Giving back to the community

Every once in a while you read about something that makes you want to be a better person.

I just read that Peder Norby (of Trapcode) is giving an "Award of Excellence," which includes $10,000, to Ken Perlin, inventor of the algorithm called Perlin Noise. Many of the effects we use utilize this algorithm - for example, in Maya there's a texture called Perlin Noise, which is used to generate noise textures and displacement maps, and can be used for highly realistic effects through the appearance  “randomness.”  

It's my understanding that the Perlin Algorithm is also used in Trapcode's software, and that Peder Norby wanted to thank Dr. Perlin for his contribution to the community (He gave this algorithm away for free a while back) and to himself, because he can attribute much of his own success to Dr. Perlin's efforts.

So with that said, On Monday, April 23rd Peder Norrby will present Ken Perlin, currently an NYU Professor, the Award of Excellence at New York University at 7:00 PM in the main lecture hall of the Warren Weaver building (251 Mercer Street, between West 3rd and West 4th Sts.).

I really wish I could be there, but I teach during that time at another school.

I think that this sets a standard for us all in recognizing and honoring the achievements of others, and for thanking them for their contributions to what we do.