DeKALB – Kurt McMahon, a computer science instructor at NIU since 1991, died on Tuesday at Central DuPage Hospital.
McMahon, who was born and raised in Rochelle, graduated in 1985 from LaSalle-Peru Township High School. He went on to attend Bradley University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology and organic chemistry.
He later continued his education at NIU, serving as a teaching assistant before graduating with a master’s degree in computer science in 1991. Shortly after graduating, he began his tenure as a full-time computer science instructor.
McMahon was named Teacher of the Year and was known to be a dedicated educator, colleague and mentor to his students. He was also a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Juan Lopez, senior computer science major and chair of NIU’s chapter of Association for Computing Machinery, explained how he remembers McMahon.
“He was a very funny man. He was pretty silly, very calm kind of person,” Lopez said. “He had this infectious kind of laugh, the only kind of laugh that you’d get from I almost want to say, a comedian’s laugh. It was very infectious.”
Lopez also explained how McMahon worked as an instructor.
“He wasn’t the type of person just to do the bare minimum, just to do what he was told. He would go above and beyond, and he’d show out for his students,” Lopez said. “He would go to student events. He would talk well about his students. He’d go out of his way to, you know, be there for his students.”
Nicholas Karonis, computer science chair, provided a statement following McMahon’s death.
“Kurt McMahon was a deeply valued colleague, a gifted teacher and a dedicated member of our department community,” Karonis said. “His commitment to students was evident in everything he did, and his work had a lasting impact on our teaching and curriculum.”
Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Robert Brinkmann also expressed his thoughts.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kurt McMahon. He was a valued instructor in Computer Science for many years and also an alum from our college. We will miss him,” Brinkmann said.
A traditional service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on May 17 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Rd.
