from Naraindra Prashad

I worked as the Financial Officer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto in 2001 when Sam Roweis joined the department. In that capacity, I would communicate with new faculty on a financial level (payroll, research grants etc.). I contacted Sam while he was still in London preparing for his move to Toronto. On the first few email exchange, my salutations to Sam was "Dear Prof. Roweis…..", until he finally wrote back to me saying "Please call me Sam". A few weeks later, a bubbly young man showed up in my office; shorts, t-shirt, running shoes and a backpack. With a large smile on his face, he said "Hi, I'm Sam Roweis....." and went on! I quietly thought, I agree with you, I couldn't call you anything but "Sam"! (smile). For the following four years that I remained in the department, it was always a delight when Sam would drop by the Chair's office. He immediately brightened up any room; he was a pleasure to work with and was a treasured addition to the department, and to the University. May you rest well, and may your beloved family be well taken care of.

Sincerely,

Naraindra