Math department presents mathematics awards

Bill Ritchie Award for Excellence in Mathematics Scholarship

Each year the Mathematics faculty selects senior majors to be recognized for their outstanding achievements in mathematics. Selection criteria include mathematics GPA, overall GPA, performance in difficult mathematics courses and the results of the ETS Major Field Test in Mathematics.

This year’s Bill Ritchie Award winner is Haewoong Jeon, the son of Sung Bum Jeon and Aesook Hwang of Sokcho City, South Korea. Haewoong has been active in the Math Club and Korean Club while at MSUM.  He has also been a tutor for the Mathematics Department. Haewoong is planning on entering graduate school. Additionally Jeon has been awarded the 2010 Bill Ritchie Award for Excellence in Mathematics. His distinguished GPA and the contributions he’s made to the department have entitled him to this honor. Dr. Ritchie was a former professor of mathematics and upon his death in 1987 a scholarship in his honor was established. Jeon also received the Outstanding Senior Award.

James T. Wallen Scholarship

Anthony Batesole has been awarded the James T. Wallen Scholarship. He is a 2003 graduate of Jamestown High School and is the son of Ken and Mary Mohr of Jamestown, N.D. The scholarship award is based on performance in advanced mathematics courses and an overall grade point average. The Wallen Scholarship is given to junior mathematics majors and is named after Jim Wallen who was a member of the department for 30 years. Anthony is currently President of the Math Club and a Peer Advisor for Dragon Days. He is also a tutor for the Mathematics Department and the Math Learning Center. Anthony will be entering graduate school or teaching after graduation from MSUM.

Rothmann Family Scholarship

Jonathan Rue as the first recipient of the Rothmann Family Scholarship. Dr. Derald Rothmann was a faculty member from 1962-2010, and served the department very meritoriously. He has established this scholarship in his family name since everyone in his family has had an association with MSUM. The scholarship award is based on performance in advanced mathematics courses and an overall grade point average. Jonathan is the son of Milton and Diane Rue of Bismarck, N.D. He is a former Math Club President and has been a tutor for the Mathematics Department. Jonathan plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics and hopes to become a math professor.

2009-2010 Outstanding Senior Awards

The Outstanding Senior Award winners are Nicole Novak, Kendra Nies, Kathryn Bergee and Haewoong Jeon.

Nicole Novak is the daughter of Paula Novak and Mark Novak of Austin, Minn. She has been a tutor for the Mathematics Department’s Math Learning Center.  Nicole is seeking a job in secondary mathematics education for next year.

Kendra Nies is the daughter of Jim and Shirley Nies of Grey Eagle, Minn. She has been active in Campus Crusade for Christ while a student. She has also been a tutor for the Mathematics Department. Kendra is planning on being a high school teacher and working toward her master’s degree.

Kathryn Bergee, the daughter of Rahn and Elana Bergee of Dilworth, MN, and While at MSUM Kathryn has been active in the Math Club, a Dragon Days Peer Advisor, and a Mathematics Department tutor. She has also taken part in the MAA team competition and the Putnam Exam competition. She was also a Student Academic Conference participant and a GIRLS (Girls Involved with Responsibility, Leadership, and Service) after school program volunteer. Kathryn plans on finding a job in the banking industry after graduation and eventually pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics.