Tony Hey of Microsoft Research Connections Named 2013 Drexel’s iSchool Honorary Degree Recipient

 

The iSchool, College of Information Science and Technology will present Tony Hey, vice president of Microsoft Research Connections, with an honorary degree as part of the 126th Drexel University commencement ceremonies on June 15, 2013 at Drexel’s John A. Daskalakis Athletic Center (33rd and Market Streets).

 

Hey is one of 13 people to receive honorary degrees, which are awarded to prominent individuals distinguished in their fields, at this year’s Drexel commencement ceremonies.

 

As vice president of Microsoft Research Connections, a division of Microsoft Research, Hey is responsible for the worldwide external research and technical computing strategy across Microsoft Corporation. Hey also oversees Microsoft Research's efforts to enhance the quality of higher education around the world.

 

Before joining Microsoft, Hey served as director of the U.K.’s e-Science Initiative, managing the government's efforts to provide scientists and researchers with access to key computing technologies. Prior to leading this initiative, Hey worked as head of the School of Electronics and Computer Science, and as dean of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Southampton, where he helped build the department into one of the most respected computer science research institutions in England.

 

Hey is a fellow of the U.K.'s Royal Academy of Engineering. He also has served on several national committees in the U.K., including committees of the U.K. Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Science and Technology. Hey was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2005.

 

The iSchool will also be hosting a lecture with Tony Hey on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 12 p.m. at Drexel University’s ExCITe Center, where Hey will discuss issues related to open access.

 

About The iSchool, College of Information Science and Technology at Drexel University

Founded in 1892, The iSchool, College of Information Science and Technology at Drexel University engages a diverse community of faculty, students and professional staff in the collaborative exploration of the information fields. The College collects, analyzes and shares information through multidisciplinary research and innovation to impact society at both local and global levels. The iSchool offers undergraduate degrees in information systems, information technology, informatics and software engineering and graduate degrees in library and information science, information systems, health informatics, and software engineering. In addition, the College offers a Ph.D. program and several professional development options.

 

The iSchool’s M.S. in Library and Information Science program has maintained its rank since 2009 as one of the top 10 library science programs in the country by U.S.News & World Report, most recently in the 2014 edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools.” The iSchool also achieved national ranking in 2014 in specialties such as Health Librarianship (first); Information Systems (third); and Digital Librarianship (sixth); Services for Children and Youth (ninth); School Library Media (10th); and Archives and Preservation (12th). The iSchool is a founding member of the iSchools Caucus of 24 prominent colleges dedicated to advancing the information field in the 21st Century. For more information, visit ischool.drexel.edu.

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