OR/MS Today - December 1997

OR/MS Today, December 1997

Gass Shows He Has the 'Write' Stuff

Saul I. Gass, whose pioneering textbook on linear programming 40 years ago helped spark many careers in operations research, was presented with the INFORMS Expository Writing Award at the 1997 Fall INFORMS Meeting in Dallas for "his publications in operations research and the management sciences that have set an exemplary standard of exposition."

Gass was cited for several publications, including the landmark textbook, "Linear Programming: Methods and Applications." Other publications cited by the committee included Gass' popular book, "An Illustrated Guide to Linear Programming," his 1989-94 series of Model World Articles in Interfaces, and his "numerous publications on validation, evaluation and management of computer-based mathematical models."

The citation concluded that "these publications are outstanding examples of clear and concise writing on topics and issues which are important to the profession. The influence of Professor Gass' written work, and its accessibility in terms of breadth of readership, have been much enhanced by its expository excellence."

The award was presented by Richard Soland, chairman of the Expository Writing Award Committee. Daniel Heyman and Thomas Magnanti completed the committee. Soland noted that the award was created in part to inspire the OR/MS community, young and old, to raise the writing standards in both the Institute's technical and non-technical publications. Gass, Soland said, has been setting "exemplary standards in exposition writing for more than 40 years."

Gass, a professor in the College of Business Management at the University of Maryland, entertained the awards audience with several stories and anecdotes, starting with his attempt to get his text on linear programming published in the mid-1950s. "I am sure that all of you recognize that you don't get here without encouragement and help from many people," Gass said. "Also, you don't get here without many people taking a chance on you. I could not find any publishers who were interested. I received many, many rejects. There appeared to be no interest in linear programming. Finally, with the help of a McGraw-Hill editor, I signed with them. McGraw-Hill took a chance —the reviews were not all positive."

Gass thanked his many co-authors, Tom Saaty and Carl Harris in particular. He also thanked his wife Trudy. "If anyone gave me help and took a chance on me, it was (her). So, this award is dedicated to (Trudy) for her encouragement, patience and, still, lost weekends."

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