MCS

Author: max

  • An Actuary’s Tribute to the Actuarial Exam Path

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    Matthew Swenson, Gustavus class of 2012, recently earned the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) designation and recorded a musical tribute.

  • Liberal Arts Education in the Age of Accountability

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    Max Hailperin was invited to give this year’s Matthias Wahlstrom lecture, part of an annual series by Gustavus professors addressing the possibilities of the liberal arts in the 21st century. His topic was “Liberal Arts in the Age of Accountability.” The attached text approximates what he said.

  • Two “Titans of Technology” from Gustavus MCS Department

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    The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal named 18 “Titans of Technology” for 2015, and two of them received their bachelors degrees from Gustavus with majors in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics. Todd Hauschildt ’87 was honored as a “Community Hero” for his volunteer service on the GiveMN board of directors and Mark Gritter…

  • Death of Terry “T.J.” Morrison

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    President Bergman wrote the following to the Gustavus faculty, students and staff: I am saddened to share the news that Terry Morrison, professor of math, computer science, and statistics, has died after a short and courageous battle with cancer. T.J., as he was fondly called by students and colleagues, began teaching at the College in…

  • Math Contest Shirt Graces a “Modern Classic”

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    Spin magazine has a nice profile of Oliver Ackermann, who is pictured wearing a T-shirt from the 1979 math contest held at Gustavus Adolphus College.

  • Mathematical Works of Art

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    The stated mission of Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics at Gustavus is “to provide an excellent education in the theoretical, practical, and aesthetic aspects of mathematics, statistics, and computer science to undergraduate students.” No doubt other departments of mathematical sciences also highlight both theory and practice in their mission statements, but there can’t…

  • When a Professor Tries to Serve Her Nation

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    Science Insider reports that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has terminated Valerie Barr after the first of what ought to have been two years as a Program Officer. I know Professor Barr professionally–we are both members of the Liberal Arts Computer Science consortium–and also had the opportunity to talk with her about this strange and…

  • Writing Prose and Writing Computer Programs

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    Joe Lencioni graduated from Gustavus in 2005 summa cum laude with a major in Religion, worked for the College as a software developer, then went on to do the same in the outside world. He’s now written a really nice blog post, aimed at fellow developers, with the thesis that “Writing prose can improve your programs…

  • What is “Voluntary Voter ID”?

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    My professional work lately has focused on “electronic pollbooks” – computer systems used for administrative functions at polling places, such as checking in preregistered voters and processing same-day voter registration applications. In particular, I served this past year on the Minnesota legislature’s bipartisan task force on this topic, to which I was appointed based on…

  • Pi Day!

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    In addition to contemplating the digits of π, we are celebrating with pie (round, of course) in the third floor lobby of Olin Hall at 4:30pm.