MAA to Honor Distinguished Service to Mathematics at Joint Mathematics Meetings

WASHINGTON, DC - Awards for the year’s distinguished service to mathematics will be given to mathematicians Suzanne Dorée of Augsburg University and the MAA North Central Section, Carl Lee of Central Michigan University and the MAA Michigan Section, and Jennifer Switkes of California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and the MAA Southern California Section by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) on Jan. 17, 2019 at the Joint Mathematics Meetings, the world’s largest gathering of mathematicians, in Baltimore.

“The mathematicians receiving these awards are essential in carrying out the MAA’s mission to advance the understanding of mathematics and its impact on our world,” said Michael Pearson, executive director of the MAA. “Their commitment to their Section and valued service to the mathematical community ensures that the future of mathematics is bright.”

Each year the MAA recognizes college or university mathematics teachers who demonstrate extraordinary success in teaching effectiveness, even beyond their own institutions. The Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Awards go to Suzanne Dorée, Carl Lee, and Jennifer Switkes.

Dorée is recognized for her exemplary teaching and leadership, not only at Augsburg University, but also nationally through her work with the MAA, the Charles A. Dana Center, and numerous presentations and workshops on campuses throughout the U.S. Dorée is an expert teacher of mathematics who goes to extraordinary lengths to help students at all levels to learn mathematics.

Lee of Central Michigan University is recognized for his outstanding contributions to teaching and learning in the mathematical sciences. Lee provides tireless mentoring and helps any student interested in mathematical sciences and applications. He developed the NSF-supported Real-Time Online Hands-on Activities Database, used by more than 100 instructors at more than 50 institutions. Lee is also one of the founding members of the Consortium for the Advancement of Undergraduate Statistics Education (CAUSE) and he founded the Undergraduate Statistics Project Competition (USPROC).

Switkes of California State Polytechnic University Pomona is recognized for bringing her educational core values of excellence, honor, integrity, love, and purpose to all students. She has directed 13 master’s theses and 12 undergraduate research projects during the past 13 years. She also taught calculus at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, CA, through the Prison Education Project. She has taken her teachings international and taught a semester of differential equations to two large classes of students at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.