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Sixty years strong: U of T computer science celebrates a storied legacy and bold future

As Toronto experienced one of its coldest May days in nearly 60 years, the University of Toronto鈥檚 海角视频 of Computer Science (DCS) marked the close of its 60th anniversary year with a celebration that defied the weather and lifted the spirits of all who attended.

Over 250 alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff filled Hart House鈥檚 Great Hall on May 22 to celebrate six decades of the 海角视频 of Computer Science.

Six attendees with name tags pose in a large, ornate room with chandeliers and stained glass windows during the May 22 event..

A group of young alumni at the 海角视频 of Computer Science's 60th anniversary celebration event on May 22, 2025. (Photo: Jeff Beardall)

The milestone event opened with talks by faculty representing the department鈥檚 next generation. Assistant Professors , and shared insights on topics ranging from the evolution of artificial intelligence to the mysteries of black holes to a data visualization program designed for Afghan girls.

In a Q&A session following the talks, they reflected on the evolving role of computer science as not just a technical field, but as a powerful connector across research areas and real-world challenges.

A professor gestures toward a projection screen during a talk at the department's 60th anniversary celebration event on May 22.

Assistant Professor Carolina Nobre giving her presentation, Pixels with Purpose: Empowering Afghan Girls to See Their World Through Data, at the faculty talks on May 22, 2025. (Photo: Matt Hintsa)

鈥淐omputer science today isn鈥檛 just another discipline鈥攊t鈥檚 the glue between disciplines,鈥 said Levis. 鈥淢y work bridges theory and observation, much like mathematics did a century ago. I think we鈥檒l see that role grow even more in the future.鈥

鈥淭he skills we learn in CS鈥攅ven in our tiny niches鈥攃an impact every domain under the sun,鈥 said Nobre. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 been a fantastic realization.鈥

Following the talks, guests gathered for a reception where conversations turned toward the future of computer science. Members of the DCS community reflected on past achievements and shared ideas for the next 60 years of innovation and excellence.

鈥淲e鈥檝e already played a major role in shaping the field, especially in the AI revolution, where much of the foundational technology came out of this department,鈥 said , professor and chair of the 海角视频 of Computer Science. 鈥淟ooking ahead, I expect our influence to grow as we continue to advance both theory and real-world applications.鈥

He added that the department鈥檚 impact extends well beyond academia.

鈥淥ur graduates contribute meaningfully to the Toronto economy, the Canadian economy and beyond,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ur hope is that what we teach them, they鈥檒l use to make a better world.鈥

Alumnus Robert Hudyma, who studied at the 海角视频 of Computer Science in the 1970s, returned to reconnect with familiar faces and reflect on the department鈥檚 far-reaching impact.

鈥淎 lot of the people here today I haven鈥檛 seen in 30 years, and they all have an interesting story to tell,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing to see the breadth and diversity of the talented people who鈥檝e come through this department.鈥

Four individuals with name tags standing together at an event in a room with wooden paneling and stained glass windows.

From left: Bill Reeves, Robert Hudyma, Hugh Redelmeier and Bill Buxton at the DCS 60th anniversary celebration on May 22, 2025. (Photo: Jeff Beardall)

Hudyma also shared his optimism after meeting current students.

鈥淚 met some of the young people in the program, and the world is in a better place with these people,鈥 he said.

For alumnus Denys Linkov, the 60th anniversary was a moment to reflect on a journey that began as an undergraduate and evolved into a lasting connection with the department.

鈥淚 started here as an undergrad, came back as a sessional instructor, and have stayed involved through the mentorship program,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ver the years, being part of the department has been really impactful, and I鈥檓 excited for the next 60 years.鈥

鈥淯 of T is a hub, and I think it will continue to be one. I work in machine learning, and I鈥檓 excited to see how the department continues to lead in that space,鈥 said Linkov.

Professor , who chaired the 60th Anniversary Committee, reflected on the experience of leading a year of celebration and connection.

鈥淚t was an incredible honour to chair the 60th Anniversary Committee and help bring this year of celebrations to life,鈥 she said. 鈥淔rom the start, our goal was to highlight the innovation, excellence and community spirit that define our department. Seeing it all come together and ending on such a high note has been deeply rewarding.鈥

Reflecting on the department鈥檚 journey, de Lara emphasized both its legacy and future direction.

鈥淭his anniversary year has been a powerful reminder of how far we鈥檝e come and how much potential lies ahead,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud of our legacy, but we鈥檙e even more excited about what the next 60 years will bring.鈥

Guests echoed that sentiment throughout the evening, sharing memories, reconnecting with peers, and imagining the future of a field that continues to shape the world.

Slideshow photos: Jeff Beardall