iSchool remembers Professor Emeritus Anthony Debons

10/28/2013

The iSchool at Pitt regrets to announce the passing of one of the foremost pioneers of Information Science, Professor Emeritus Anthony Debons. Dr. Debons passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2013. Celebrated for his tireless efforts in the field of information science, Debons also held the rank of Colonel in the United States Air Force, and was recognized by many diverse nations, institutions and organizations for his contributions to society. During his time as Professor and Vice Chairman of the Interdisciplinary Department of Information Science (1968-1986), Dr. Debons also served as an advisor to NATO, Honorary Consul to the Republic of Malta, and Chairman of the Board, Research Institute for Information Science and Engineering.

Dr. Debons served his country for 22 years. He enlisted as a Private in the US Army in 1942, was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps (1942) and retired at the rank of Colonel USAF (1964). He received his BA from Brooklyn College in Psychology/Sociology (1948) and his MA (1952) and PhD (1954) in Experimental Psychology from Columbia University.

Dr. Debons was a pioneer of Information Science and his service as Professor and Vice Chairman of the Interdisciplinary Department of Information Science (now the iSchool) at the University of Pittsburgh from 1968-1986 was critical to our School’s early and continued success. The perspective of Dr. Debons continues to be at the heart of our School’s mission: contributing our expertise to advance humankind’s progress through information.

In honor of Dr. Debons, memorial contributions may be made to the Anthony Debons Scholarship. For more information, please contact Marci Carothers (mbc20@pitt.edu)

For more information about Dr. Debons, please click here.