Obituary: Schiffman, 72, Led Education Division Gilbert B. Schiffman, 72, professor emeritus and former director of the Division of Education in the School of Continuing Studies, died of cancer Monday, Oct. 23, at his home in Columbia. As director from 1971 through 1977, Schiffman led the division through a period of growth and change, building foundations for programs that are now the cornerstones of the division, particularly in the area of special education and technology. In 1977, he took a leave from Hopkins to become director of the national Right to Read Program in the Office of Education in Washington, D.C., under the Carter administration. Returning to the university 20 months later, Schiffman assisted the Division of Education and the Applied Physics Laboratory in creating software to help children with a wide range of disabilities learn to read. He also played a key role in the national search for computer software for instruction and teacher training relevant to educating the exceptional child. Schiffman helped to develop one of the first master's degree programs in the country incorporating computers in education--the Master of Science in Computer Applications for Education. These efforts led to the establishment of the Center for Technology in Education in 1986. After his retirement in 1991, he worked on a state task force under Nancy Grasmick focusing on adult literacy in Maryland. "Gil had a charismatic personality, which attracted people to Hopkins programs," said Ralph Fessler, current director of the Division of Education. "Many of his former students viewed Gil as their mentor and role model. His life and work touched many lives." Schiffman received a doctoral degree from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry, a master's degree in education from Temple University and a doctoral degree in education from the University of Maryland. He is survived by two sons, Howard, of San Diego, and Mark, of North Potomac; and four grandchildren.