Keith Hilles-Pilant touched the lives of so many here, including budding mathematicians eager for more encouragement, and those just beginning their algebraic studies—in Warren, or in a math trailer, or at the top of Ware Hall. Many know about his love of math; he was an educator who prodded the department toward developing long-lasting relationships with other educators throughout academia, in Boston and beyond. Still others think of Keith and envision him with violin in hand. He happily hosted musical gatherings before Tuesday-night faculty meetings, sharing feasts with friends as they serenaded each other. Keith and his wife Carolyn are avid travelers, and he finished his teaching career with characteristic panache in Viterbo, Italy. During the span of his career, Keith taught at School Year Abroad in Spain and France, and helped explore a new site in Japan. This daring and courageous man motivates us to think outside the box, to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones. Keith is the antithesis to the idea that getting older means becoming more sedate. To imagine his settling down at home in Milton is difficult. Perhaps he is just catching up with Carolyn, who retired a year ago, so they now can venture to other fantastic destinations.
As a teacher, Keith shined both as a mentor to students pushing the boundaries of our curriculum, and as a motivator to math colleagues eager to move the department ever forward. He is always ready to talk about math, share one of his favorite proofs, or discuss which cheeses to purchase at the local wine shop. We could always bring an unresolved question from class to Keith, confident he would grapple with the problem and talk you through it as needed. We will miss his laughter at the top of Ware, his mathematical prowess, and his energy.
Heather Sugrue, Chair,
Math Department