Computer Science Lecturer Don Crabb dies at 44

Don Crabb, nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, radio, television and Internet personality and Lecturer in Computer Science, died Saturday, Feb. 26, at the University’s Bernard Mitchell Hospital of severe infection following pancreas and kidney disease. He was 44.

“Don was a tireless advocate of computer access for everyone and of making the technology work for the end user’s real needs,” said William Sterner, Lecturer and Instructional Laboratory Supervisor in Computer Science.

“There is so much that Don did for the University and that he did as a journalist and media personality for the rest of the world. I am very sad he is gone.”

Crabb wore many hats both as an educator and media personality. In the Computer Science Department, he served as Associate Director of undergraduate studies, Counselor, Director of instructional laboratories and Lecturer.

He taught professional computing and computer science courses at the University since 1979 and helped launch the department’s Professional Program in 1997.

In his academic role, he specialized in helping students in the humanities and the liberal arts better understand computer science, programming and digital technologies. In 1986, he and Sterner developed and began teaching a two-quarter course sequence that is now called Multimedia Programming as a Liberal Art.

In his journalistic role, Crabb’s computer and technology columns were syndicated in more than 250 newspapers. He also wrote more than 4,000 articles as a contributor to a large number of computer trade publications and appeared regularly as a computer and technology analyst for many local and national radio and television programs.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Cass School District 63 Technology Education Fund, 8502 Bailey Rd., Darien, IL 60561.