Remembering Professor George P. McCabe

Some people influence our education. Others shape our careers. And a rare few leave a lasting impression on who we become as human beings.

For me, Professor George McCabe was one of those rare individuals.

I had the privilege of knowing George during my graduate studies in Statistics at Purdue University, where he served as my doctoral advisor. But his influence extended far beyond the classroom, academic research, and the completion of my PhD.

George was an extraordinary statistician, educator, researcher, and academic leader. Over more than five decades at Purdue, he helped shape the field of applied statistics and influenced generations of students and colleagues.

Among his many accomplishments, he coauthored the influential textbook Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, which helped transform statistics education by emphasizing the practical analysis of real-world data. He also established and directed Purdue’s Statistical Consulting Service, bringing statistical thinking to challenging problems across science, engineering, medicine, and industry.

His contributions earned him numerous professional honors, including election as a Fellow of both the American Statistical Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Perhaps one of George’s greatest legacies, however, was the extraordinary number of lives he touched.

Throughout his distinguished career, George mentored and guided numerous doctoral students, helping them develop not only as researchers and statisticians but also as independent thinkers and professionals. His influence extended well beyond the Department of Statistics. Through statistical consulting, interdisciplinary research, and academic leadership, he contributed to teaching and research across Purdue’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.

His intellectual generosity, commitment to education, and willingness to share his knowledge benefited students, faculty, and researchers throughout the university.

George touched countless lives, and I consider myself exceptionally fortunate to have been one of them.

Yet, when I think about George, his professional achievements are only part of what comes to mind.

What I remember most is the person behind those accomplishments.

George taught me much more than statistics. Through his guidance, example, and the way he approached people and problems, he helped shape how I think, how I work, and how I approach life.

His influence remained with me long after I graduated from Purdue in 1996.

Throughout my professional career, whether working with complex organizations, solving operational problems, teaching graduate students, or mentoring others, I have carried lessons that originated during my years with George.

He helped me appreciate that knowledge is most valuable when it is applied thoughtfully, that intellectual curiosity should never end with graduation, and that the way we treat people matters just as much as our professional accomplishments.

Looking back, I recognize how fortunate I was to have him as my advisor and mentor.

I remain deeply grateful for his patience, guidance, encouragement, and the example he set—not only as a distinguished academic but as a human being.

George passed away in 2023. His passing was a profound loss to the academic community and to the many people whose lives he touched.

For me, however, his influence continues.

Every time I encourage a student to think critically, look beyond the numbers, or consider the practical implications of an analysis, I am reminded of the lessons I learned from him.

Thank you, George, for everything you taught me, for your guidance during my graduate studies, and especially for the lasting influence you have had on my life.

I will always be grateful that our paths crossed.