Established in 2004 with a gift of $333,333 from John Q. and Patricia M. Torode, complemented by $166,667 in matching funds
The purpose of this endowment is to enhance the University's ability to attract and retain distinguished faculty in Computer Science & Engineering, and specifically to recognize and reward outstanding mid-career faculty in order to increase the likelihood that their careers continue to flourish and that they remain at the University.
John Torode received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from MIT in 1966. He entered the University of Washington as a graduate student in Physics, receiving a Masters degree in 1969. He then transferred to Computer Science, receiving a Masters in 1971 and a Ph.D. in 1972. John became a faculty member in the Department of EECS at UC Berkeley, but left Berkeley in 1975 to devote full time to Digital Systems, a company he had founded as a UW graduate student. John subsequently founded Digital Microsystems, Inc., Ioline Corporation, and IC Designs, which was acquired by Cypress Semiconductor in 1993.
Patti Torode received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Iowa State University in 1973, and a Masters degree in EECS from UC Berkeley in 1974. She was a Member of the Technical Staff of Bell Laboratories from 1973-76, the Chief Operating Officer of Digital Microsystems, Inc., from 1976-84, and the Chairman and CEO of D.W. Close (a major Seattle-based electrical contractor) from 1984-1997.
John and Patti believe strongly in the role of outstanding faculty at major research universities in creating opportunity.
Holders of the Torode Family Career Development Professorship
- Hannaneh Hajishirzi, 2022-present
- Shyam Gollakota, 2021-2024
- Luis Ceze, 2014-2017
- Yoky Matsuoka, 2009-2012
- Steve Gribble, 2006-2009