The Department of Computer Engineering has named the B-201 and B-202 computer laboratories in memory of Dr. David Davenport, a faculty member in the Department of Computer Engineering, who passed away in 2021. Dr. Davenport spent countless hours in these laboratories and helped many students with their first programming experiences in them. A ceremony was held on December 11 at the B Building to officiate naming these computer laboratories “Davenport Labs.”
Dr. Davenport worked in the Department of Computer Engineering from 1987 until his passing in 2021. His research focused on the principles of the human brain, artificial intelligence, cognitive sciences, information retrieval and computer-assisted education. For 34 years, David taught CS101 and CS102 Algorithms and Programming I/II courses to 6,300 students, laying the foundational principles of programming for many of our graduates. Through innovative methods, such as the ROBO language, he facilitated an introduction to programming for many students. He also taught a graduate-level course on information retrieval systems.
Dr. Davenport was always cheerful and helpful, making time for his students not only in matters related to coursework but also with career planning. He dedicated his life to teaching, extending his involvement beyond course projects to continue working with students. He actively participated in Software Quest, a leading programming competition in Turkey.
In addition to his teaching contributions, Dr. Davenport initiated projects to make students’ lives easier outside of school and put significant efforts into bringing them to life. He played a leading role in creating Biltrader, a website that allowed Bilkent students to engage in online buying and selling.
Dr. Davenport was deeply devoted to his family and his work. He was a serious and perfectionist teacher. He was not only a valuable colleague but also a cherished friend.
I have heard the following from many people: “He was my teacher, my husband’s teacher, my brother’s teacher, and my sons’ teacher.” I have heard some of these statements from many people, and in one case, all were true! Even in my old neighborhood of Anıttepe, while standing in an ATM line, I was approached by a student from fifteen years ago who described David’s influence on his life.
David was a household name within the Bilkent community. He left a mark on many people’s lives and also on the history of computing in Turkey.
It was so natural for me to walk with him, especially during the weekends, that some people would be worried if they did not see us. But now I hope this new lab will introduce him to new students and I’m sure he will be remembered. Although looking at what happened in history, I know, he considered it best to be forgotten. I have no other way to remember him, and yet I still have many reasons to do so. One memory in particular is seeing morning bread or biscuit crumbs with my tea. David grew up in Shrewsbury and tea time for him was always a must. I remember, during our afternoon tea breaks with biscuit, he would never let any crumbs go to waste.
David was just like that in programming: He hated wasted thinking and effort. For him programs should be lean. His preference was always for the simplest. He was a real engineer, an unfortunate perfectionist, and someone who loved learning. I know that he will continue learning and foster learning here with the new students in this lab.
Hello David, my friend, welcome to your lab.
Fazlı Can, Prof. in Residence at the Department of Computer Engineering
