Morgridge Book

Wisconsin Integrally Synchronized Computer December 23, 1957

“I first met John on May 20, 1994, when I was invited to a meeting with the CEO of an up-and-coming company. Little did I know that meeting would be the beginning of a 27-year journey that would greatly impact my career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. There were numerous steps along the way with valuable advice, encouragement, and support from John. “Tashia’s gift to name the John P. Morgridge Chair in Computer Sciences gave me something to aspire to, and appointment to the position in 2006 ensured that I would remain at UW–Madison. “This journey accelerated when I became chair of the department in 2004. John encouraged me to “think big, create a vision, do new things.” Our initial breakfast meeting in September 2004 got me going, and our meeting at Sand Hill Road, in December of that same year, motivated me to create a long-term vision for computing and its interdisciplinary role on campus. “I remember a meeting at WARF in 2005 when John shared his Subway sandwich with me. He suggested that I enhance our alumni engagement efforts by starting a board of visitors, and then he advised me how to do it! John went on to attend several alumni meetings in Silicon Valley over the years and continued to nurture our engagement efforts. His involvement inspired others to get involved. “John’s persistent encouragement and support further energized and sustained me as I worked on creating a vision for a School of Computing at UW–Madison. And I greatly appreciated the call inquiring about my mental health at an extremely stressful time! “John and Tashia invest in a multitude of people and programs at this university, but more importantly, they invest in possibilities. They give their time, wisdom, and resources, but it is the gift of their belief coupled with their encouragement to forge ahead on uncharted paths that is difficult to quantify. They ask questions that help you envision something greater than yourself, and then they do whatever they can to bring your worthwhile vision to fruition.”

Gurindar Sohi John P. Morgridge Professor Vilas Research Professor Chair of the Department of Computer Sciences, 2004–08, 2017–19