IN MEMORIAM: ALEX ORDEN (1916-2008)

Linear programming pioneer Dr. Alex Orden passed away Feb. 9 at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Professor emeritus in the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago, Dr. Orden was a member of the U. S. Air Force’s Project Scoop, which, in the late 1940s and early ‘50s, pioneered the development of linear programming models for logistical planning using George Dantzig’s newly invented simplex method and the earliest vacuum tube computers. Orden was honored for his work on Project SCOOP as part of the Air Force’s 60th anniversary celebration last October (see “Air Force Salutes Project SCOOP,” OR/MS Today, December 2007).

Born in 1916 in Rochester, N.Y., Dr. Orden graduated from the University of Rochester and went on to earn a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan and, in 1948, a Ph.D. in mathematics from MIT.

After working at the Pentagon and the Burroughs Corporation (one of the first major computer companies), Dr. Orden came to the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in 1958 to manage the UNIVAC II computer and teach operations research.

He was a member of the Institute for Computer Research, visiting professor at the London School of Economics and Georgia Institute of Technology, chairman of the Mathematical Programming Society from 1983 to 1986, and a longterm consultant to Inland Steel Company and Amoco Oil Company. Dr. Orden remained on the University of Chicago faculty until 1987 and continued to be active as professor emeritus until his death. He also taught at the Knowledge Systems Institute and Wake Forest Graduate School of Management.

Dr. Orden was active in Hyde Park peace activities and an avid Shakespearian, tennis player and traveler.

Dr. Orden married Susan Rabinowitz in Manhattan in 1946. He is survived by his two daughters, Ruth and Jeannie, son David, eight grandchildren and his sister Lillian Lukaczer.

Donations may be made in Dr. Orden’s memory to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, Ill., 60611.