Liyakhat Khan
I was recently searching for Dr. Siegel online, hoping to see what he was up to and perhaps reach out, only to find the news of his passing. It was a deeply saddening discovery.
When I first arrived in the United States twenty years ago, Dr. Siegel gave me an opportunity when no one else would. By bringing me on as a Graduate Research Assistant and being kind enough to support my tuition, he changed the trajectory of my life.
I truly enjoyed my time working with him. He was a man of amazing ideas, yet he remained incredibly kind and humble, even when I made mistakes as a student. That patience and brilliance stayed with me. After all these years, I still work as a software engineer, and I still find myself reflecting on his approach to designing and solving problems.
Jerry was a truly good man who took a chance on me, and I will always be grateful for his kindness. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.


