Congratulations to Richard Tapia, National Medal of Science recipient

Just got this from the ELA, one of the Broadening Participation in Computing Alliances:

We are very proud to announce that ELA director, Professor Richard Tapia has been chosen by President Barack Obama to receive the National Medal of Science, the country’s highest honor for scientists.  Below is the message from the Rice University president announcing this wonderful news.  The video for this announcement is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-cLh0ImkoU.

From the President of Rice University:

It is with great pleasure that I announce that Rice’s esteemed mathematician, Richard Tapia, has been chosen by President Barack Obama to receive the National Medal of Science, the country’s highest honor for scientists.  In his more than four decades at Rice, Professor Tapia has made great advances in mathematics and, as important, great advances in opening the doors to higher education to under-served students.  He is living evidence that a great researcher can also be a great teacher and great humanitarian.  The attached news release provides more information about Richard and the medal.  Please join me in thanking Richard for his many contributions to Rice, to higher education and to science, and in extending our sincere congratulations for this special and well deserved honor.

Regards,

David Leebron

President of Rice University