Herbert S. Wilf, Past Editor-in-Chief of The Monthly Dies at 81

Herbert S. Wilf, University of Pennsylvania Thomas A. Scott Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and former Editor-in-Chief of The American Mathematical Monthly, died January 7 at the age of 80.

Wilf taught at the University of Pennsylvania from 1962 until his retirement in 2008. He served as Editor-in-Chief of The Monthly from 1987 to 1991.

According to a University of Pennsylvania obituary, Wilf was the author of 6 books and more than 160 research articles. From the 1950s, he was a pioneer in the mathematical programming of early computers, beginning with his work at Nuclear Development Associates, which led to his book Mathematical Methods for Digital Computers, written with A. Ralston. From 1959 to 1962, he taught at the University of Illinois. His early work focused on numerical analysis and complex analysis, and led to numerous research papers as well as a textbook, Mathematics for the Physical Sciences.

Read the full obituary from the University of Pennsylvania.

Donations to establish an award recognizing outstanding student achievement may be sent to: Herbert S. Wilf Award Fund, Department of Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania, 209 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6395.