Celebration Day
On 30th June 2022, a day of events was held to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Computer Science.
Professor Ian Pyle, Founding Professor
On 1st January 1973, Professor Ian C Pyle was appointed Founding Professor of Computer Science. This was a defining moment for the history of Computer Science at the University of York and we consider this to be the point at which our discipline was formally recognised at this institution.
Professor Pyle spoke about the genesis of the Department and his decision to split the Department of Computation into the Department of Computer Science and the Computing Service - today’s IT Services.
Phil Venables, Alumnus
Computer Science alumnus and donor, Phil Venables talked about the importance of his first degree at York and how it has been the basis of his career which now sees him as Vice-President at Google Cloud and as an advisor to President Biden.
I think about this place every day
Phil Venables, Computer Science Alumus, Vice President at Google Cloud and advisor to President Biden.
Professor Alan Burns, Past Head of Department
Professor Alan Burns led a tribute to the late Professor Ian Wand, detailing his contribution as Head of the Department of Computer Science and as the Deputy-Vice-Chancellor who laid the foundations for the Hull York Medical School (HYMS).
Vice Chancellor, Professor Charlie Jeffrey
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charlie Jeffrey spoke about the milestone of Computer Science reaching 50 Years at York.
He then announced that the Computer Science building was being renamed "The Ian Wand Building", and invited Ian's widow, Helen, to unveil a plaque created in Ian's memory.
Professor Paul Cairns, Head of Department
Our current Head of Department, Professor Paul Cairns, spoke about Computer Science for the future.