The Michigan Algorithm Decoder, a programming language developed in 1959, stands as one of the primary contributions of Bernard Galler to the field of computer science. Throughout a career spanning over four decades, he influenced academic infrastructure and software engineering, balancing his technical work in operating systems with significant leadership roles in professional computing organizations.
Academic Foundation
Born in Chicago in 1928, Galler pursued higher education at the University of Chicago and the University of California, Los Angeles. He completed his Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1947 and later returned to the University of Chicago to earn his PhD in 1955, working under the supervision of Paul Halmos and Marshall Stone. Shortly after, he joined the University of Michigan mathematics department.
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In 1956, Galler taught the university's first programming course using an IBM 704. His efforts in department building saw him establish the Communication Sciences department in 1965, which evolved through several names including Computer Sciences and Computer and Communications, eventually becoming the Computer Science Department where he remained until his 1994 retirement. Beyond structural changes, he led the development of the Michigan Terminal System and the CRISP registration application, which eliminated manual scheduling queues for over fifteen years.
Professional Leadership
Galler held the presidency of the Association for Computing Machinery from 1968 to 1970 and later served as the president of the Software Patent Institute in 1992. Additionally, he acted as an expert witness in various software litigation cases for fifteen years.
Personal Pursuits and Legacy
Outside of his academic duties, Galler was a violinist who participated in various chamber groups and orchestras. In 2001, he co-founded the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra to provide string music education for children in schools lacking such programs. He was also a member of the Ann Arbor chapter of Rotary International. Galler died of a pulmonary embolism in Ann Arbor in 2006. The University of Michigan currently maintains the Bernard A. Galler Fellowship Fund in his honor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1928, Chicago
- Died: 2006, Ann Arbor
- Education: University of Chicago; University of California, Los Angeles
- ACM Presidency: 1968–1970
- Awards: ACM Distinguished Service Award (1980); ACM Fellow (1994)
- Key Projects: Michigan Algorithm Decoder; Michigan Terminal System; CRISP
- Professional Role: President, Software Patent Institute (1992)
- Music: Co-founder, Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra (2001)
Questions readers ask
What was the purpose of the CRISP program?
CRISP, or Computer Registration Involving Student Participation, enabled university students to register for their courses without waiting in long physical lines.
Which programming language did Bernard Galler help develop?
He helped develop the Michigan Algorithm Decoder (MAD), which was used at several universities starting in 1959.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Michigan
