Kenneth Arnold, a professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Rochester, died suddenly on Oct. 1 at age 51.
Bringing into the classroom 26 years of professional experience with Eastman Kodak, Arnold taught undergraduate courses as an adjunct instructor. "Professor Arnold was the type of professor you hope to get as an undergraduate," said Kristin Sullivant, a senior who served as a teaching assistant of Arnold's for several semesters. "Even after putting in a full day's work at Kodak, he came to class excited and ready to teach. He was so knowledgeable about his field, and you could see he wanted us to learn about it too."
While at Kodak, he was involved with product development and was awarded three patents. A respected member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Arnold was honored with senior membership in 2007, the same year he began teaching at the University.
"Ken was a really caring man," said Marty Guenther, an administrative assistant in the department, who worked closely with Arnold as he prepared for classes each semester. "He cared about students and he cared about doing his job well."
Arnold held a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and later earned a master's degree in computer engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Arnold, a resident of Webster, is survived by his wife, Jann, sons Christopher and Gregory, brother Thomas (Susan) Arnold, sister Susan (Edward Muhl) Arnold, and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Ave, Webster. On Monday, Oct. 6 a Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by The Most Reverend Bishop Matthew H. Clark, will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 783 Hard Road, followed by interment at Webster Union Cemetery.
Any member of the University community may obtain support services from the University Counseling Center by calling 275-3113 or access the online information at www.rochester.edu/ucc. The University flag on the Eastman Quadrangle will be flown at half-staff on Monday, in memory of Arnold.
Memorials may be made to the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, P.O. Box 18558, Rochester, N.Y. 14618, or the Consistent Life Ethic Grant Fund, Diocese of Rochester, 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, N.Y.