Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Yale honors "first lady of software"

This month, Yale University dedicated Grace Hopper College. It used to be called Calhoun College after an early American vice-President who regarded slavery as "a positive good." Before his death Calhoun essentially criticized the Declaration of Independence and it's claim that all men are created equal.  Use of his name has been controversial at Yale for years. But nobody objects to naming the college in honor of Grace Hopper.


Know as the "first lady of software," she earned her Masters and PhD at Yale in the 1930s. Later, she co-invented the Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL), the first universal computer language used by business and government. She was a math professor, and was active the Navy over 40 years, retiring as a Real Admiral. Many applauded the name change. Said one freshman, "I think this name is a step toward inclusion and equality."


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