April 16, 2001

As part of the preparations for the event, the math department is hosting a problem competition. Each week during April, a new "problem poster" is on display around the Math Sciences Building in the Gant Science Complex.

The first two problems involved cutting a Tsoureki - a glazed, sweet Greek Easter bread - and graduating from Wizard School.

Solutions, due by April 24, are welcome from all UConn students, undergraduate or graduate, with the exception of graduate students in math. Cash prizes will be awarded for solutions selected by problem judge Ioanna Mavrea, a graduate student.

On April 24, the math department will serve free coffee and doughnuts all morning on the second and third floors of the Math Science Building.

Students and other visitors can examine posters, fliers and interactive computer simulations that highlight the beauty and utility of the 'Queen of the Sciences'.

Faculty, graduate students and undergraduate math majors will be on hand to serve doughnuts and answer questions. Everyone is invited.

During the afternoon, visitors can attend a thesis defense by Mihai Pascu, followed by a reception in the math lounge at 3 p.m.

The math awards ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. in room IMS 20, Gant Science Complex, prior to a talk intended primarily for undergraduates at 4 p.m. Alan McRea of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., will speak on "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Three Ways of Measuring in Geometry."

Mathematics Awareness Month, held all across the country in April each year, was recently expanded from Mathematics Awareness Week, which began in 1986. Its goal is to increase public understanding of and appreciation for mathematics.