SPU alumnus Larry Wall ’76 pioneered the revolutionary computer language called Perl, named for the “pearl of great price” in the Gospel of Matthew. Perl, short for “practical extraction and report language,” is affectionately known as the duct tape of the Internet. Larry is humble about the impact of his contribution to computer science, which is nothing short of tremendous.
SPU Professor of English Janet Blumberg, a former faculty advisor, told SPU’s Response magazine that Larry is “one of the rare people who combines superb computer and math skills with the common touch and a love for literature and ideas."
A linguistics major in his time at SPU, Larry is married to SPU alumna Gloria Biggar Wall ’79. Their daughter, Heidi Wall Myers, graduated from SPU in 2004. Gloria has committed her life to Bible teaching through Christian education classes, and partners with Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Congratulations, Larry and Gloria!
Posted: Friday, January 25, 2013