Paul A. Rude

Message from the President
Nov. 3, 2017

Dear LMU Community:

I am saddened to share that Paul A. Rude, retired professor of electrical engineering and computer science, died on Oct. 28 following a brief illness. He was 86 years old.

During his 45-year tenure at LMU, from September 1963 to June 2008, Professor Rude inspired his colleagues and students and enriched the educational experience of our campus community – especially within our Electrical Engineering Department.

One year after joining LMU as assistant professor, Professor Rude was appointed chair of the Electrical Engineering Department, a role he occupied with purpose and grace for 18 years. Professor Rude spearheaded the computer science option within electrical engineering, which later became the computer science degree program within the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. He was instrumental in bringing the first academic computing facility to our university. Professor Rude’s contributions to campus-wide computer literacy benefited all of our students.

One of Professor Rude’s proudest accomplishments at LMU was the development of the Electrical Engineering Senior Design Course. He was also responsible for launching the part-time Master of Science degree program for all three engineering disciplines – civil, electrical, and mechanical – as well as computer science.

Professor Rude served as chair of the Core Curriculum Committee in the 2000 academic year and as the chair of the Electrical Engineering Department’s Academic Planning and Review Committee in 1991. He was inducted into the Seaver College Wall of Fame in 2003 and the LMU Faculty Hall of Fame in 2017 in recognition of his enduring impact and devotion to LMU.

Professor Rude earned his B.S. from UCLA, and he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

As much as Professor Rude was a part of LMU’s fabric, LMU has been woven into the life of his family. Paul’s six sons – Michael ’74, Patrick ’76, David ’79, Eric ’81, Gregory ’84, and Steven ’88 – and his granddaughter, Kelsey ’07, graduated from LMU.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church at 1292 W. Santa Cruz Street, San Pedro, CA 90732 with a reception to follow. Notes of condolence can be sent to the Rude Family, c/o Steven Rude at 25344 Prado de las Fresas, Calabasas, CA 91302 or via email at [email protected]. Professor Rude and his wife Diane were longtime supporters of Rev. Greg Boyle, S.J., and Homeboy Industries; in lieu of flowers, the family encourages that donations be sent to Father Boyle.

Please keep Paul, his family, and his many friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D.

President