The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology lost one of its most important friends on January 2, when A. Richard Newton, professor and dean of the College of Engineering at U.C. Berkeley, and a long time member of our Board of Trustees, passed away at the age of 55.
I first met Rich when I was a graduate student at Caltech. He was a young faculty member at Berkeley, working in the explosive areas of VLSI and electronic design automation. Even then, the gregarious Aussie projected charisma and contagious enthusiasm while making important, lasting contributions to the field.
Rich is broadly recognized for his pioneering work in the EDA industry, his extraordinary contributions at the University, and for his tireless efforts to apply technology to solutions for societal problems. However, few people understood his seminal role as an unwavering advocate for women in technology.
During his six years as dean of Berkeley’s engineering school Rich doubled the number of women faculty. When approached by Anita Borg shortly after she founded the Institute, Rich was captivated by the notion that involving more women in technology could sequentially have a positive influence on women, on technology and on the world”s population in general. He accepted Anita”s invitation to join the Board and quickly became an immensely influential presence – eager to lend support, a champion for new ideas and diligent in reminding us to stay true to the ABI mission and charter.
Throughout his career, Rich Newton mentored countless women – from students to CEOs – encouraging them to aspire to greatness and become agents of change. He devoted his energy to building a world in which women not only play a greater role in the creation of technology, but are also beneficiaries of advances in technology. For this, we all owe him a deep debt of gratitude.
For me personally, at every encounter, Rich reminded me of what was possible. He shared a big, broad vision of a different world, in which technology helps the world”s women – and men – enjoy better lives. He was irrepressible in his efforts to connect us with like-minded allies. And his counsel is irreplaceable.
Our hearts go out to Rich.s family, especially his amazing wife and two young daughters. We wish them comfort in their memories and in the sure knowledge that his influence endures in the many lives he touched.
As we at ABI mourn his loss, we are also profoundly grateful to Rich Newton for so greatly enriching our lives. We are so proud to have known him.