Colleagues,
I am saddened to share that Richard Tapia passed away yesterday evening, May 22, 2026.
Those who knew him know that his accolades and accomplishments are too many to list here. However, I can say that he was a wonderful friend, mentor, and colleague in the mathematics and optimization community and beyond. And he was a loving and devoted father and husband.
Here is the official announcement from Rice University:
https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/richard-tapia-pioneering-mathematician-and-advocate-diversity-passes-away-88
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William Christian, Ph.D.
United States
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