It’s a tradition in the Michigan Section! Over the years the Michigan
Section has benefited from the efforts of the many wonderful volunteers
dedicated to the mission of the Section. At this time, I would like to
personally highlight the efforts of some of these people. Others, whom I should
spotlight but happen to omit at this time, I will include in the Spring
Newsletter.
First, I would like to thank Ruth Favro (LTU), Past Chair, for service as Chair and in many other capacities over a long period of time.
Mike Merscher (LTU) and the other members of the Local Arrangements Committee did a superb job at last May’s meeting at Lawrence Technological University.
Next, I would like to thank Jerry Grossman (OU) for his five years as editor of the Newsletter and his continuing service as Section Governor. Feedback from those who receive newsletters from Sections across the country indicates that the Michigan Section Newsletter is highly regarded. Norm Richert (Mathematical Reviews) has now taken over as Editor.
Jim Ham (Delta C) has finished his term as Two-year College Vice Chair. Jim gave me good advice as I planned last May’s meeting. We welcome Scott Barnett (Henry Ford CC) as the new Two-year College Vice Chair.
Thanks go to Bob Messer for his outstanding service as Director of MMPC. David Redman (Delta C) has now taken over as MMPC Director. David is increasing the use of a Web site for MMPC.
Thanks go to Ad Manager Matthew Boelkins (GVSU), Public Information Officer Bob Xeras (SHU retired), Webmaster Earl Fife (Calvin C), and Secretary/Treasurer Margret Höft (UM-Dearborn).
Steve Schlicker (GVSU), the new Four-year Vice Chair and Chair of the Program Committee, will guide the development of the program for the annual meeting to be held at SVSU next May 2 and 3. Tom Zerger (SVSU) is the Chair of the Local Arrangements Committee. Other members of the committee are Rose Novey, Tyler Haynes, Bing Liu, and John Mooningham.
Finally, I would like to briefly spotlight a topic that was explored in our Section meeting last May. For a variety of reasons, Quantitative Literacy (QL) has become an important focus for us as mathematics professionals. In this context, we make decisions that will have a major impact on the role we play in the society of the future. It is in the area of QL where we meet the public. I plan to have more to say about QL at a later time.
John Mooningham, Chair