Thomas Jude Schriber passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at the age of 89 in his beloved “Little Ann Arbor Town,” surrounded by his immediate family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann Sneed Schriber, his three children, Sarah Elizabeth Schriber (David Fischer), John Cornelius Schriber (Amanda Schriber), and Maria Adams Schriber; five grandchildren, Simone Lark Schriber, Ada Wallis Truett-Schriber, Arlo Adams Truett-Schriber, Elise Marie Schriber, and Thomas Emmett Schriber; his sisters Mary Sue Schriber (Anthony Scaperlanda) and Anne Marie Huffstetler (Charles Huffstetler); and many nieces and nephews.

In the hundreds of condolences received, the words used most often to describe Tom are kind, thoughtful, generous, and gentle. He was warm and jovial and consistently put other people first. His legacy lives on through his loving family, academic contributions, the countless students he inspired, and the warmth he brought to all who knew him.

Born on October 28, 1935, to Alma Jeannot Schriber and Francis Charles Schriber in Flint, Michigan, Tom was raised in East Tawas and Rogers City. A pioneering figure in business information technology and simulation science, he dedicated his life to education and innovation. Tom’s academic journey began at his beloved Notre Dame, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1957. He then earned his MSE in 1958, MA in 1959, and PhD in Chemical Engineering in 1964 from the University of Michigan.

Tom’s teaching career started at Eastern Michigan University in 1963 as Assistant Professor and Director of its Academic Computer Center. In 1966, he joined the Business School at the University of Michigan, where he spent five decades shaping minds and advancing simulation science. Rising through the ranks, he became Assistant Professor in 1966, Associate Professor in 1969, and Professor of Business Information Technology in 1972. His expertise took him around the world as a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University, the Swiss Federal Technical University, and the National University of Singapore.

Tom’s research focused on discrete-event simulation, a methodology for building computer-based systems models and conducting experiments to understand system behavior. His work included modeling language design, model verification and validation, system visualization through animation, statistical design of experiments, and output analysis. He made significant contributions to the logical foundations of simulation software, variance-reduction techniques, and applications in manufacturing and transportation systems.

Recognized for his excellence by INFORMS with both the Simulation Society’s Distinguished Service Award and its Lifetime Professional Achievement Award, Tom was also known for his kindness, infectious laugh, and ability to host a great cocktail party. He never missed sending an email for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or funerals, showing his deep care for personal connections.

Tom’s passion for teaching was unmatched. At his final Thanksgiving dinner, when asked about his perfect day, he answered without hesitation that it would be giving back-to-back lectures followed by office hours. He continued teaching at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business until age 80, touching thousands of students’ lives during his 50-year tenure.

Known for his methodical approach to decision-making (sometimes to a fault), Tom would often delay purchasing new technology, knowing something better would soon come to market. This led to his charming habit of using older models until they became obsolete. His family fondly remembered his careful deliberation over restaurant menus, reading them aloud to patient waiters while searching for the perfect choice.

A celebration of Tom’s life is being planned, and friends and family will be notified of the details as soon as they are finalized in the coming months.

In closing, Tom loved to tell jokes and dirty limericks, but we’ll keep this limerick we wrote PG-rated:

A brilliant professor named Tom
Loved teaching from dusk until dawn
“My perfect day? Just lectures!” he’d say
While students all cheered him on strong!