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∂AIL Mr. Lester Earnest↓Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
↓Computer Science Departement↓Stanford, CA 94305∞

Dear Les:

	As we discussed in the Spring, the contracts of the
Laboratory have shrunk to the point where we can no longer
afford an Executive Officer and Associate Director, and we
have to end your position at the end of August 1980.

	Your work as Associate Director, in getting the proposals
and reports out, in managing the personnel, in organizing the computer
system, in organizing software and hardware projects such as
PUB, the Datadisc Display system, the News Service and the SUDS
drawing system played an essential role in determining the character
of the AI Laboratory.  Your more direct role in designing the
display switch and the accounting system was also important.
The Prancing Pony accounting system contributed greatly to the
morale of the Laboratory, and the computer controlled vending
machine attracted much outside interest.

	Last but probably not least, organizing the volleyball, the sauna,
the "AI Olympics" and the associated social events
gave the Laboratory a distinctive character during
its years of isolation from campus.

	I am also grateful for your help with PUB and
other programs as well has your personal help in other matters.

	We will miss you here, and I wish you success in your
next project.

.reg

cc: Prof. Edward Feigenbaum