By Michael Grossberg
Valued Libertarian Futurist Society member and former Prometheus Awards judge Jeff Schulman has died.
Schulman, who died unexpectedly July 18, 2025, served for years as a judge on the Prometheus Best Novel judging committee, which reads and evaluates a wide variety of candidates and nominees to select the annual slate of Best Novel finalists.
Known for his kindness, brilliance, creativity and openness to new ideas and new technology, Jeff had a passion for liberty, for the advancement of civilization and for the Libertarian Futurist Society.
JEFF’S INNOVATIVE ENERGY
Decades younger than most Best Novel judges, Jeff often helped spur the judging committee and the LFS to consider new and additional ways – from social media to Discord and LinkedIn – to carry out our activities, programs and discussions and raise the visibility of the Prometheus Awards.
During his years as a judge, Jeff was especially pleased to see Wil McCarthy’s Rich Man’s Sky win the 2022 Prometheus Award for Best Novel. (My impression is that Jeff especially identified with McCarthy’s positive and inventive vision of a better, free-er future for our species, both at home on Earth and in space.)
Because Jeff was facing a tough deadline to finish writing his Phd. thesis and get his advanced degree at Penn State University, he made the painful decision in the summer of 2024 to rotate off the Best Novel judging committee, itself a very demanding volunteer job involving hundreds of hours of reading, discussion and committee debate.
When he rotated off, Jeff shared his thoughts with fellow judges by email:
“It has been a privilege to serve on the Best Novel committee. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the rigorous discussions, discovering wonderful literature, and the camaraderie that this role has offered,” Jeff wrote.
“Although I am stepping down from the committee to focus on other professional and academic pursuits, I remain committed to the ideals of individual liberty and autonomous agency, as well as hope for the future and exploration of the possibilities that it brings. I am hopeful that I’ll be able to rejoin sometime soon after I finish my dissertation.”
That last hope sadly didn’t have a chance to materialize, but the LFS will miss Jeff’s vigorous efforts as an active member and judge.
A LIFE OF SERVICE AND DEDICATION
When he first joined the Prometheus committee, Jeff introduced himself to other judges with this email bio:
“Most importantly, I’m a dad and a husband. Also a USMC Veteran, 23 year veteran of the IT industry, currently at Penn State University performing duties as a cybersecurity architect and adjunct lecturer (currently teaching in ITS 220 [Networking and Telecommunications] section). I’ve earned a BBA in MIS, a MS in International Relations with a Concentration in National Security Policy, a MS in Cybersecurity Policy, and hold several professional certifications including CISSP-ISSEP.
“I’m also currently wearing a copy editor hat for two professional journals: the Journal of Cybersecurity Awareness and Education and Military Cyber Affairs. I’m a member of these professional organizations: The Military Cyber Professionals Association (MCPA), (ISC)², VETCON (Veterans at DEFCON), VetSec (Veterans in Cybersecurity), the Cyber Security Forum Initiative (CSFI), the COVID-19 Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) League, and the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI).”
THE FAMILY’S TRIBUTE
Jeffrey Samuel Schulman, Jr., is survived by his wife Juyeon Julianne Schulman, who he married in 2006, and his young son, Blake. The family lives in State College, Pennsylvania.
“Our family is devastated by the sudden loss of Jeff Schulman Jr. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He brought quiet strength and kindness into every space he entered. His absence has left a deep ache in our hearts,” his wife Julianne wrote on Facebook.
“Jeff lived a life of service, dedication to his family, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. He served honorably as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps for four years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, two Master’s degrees in Cybersecurity Technology, International Relations, and was a dedicated doctoral candidate who published multiple research papers. He also served as an adjunct professor at Penn State, where he poured into his students with the same passion and commitment he brought to everything he did,” she said.
A SPECIAL SUPPORT FUND
A special fund has been set up on spotfund.com to support his wife and son, and provide funds for his parents and siblings to travel from the West Coast for the memorial service.
“They will need continued love, strength, and support in the weeks and months ahead as they begin to navigate life without him. While we are still coming to terms with this heartbreaking loss, our focus is on surrounding them and each other with care and stability,” according to the spotfund webpage for the Schulman family.
“This fund will help our family manage unexpected needs that have surfaced during this time of transition. It gives us space to focus on what matters most: honoring Jeff’s life, supporting Julianne and Blake, and walking through this together as a family.”
An Aug. 1 gathering has been set up to honor Jeff’s life in State College, Penn. The funeral service will take place at St. Alban’s Anglican Church, and burial at Pine Grove Mills Cemetery, with an American Legion military honors ceremony. The Celebration of Life will take place at the American Legion Post, where Jeff proudly served as Chaplain.
“Jeff loved life. He was one of the most positive, loving, and generous souls I’ve ever known. He adored his family, and his many friends. If you were lucky enough to know Jeff, you know how deeply he cared for others. Thank you for being a part of his life; he cherished your friendship,” Julianne Schulman wrote.
“Please, love your people. Support them. Show up for them. And keep checking in—especially when they seem strong on the outside.”
To support the Schulman family, visit the Schulman tribute page on Spotfund.
OMGosh I just saw this – this is devastating. My heart goes out to those who loved him; I know he touched far more lives than he knew
This is Jeff’s sister. I read your tribute to him and wanted to say thank you.
Our family is very appreciative of not only your support but your heartfelt words. It’s heartwarming to know he was loved by so many.
Terra Martinez
Thank you, Michael for your beautiful words. Our tears come and go like waves but I’ll make sure to text your post to our family, as I know this means so much to all of us!