Donald L. Bitzer Papers, 1953-2022 | University of Illinois Archives

"A giant in the field of engineering, Bitzer’s inventions were world-changing. He is known as the “father of PLATO” for his role in creating the groundbreaking computer-based education system at the University of Illinois. He is a co-inventor of the flat-screen panel plasma display; in 2002 he shared an Emmy award for technological achievement with Gene Slottow and Robert Willson for his contributions to developing the plasma screen technology, which was used in the PLATO system. His research has also led to intelligent modems for telephone lines and cable systems, and he holds 50 patents including a high-quality modem and new satellite communication techniques.

Bitzer received many accolades over his lifetime: he was an IEEE Fellow, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, a Computer History Museum Fellow and a University of Illinois Alumni Association Awardee. He was also a practicing magician, incorporating magic tricks into many of his lectures, and in 1989 he received an award from the International Brotherhood of Magicians."

[Source: "In Memoriam: Donald L. Bitzer, father of PLATO," https://ece.illinois.edu/news/in-memoriam-don-bitzer]