Stephen Bourne

Digital Library

Outstanding Contribution to ACM Award

USA - 2017

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For significant contributions to ACM, particularly for reaching out to practitioners through the development of the Practitioners Board and Queue, and for his support of students worldwide through his engagement with, and support of, the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest.

Steve has made significant contributions to ACM through various roles. As President of ACM (2000-2002), he established the Queue magazine which has become a highly-valued publication among practitioners. Queue bears the unmistakable stamp of Dr. Bourne developed over the many years he served as Editor-in-Chief. In addition, he led the launch and development of the Practitioners Board which has become the foundation for ACM outreach to practicing professionals. Furthermore, Dr. Bourne served as Chair of the ACM Investment Committee from 2006 - 2012. Equally valuable are his contributions to promote and support the annual ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest which connects ACM to computing students worldwide. His enthusiasm, dedication, and perseverance have set a great example for volunteers. His contributions have benefited ACM as an organization, and computing as a profession.

ACM Presidential Award

USA - 2008

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For his tireless efforts on behalf of ACM, most notably his visionary and continuing leadership in the creation of Queue and the ACM Professions Board as well as his expert guidance as Chair of ACM's Investment Committee and support for the International Computing Programming Contest. Dr. Bourne's work fosters goodwill for the computing profession and draws the best of the next generation to ACM.

ACM Fellows

USA - 2005

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For contributions to the development of UNIX and for effective leadership of ACM.

2017 Outstanding Contribution to ACM Award

Steve Bourne was named recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to ACM Award for significant contributions to ACM, particularly for reaching out to practitioners through the development of the Practitioners Board and ACM Queue, and for his support of students worldwide through his engagement with, and support of, the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC).

During his tenure as President of ACM (2000-2002), Bourne envisioned and encouraged the expansion of the ACM membership from its historic academic and research base to include practicing professionals. He instituted and fostered projects to interest and support this practitioner demographic, and his involvement in these programs continues to this day. A centerpiece of these efforts was the launch of ACM Queue, a first-of-its kind magazine for practicing software engineers. In enlisting and guiding the magazine’s first editorial board, Bourne envisioned a publication that would not simply chronicle industry news, but rather provide software engineers with insights into future challenges that lie just ahead.

Bourne also broadened ACM’s appeal to professionals by initiating and developing the ACM Practitioners Board. The board meets regularly to ensure that ACM continues to offer products and services that support and enhance the professional and technical development of ACM members. An apt reflection of the fastest-growing areas of computing, the Practitioners Board includes practicing engineers, computer architects, and IT specialists and managers, among many others.

Another of Bourne’s contributions to ACM has been his active participation since 2001 in the ACM-operated International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC). Now in its 42nd year, ICPC counts more than 320,000 alumni.

The Outstanding Contribution to ACM Award recognizes outstanding service contributions to the Association. Candidates are selected based on the value and degree of service overall, and may be given to up to three individuals each year.