University at Buffalo
State University of New York
Office of the President
September 11, 1998
The Eberlein Family
c/o Dr. Patrick B. Eberlein
Department of Mathematics
CB #3250
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Dear Dr. Eberlein:
On behalf of the entire University at Buffalo community, please accept our heartfelt sympathies on the death of your mother. A world-renowned leader in mathematics and computer science, Pat meant a great deal to the university, as well as to me personally. Her years of dedication and work helped to build UB in many, many ways. She will be long remembered at UB as one of the pathbreaking mathematicians of her generation and—as one of the first women to take on a leadership role in computer science—a role model for many admiring students and colleagues.
Pat’s innovative research in mathematics led directly to the development of the computer—perhaps the most significant invention of the twentieth century. Her visionary leadership propelled her profession and the university into the future, creating at UB a computer science program of national standing. On a purely personal level, I have lost a good friend and colleague. One of the great pleasures of my years of service here was the opportunity to know Pat and work with her. I have missed seeing her during her retirement, and now that loss is, sadly, permanent. Know that you have my deepest personal condolences.
Pat’s contributions to our university are significant and lasting, and we are grateful to have had the privilege of her presence at UB for so many years. While we realize that words may offer little comfort at times like this, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. If there is anything that the university can do for you, please let us know.
Sincerely,
William R. Greiner