Grace Hopper Biography

Grace was born on December 9, 1906, in New York and was the oldest among her siblings. Her parents Walter Fletcher Murray and Mary Campbell Van Horne were of mixed (Scottish and Dutch) origin.

At the age of 16, she was rejected at Vassar College, because of insufficient marks in Latin. The next year, Grace was accepted and got her Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics, when she completed her graduation in 1928.

In 1930, she received her Master’s degree in mathematics from Yale University.

She then began research work for her doctoral degree simultaneously taking up a position as member of faculty at Vassar College�in 1931. Three years later she successfully obtained her PhD from Yale.

In 1946, Grace resigned from Vassar to become a research fellow in Harvard’s computation laboratory. She took up the position in applied physics and engineering.

In 1949, Grace joined Eckert-Mauchly Corporation, where she�was given the position of senior mathematician.

This company was taken over by Remington Rand in 1950 and was merged with Sperry Corporation�after five years.

During her years in Remington Rand, she was in charge of the programming of UNIVAC. In 1952, her team created the first compiler for computers.

In 1959, at the ‘Conference of Data Systems Languages’, Grace Hopper was the technical consultant of the committee. She along with her colleagues defined COBOL�or Common Business-Oriented Language, which is till date one of the most famous business languages.

Grace took a leave from Sperry Corporation�in 1967, to serve in the navy. Later in the same year, she was called to service as a leader in ‘Naval Data Automation Command’.

For ten years after that, Grace Hopper was the ‘Director of Navy Programming Languages Group’.

In 1973, she was promoted to the position of Captain. During her years in navy, she was also called to create and standardize communication among different computer languages.

In 1986, Grace Hopper retired as a rear admiral;�she was the oldest serving officer in service.

In 1969, Grace Hopper was awarded the first ‘Computer Science Man-of-the-Year Award’ from ‘Data Processing Management Association’.

In 2004, the University of Missouri honored Grace Hopper with a computer museum on its campus, Grace's Place. The museum has on display early computers and computer components.
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In 2004, the University of Missouri honored Grace Hopper with a computer museum on its campus, Grace's Place. The museum has on display early computers and computer components.
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Grace Hopper was known for her love of playing pranks, including hiding a clock that beeped intermittently in a colleague's office to keep them on their toes.

She was a firm believer in the power of teamwork and collaboration, often saying, "It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission."

Despite her renowned expertise in computer programming, Grace Hopper also had a passion for painting and often found inspiration in the vibrant colors of nature.

She was a trailblazer for women in STEM fields and actively encouraged young women to pursue careers in technology, serving as a mentor and role model for many.

Grace Hopper had a fondness for collecting and sharing anecdotes, often using humor and storytelling to engage and inspire those around her.