C. West Churchman Memorial Service

Wednesday, May 19, 2004
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Room F85, Jon M. Huntsman Hall
3730 Walnut Street
Wharton School
University of Pennsylvania

(Charles) West Churchman died on March 21 at the age of 90. During a career spanning six decades, he investigated a vast range of topics including accounting, research and development management, city planning, education, mental health, space exploration, education, and peace and conflict studies, and was widely regarded as a founding father of management science.

Professor Churchman received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Penn before World War II and joined the Faculty of Philosophy at that time. He subsequently served on the faculties of Wayne University [Detroit], Case Institute of Technology [Cleveland], and the University of California, Berkeley. He also served as an adjunct to the Operations Research and Social Systems Sciences Programs in the Wharton School from 1973 to 1986. He was the principal philosopher behind the systems movement and authored several of the most important books on the subject.

Churchman is survived by his wife, Gloria, son, Josh Wharton Churchman, and two grandchildren.