Steve Schlicker and Paul Fishback (GVSU) are again jointly directing the High School Visiting Lecture Program during the 2001–2002 academic year. The HSVLP offers high school students and teachers the opportunity to connect with college and university faculty and other mathematics professionals. Topics that mathematicians share with schools include applications of mathematics in bridge-building and Congressional apportionment, careers in mathematics, beautiful mathematical gems in mainstream mathematics, and topics in other areas such as graph theory, chaos theory, and the theory of surreal numbers.
Last year there were 22 volunteer speakers from 12 institutions, offering 47 titles. There were 11 requests for visits , all of which were honored. This number is down from 1999–2000. One lecture in particular deserves special recognition — a request from Beaver Island High School. In addition to the driving time, the trip to Beaver Island requires a ferry or plane trip between Charlevoix and the island. The time and logistics of the trip necessitate an overnight stay. We appreciate the willingness of Ed Aboufadel (GVSU) to make this trip.
All faculty who are interested in giving high school presentations are encouraged to participate. The continually updated list of speakers is available on the Section Web site (www.michmaa.org/vhslpAnnounce.html).
Please encourage any high school teachers you may know to take advantage of the program. There is no charge to them for this service. Teachers can apply for speakers directly from the Web site. For further information, see our Web site or contact Steve or Paul (see contact information on the Committees and Appointments page).
This is the third year in a three-year term for GVSU to direct the HSVLP. If anyone is interested in assuming the position of HSVLP director, contact the Section chair.
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