50 Years of Computer Science at Iowa State University

The Department of Computer Science at Iowa State University turned 50 this year! Very young compared to some of the well-established disciplines at our university, and with an exciting road ahead.

The department is hosting a 50th anniversary celebration on September 27, 2019 and the alumni and well-wishers are invited to attend. We request that you register by September 13.

In this series of micro-articles, I thought I would cover the history of Computer Science at Iowa State University that predates the establishment of the Department by almost 46 years. Earliest documented history of Computer Science on Iowa State University goes back to 1923. Pictured below is Henry A Wallace (U.S. Vice President January 1941 - 1945).

Henry Wallace used an IBM calculating machine while teaching an Iowa State College course to faculty. He illustrated how to calculate correlation coefficients and how to use it for weather predictions.

I will continue to cover historic events in the next few editions of this article. In the mean while, if you have a historic fact that you would like to share about Computer Science on Iowa State University campus or about our department, please do write to me. The department would also love to receive pictures and/or historic artifacts.