In recognition of Professor Lotfi A. Zadeh

It is a privilege to be asked to recognize professor lotfi a. zadeh on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday. as a math-ematician, electrical engineer and computer scientist, lotfi's exceptional accomplishments in systems related research, practice, education and service are legendary; indeed, he has been well recognized for these accomplishments over a long and distinguished career that continues to this day. i shall therefore limit my remarks to personal interactions with this kind, thoughtful and gracious human being.