Remembering Elizabeth (Liz) DuRoss Liddy: A Pioneer in Information Studies
Elizabeth (Liz) DuRoss Liddy, dean emerita of the School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University, left an indelible mark on the academic community and the field of natural language processing. She passed away on August 21 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy rich in scholarship, mentorship, and leadership.
Early Life and Academic Journey
Liz Liddy was born and raised in Utica, New York. Her journey into academia began in 1975 when she volunteered at her oldest child’s school library. This initial experience ignited her passion for information sciences, leading her to enroll in Syracuse University’s master’s program in library science the very next day. Liddy’s academic pursuits were driven by an adventurous spirit; she embraced challenges with her mantra of “why not” rather than succumbing to self-doubt.
After earning her master’s degree, Liddy took on the role of faculty librarian at Onondaga Community College. However, her educational quest was far from over. In 1982, she became the iSchool’s first part-time Ph.D. student. Liddy completed her Ph.D. in 1988, all while simultaneously contributing to research projects and teaching. Her groundbreaking work in natural language processing set the foundation for much of the scholarship in the fields of data mining, information extraction, and question-answering systems.
Contributions to Natural Language Processing
Liddy’s research in natural language processing was notable for its breadth and impact. She founded the Center for Natural Language Processing and established a startup company, TextWise. Her innovative spirit led to the authoring of over 110 research articles and the initiation of more than 70 research projects. Liddy’s eight technology patents are a testament to her influence, applied in various sectors including security, healthcare, crisis management, and business.
Leadership at the iSchool
In 2008, Liddy was appointed dean of the iSchool, where she made significant strides in student enrollment and research funding. Under her leadership, undergraduate enrollment grew by an impressive 71% and graduate enrollment rose by 66%. Liddy raised over $26 million in research funding and established New York’s first graduate certificate in data science, as well as introducing a data analytics minor. Her initiatives offered students unparalleled entrepreneurial experiences while enhancing the school’s national and international recognition.
Championing Inclusivity in IT
From 2012 to 2014, Liddy chaired the iSchools Organization, a consortium that started with three member institutions, including Syracuse University, and has now expanded to nearly 100 information schools worldwide. Throughout her career, Liddy was a steadfast advocate for increasing female student engagement in information technology, understanding the importance of diversity in the field.
A Legacy of Mentorship
In 2015, Liddy was appointed interim vice chancellor and provost. In this role, she played a critical part in developing the University’s first Academic Strategic Plan, shaping the institution’s future direction. She returned to the iSchool deanship in 2016, continuing her commitment to academic excellence and student support.
Her impact on students and colleagues was profound. Jeff Hemsley, the current interim dean at the iSchool, recalls how Liddy encouraged him during his own Ph.D. journey and instilled in him the importance of supporting others. Barbara Kwasnik, a professor emerita, noted Liddy’s exceptional skills as a teacher, with her classes consistently receiving high evaluations and her Ph.D. advisees achieving remarkable professional success.
Personal Life
Liddy is survived by her three children, John, Suzanne, and Jennifer, along with four grandsons and three brothers. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, leaving behind a rich personal and professional legacy.
Final Farewells
A visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on August 30 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Memorial donations are encouraged for the Elizabeth D. Liddy Endowed Student Support Fund at the iSchool. A celebration of life event will be held in Syracuse later this fall, providing an opportunity for colleagues and friends to remember and honor a trailblazer in the field of information studies.
To share memories of Liddy and honor her legacy, friends and colleagues can visit the iSchool website dedicated to her remembrance.