Wilbur F. Pillsbury, Professor Emeritus of Economics

Wilbur F. Pillsbury, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Business Administration, 88, died surrounded by his family on April 1, 2010. He taught at Knox from 1949 until 1990, and served as dean of men and then dean of students from 1956 until 1967.

"Decades of Knox alumni mention Dean Pillsbury as having changed their lives," said President Roger Taylor '63, in his notice to the campus community. "Anne and I remember him with fondness for his kindness to us when we were students and for the warm welcome and support he gave us when we returned in 2001."

Pillsbury was a pioneer in the use of computers in accounting. Starting in the 1960s, he integrated computers into his classes at Knox, developing the nation's first computerized accounting curriculum. His book "Computer Augmented Accounting" was published in 1970, followed by a revised 1983 edition, "Microcomputer Augmented Accounting," co-authored with colleague William Ripperger.

Pillsbury was a pioneer in using computers to teach accounting. Starting in the 1960s, he integrated computers into his classes at Knox, developing the nation's first computerized accounting curriculum. His book "Computer Augmented Accounting" was published in 1970, followed by a revised 1983 edition, "Microcomputer Augmented Accounting," co-authored with colleague William Ripperger.

The curriculum that Pillsbury developed at Knox was eventually used in more than 600 schools, colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, England, France and South America, and he wrote and spoke extensively about his innovations.

Among the many awards and honors Pillsbury received was the 1972 Outstanding Teacher of America Award, the 1981 Philip Green Wright Prize for Excellence in Teaching, and the 1987 Burlington Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award.

Pillsbury received B.A. and M.C.S. degrees from Dartmouth College in 1946. He served three years in the United States Navy with the rank of ensign. Pillsbury earned his D.B.A. from Indiana University in 1954.

On the occasion of his retirement in 1990, the Wilbur F. Pillsbury Scholarship Fund was created with a collective gift from the Pillsbury children -- sons Wilbur III, Roger and Ronald, and daughters Carol Pavlish and Jeanne Voight. The Fund provides financial assistance for Knox College students interested in the field of business. In 2003, a set of stone benches was placed outside Knox's Old Main to commemorate his service to the College.

A celebration of his life will be held on April 24 at 1:00 p.m. at Galesburg's Central Congregational Church. Memorials may be made to Knox's Wilbur F. Pillsbury Scholarship Fund. You can make a gift online <http://www.knoxalumni.org/pillsbury>, call 888-566-9265, or send a gift noting your designation to the Office of Advancement at the address below.

Knox College
Office of Advancement
2 East South Street
Galesburg, IL 61401

1-888-KNOXCOL (1-888-566-9265)