In Memoriam: Warren Loud
During his 45 years at the University, he taught thousands of mathematics students, which included calculus, a math class for elementary education majors and other courses for undergraduates from 1945 to 1991.
As a distinguished member of the School of Mathematics, he was a recognized researcher in the field of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. As an undergraduate at M.I.T., he was a Putnam Exam winner in 1942. He continued his graduate studies at M.I.T., receiving his doctorate degree in mathematics in 1946 as a student of Norman Levinson.
After working at research laboratories at M.I.T. both before and after his doctorate, Loud joined the faculty of the University's Mathematics Department in 1947 as an assistant professor. He was promoted to associate professor in 1956 and shortly thereafter to full professor in 1959. He was one of the prime movers in bringing about the unification in 1963 of the two separate mathematics departments.
Loud served on a number of committees of the Graduate School, including chairing the Physical Sciences Group Committee. In addition, he served on the first council for Liberal Education, the IT Honors Committee, and the University Parking and Transportation Committee. After many years of dedicated teaching and service, Loud retired in 1992.
Loud's research led to numerous publications along with invitations to speak at conferences throughout the world. He enjoyed three overseas sabbaticals, in Germany, Japan, and Italy. He served as the advisor of eight Ph.D. students. He was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award in 1979.
In addition to his University career, for almost 30 years, Loud sang and acted in many productions of the Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company in Minneapolis -- most recently in "The Mikado" in 2007 -- before declining health forced him off the stage. He also was a choir member for 44 years at the Plymouth Congregational Church in south Minneapolis, as well as serving on the church's boards of religious education, fine arts, and deacons.
February 12, 2010