Welcome to the fifth edition of the Grand Valley State University Department of Mathematics Newsletter.  It has been an exciting year for our students, alumni, and faculty, and we are delighted to share with you news of many accomplishments.

In this issue, you will find articles about the ongoing activities of the GVSU Mathematics and Statistics Club, students who have attended a variety of different conferences, students who have achieved local, regional, and national recognition through scholarships and other awards, research being conducted by undergraduates, and alumni who have recently graduated and gone on to teaching positions, jobs in business and industry, or graduate school.

In the 2004-05 academic year, the department was pleased to have 68 mathematics majors graduate from GVSU.  One of those graduates, Kristina Lund, was the winner of the Niemeyer Award, the highest prize given to undergraduate students at GVSU.  This was the third year in a row that a mathematics major was recognized with this prize.

In addition to the many accolades our students have earned, the department faculty have enjoyed a year of successes.  Professor Will Dickinson, profiled in this issue, was the 2006 recipient of the Pew Teaching with Technology Award.  In May 2005, Professor Ted Sundstrom was recognized by the Michigan Section of the Mathematical Association of America with its Distinguished Teaching Award.  Many other department faculty have been recognized professionally for organizing conferences, publishing papers, giving talks, and more.  It continues to be an exciting time in mathematics at Grand Valley State University.  We hope that you’ll read on to learn more!   

Editors:  

David Austin (austind at gvsu dot edu)

Matt Boelkins (boelkinm at gvsu dot edu)

Reva Kasman

Of the six presentations given by GVSU REU students, three were given national awards. Read more about these awards.

Cindy Groenink, Tim Major, Sam Otten, Pete Schwallier, and Chris Smith all were chosen to work for twelve weeks on a major project in conjunction with a faculty advisor. Read more about Cindy, Tim, Sam, Pete, and Chris. 

Ngan Nguyen and Elizabeth Toman flew to Nebraska to join 188 other women at the conference, where they met to discuss research and mathematics. Read more about Ngan and Elizabeth.

Nate Burch and Matt Stamps are two students from GVSU's math department to participate in REUs away from home. Read more about Nate and Matt.

Sam Otten of Rudyard, MI, has accomplished some impressive things during his time at Grand Valley, including finishing his secondary education degree in just four years, engaging in a research project, and completing his degree with a perfect GPA. Read more about Sam.

When Tim Coffing graduated from high school, he could not have envisioned himself being where he is today. Currently in his second year at GVSU, Tim is now pursuing a mathematics degree with a focus in secondary education. Read more about Tim. 

Dr. Linda Joyce and Danielle Wiest are two of Grand Valley's accomplished mathematics graduates. Read more about Dr. Joyce and Danielle.

Learn more about what's happening with the Math and Stats Club.

Tami Bailey, Will Dickinson, and Don VanderJagt are three outstanding math faculty that help to make students' love of math that much fuller. Read more about Tami, Will, and Don.

Grand Valley will honor students on April 14 for their outstanding achievements. Read more about these students.