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

Title: Donald L. Bitzer Papers, 1953-2022

ID: 11/6/44

Extent: 2.2

Arrangement: Alphabetical

Date Acquired: 05/16/2025

Subjects: Computer-Based Education Research Laboratory (CERL), Computer Science, Novanet, Plasma Display, PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations)

Papers of Donald L. Bitzer (1934-2024), professor of electrical and computer engineering (University of Illinois Electrical Enginering B.S., 1955; M.A., 1956; Ph.D, 1960) and co-inventor of plasma display and PLATO computer instruction system. Contains: CERL reports; conference and celebratory brochures and information; legal case files and depositions; patent applications and related documents; publications; publicity; and a copy of an oral history transcript. Contents document awards Bitzer received; Bitzer's inventions and contributions to the plasma display panel, PLATO, and NovaNET; Bitzer's roles at the University of Illinois and CERL, and North Carolina State University; and Bitzer's professional engagements.

"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]

Computer-Based Education Research Laboratory (CERL)
Computer Science
Novanet
Plasma Display
PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations)

Repository: University of Illinois Archives

Access Restrictions: Papers related to Competitive Technologies, Inc. v. Fujitsu Limited et al are restricted and require permission from the University Archivist for access.

Acquisition Source: David Bitzer

URL: https://files.archon.library.illinois.edu/uasfa/1106044.pdf

PDF finding aid for Donald L. Bitzer Papers (11/6/44)