Math Competitions

The Department of Mathematics offers many opportunity-rich experiences for travel and seeing the broad world of mathematics. Here are a few competitions in which our students participate:

Indiana College Mathematics Competition

This is a competition for teams of size three held every spring at the Indiana Section Meeting of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). Students interested in participating should contact Dr. Adam Salminen. Funding is typically available for registration, transportation, lodging and meals for all participants.

In the Spring 2011 competition, UE sent two teams. Team 1 was Kelly Collins, Matthew Harris, and Miranda Stinson. Team 2 was Drew Reisinger, Ray Watkin, and Cezary Wojcik.

University of Evansville Mathematics Competition

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Evansville has an annual spring competition sponsored by Kappa Mu Epsilon (National Mathematics Honor Society) open to all UE students. Students are asked challenging yet reasonable questions from a variety of mathematical topics. The first, second, and third place winners receive monetary awards and are guests of Kappa Mu Epsilon at their annual initiation banquet in the spring.

2012 winners were:

1st Place: Raymond C. Watkin (Mathematics)
2nd Place: Dakota Roberts (Mathematics)
3rd Place: Kent E. Bayens (Physics)

Virginia Tech Regional Math Contest

The Virginia Tech Regional Math Contest is a three-hour examination given each fall. The test consists of six or seven questions from a number of mathematical topics studied by undergraduates. These questions are typically challenging. Samples of old exams can be found online.

Reasons for students to take this examination include:

Participation in such competitions is a nice resume enhancement.
Cash awards with a total value of $750 are given to top scorers.
Breakfast goodies are provided.

William Lowell Putnam Math Competition

The William Lowell Putnam Math Competition is a two-part examination comprised of two three-hour blocks. It is given on the first Saturday in December.

Each part has six very challenging questions from a number of mathematical topics. Scores on this test are typically lower than those on the Virginia Tech Regional Math Contest (see above). More information about this competition can be found at the Putnam Exam website or the Mathematical Association of America website. Registration is in mid-September.