Aurora University Debuts In National Math Contest

AURORA, Ill. December 17, 2006 - Local residents were among Aurora University students who competed in the 67th William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition Saturday, Dec. 2, on campus.

AU contestants were senior math majors Brittany Brooke of Aurora, Melissa Kee of Sandwich, and Alexander Gordy of Montgomery. Coordinating AU’s first-ever Putnam team was Geoffrey Apel, assistant professor of mathematics.

AU was among schools nationwide hosting local contests. Contestants have six hours to solve 12 problems. Answers are forwarded to the Mathematical Association of America which administers the competition. The MAA will announce the top 10 schools and 500 top individuals.

Apel said AU’s team was selected based on members’ scholarly achievements. They prepared for the event by studying sample questions.

Apel added, “This is a famous and prestigious national competition. Initiated in 1938, the competition is designed to stimulate a healthful rivalry in mathematical studies in the colleges and universities of the United States and Canada.”

The contest is open to current undergraduate students not yet having attained a degree in any field of study.

Prizes will be awarded to schools with the five winning teams. Team members will receive individual prizes. Prizes will also be awarded to the five highest ranking persons, designated Putnam Fellows by the MAA, and the next 20 highest-ranking contestants.

- END -