Lila Gleitman 1929-2021

The Department of Psychology is saddened to announce the passing of Professor Emeritus Lila Gleitman, a champion of cognitive science, a mentor to many of her field’s leaders, and an inspiration to all.  

Her work on children’s word learning, concepts, and grammar established many of the empirical results and theoretical questions that are central to debate today. She never shied from debate, but leavened every interaction with her unmistakable wit.

We all rose higher in her presence, and offer our fondest farewells.