Harold Kuhn, eminent professor emeritus of mathematical economics at Princeton, died July 2, 2014, of congestive heart failure. He was 88.
After Army service from 1944 to 1946, Kuhn completed his bachelor’s degree at Caltech in 1947, and in 1950 earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton. After teaching at Bryn Mawr, he returned to Princeton as an associate professor of mathematical economics in 1959 and was promoted to professor in 1963, retiring in 1995.
Kuhn was a world leader in the fields of linear and nonlinear programming, game theory, combinatorial problems, and the application of mathematical techniques to economics. Widely known for his scholarship, he was respected for his thoughtful approach to teaching and for his service to Princeton.
In the late ’60s, he wrote a policy paper titled “Students and the University” that led to broad changes in the participation of students in the governance of Princeton. He also served on the committee that designed the Council of the Princeton University Community, which continues to give Princeton constituencies a voice in its governance. In his memory, Princeton flew the University flag over East Pyne at half-staff.
Kuhn is survived by his wife, Estelle; three sons, including Nicholas ’76; and seven grandchildren.
Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.