, Martin David Davis made significant strides in computational complexity and mathematical logic. He introduced his model of Post–Turing machines, further enriching the field of computer science.

Honors and Accolades

Martin David Davis received a multitude of honors and awards in acknowledgment of his extraordinary contributions. Notably, he was bestowed with the Leroy P. Steele Prize, the Chauvenet Prize (shared with Reuben Hersh), and the Lester R. Ford Award. Additionally, he was honored as a fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Mathematical Society.

Published Works

Martin David Davis's influence extended to the realm of literature, with his books serving as pivotal resources in theoretical computer science. His book "Computability and Unsolvability," published in 1958, is revered as a classic in the field. In 2000, he authored "The Universal Computer," a historical exploration of computing that delves into the works of luminaries such as Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and Alan Turing. His book "The Undecidable," first published in 1965, presented a collection of unsolvable problems and computable functions, adding to his lasting legacy in mathematical literature.

Personal Life and Legacy

In his personal life, Martin David Davis was married to Virginia Whiteford Palmer, a talented textile artist. Their journey together began in 1951 when they met during their time in the Urbana–Champaign area. Their union was blessed with two children, and they shared their lives in Berkeley, California, following Davis's retirement.

Passing

Tragically, Martin David Davis passed away on January 1, 2023, at the age of 94. Remarkably, his wife, Virginia Whiteford Palmer, also passed away on the same day, just several hours later. Martin David Davis's legacy endures through his groundbreaking work in mathematics and computer science, and his influence will continue to inspire generations of scholars and researchers in these fields.