1994 K-State Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
Lectures by a distinguished visiting mathematician, seven alumni, two K-State mathematics majors, and a business representative were the highlights of our Undergraduate Lecture Series at Kansas State University in 1994.Stan Wagon, a distinguished mathematician from Macalester University, visited Kansas State and gave an undergraduate mini-course on Problem Addiction. Wagon's mini-course was very well received, attracting visitors from Lawrence, Topeka, and Wichita.
Gary Schmidt, a 1971 K-State mathematics alumnus, gave a presentation entitled Why are people in mathematics today? Gary received a Ph.D. in education from Kansas State in 1973. He is now teaching mathematics at Washburn University and runs a computer consulting firm in Berryton. Connie Schrock, a 1987 K-State mathematics alumna, gave a presentation entitled Lateral thinking, problem solving, and education. Connie also earned a Ph.D. in education from K-State in 1989. She now teaches mathematics at Emporia State University. Bill Unruh, a 1944 K-State mathematics alumnus, gave a presentation entitled Doors that open to math graduates. Bill is a member of the Kansas Teacher's Hall of Fame. He worked for many years in the Shawnee Mission school system and is now retired. Gary Thomas, a 1965 K-State mathematics alumnus, gave a presentation entitled Mathematics and investing. Gary is President of Prestwick Associates, Inc. of Wichita. David Tucker, a 1966 K-State mathematics alumnus, gave a presentation entitled Spreadsheets for teaching and visualizing mathematical concepts. David received a Ph.D. in mathematics from Florida State in 1975. He now is teaching mathematics at Midwestern State University. Bill Spencer, a 1956 K-State mathematics alumnus, gave a presentation entitled Is there a role for mathematics in high tech industry? Bill received a Ph. D. in physics from K- State in 1960. He is President and Chief Executive Officer of Sematech Corporation in Austin. Douglas Feist, a 1985 K-State mathematics alumnus, gave a presentation entitled Problem solving - mathematical thinking in the business environment. Doug works for Arthur Andersen and Company in Dallas. Julie Ohmes, a mathematics-statistics double major, described her experiences at Mills College Summer Mathematics Institute in Oakland. Rick Un, a mathematics-computer science double major, described his co-op work experience at IBM in Dallas. Julie Ohmes and Rick Un both graduated in May of 1995.
Matthew Dolliver, an actuary representing Kansas City Life Insurance Company, gave a presentation entitled The actuarial profession.