The Section lost a dear friend in February, Hamza Ahmad. Below are the thoughts of three friends and colleagues. The first section is adapted from the obituary written for the Saginaw News by Joan Sabourin and Andrew Tierman. The second section is the eulogy given by John Mooningham at the funeral.

Joan and Andrew: Dr. Hamza Ahmad, Professor of Mathematics at Saginaw Valley State University, died on February 11, 2007. Hamza was born in 1967, in Jahra, Kuwait. He received his Ph.D. in 1995 and M.S. in 1992, both in Mathematics from Louisiana State University, and a B.Sc. in Physics from Kuwait University in 1990.

At the time of his death, Dr. Ahmad had taught at SVSU since August 2001. His mathematical research included field theory and the algebraic theory of quadratic forms. Between 1994 and 2006 ten scholarly articles authored by Dr. Ahmad were published in mathematical journals, including Journal of Algebra, and Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra. Several additional papers are pending publication. Dr. Ahmad also contributed to numerous mathematical conferences.

Hamza had a special interest in passing on his enthusiasm for solving mathematical problems to the next generation. Two activities that were particularly important to him were coaching the Michigan All-Star Team for the American Regions Math League and participating in SVSU’s Math Olympics Competition. He intended to assume the leadership of the Math Olympics before his health became an obstacle.

Hamza was married to his best friend and colleague, Dr. Nancy Colwell.

Hamza was a gentle person who passionately loved mathematics, woodworking, and discussing philosophy and politics, while enjoying the society of his friends and colleagues, who will miss him dearly.

John: I have known Hamza for almost 6 years. When we hired Hamza in 2001 at the age of 33, I thought he would be serving our department for many years after many of us would no longer be around, but that was not to be. However, in his short time, he contributed much to our department. He did this in spite of his struggle with cancer for the entire time. When someone dies at such a young age, we often seek to comfort ourselves and others by saying that the quality of one’s years is more important than the quantity. Hamza had quality. It is too bad that he did not get to have both.

Hamza was a very bright man and a strong research mathematician. I will remember that, but more than that, I will remember his human qualities. He was concerned about others even as he was very ill. Hamza had a good sense of humor. He even laughed at my jokes!

In the past 6 years, I had many conversations with Hamza. We talked about Middle Eastern politics. Indeed, we would have solved the problems if someone in power had just had the good sense to ask us for advice! We talked about family; he told me stories about his father. We talked about the origin of the universe and our views on evolution. We compared Christian and Moslem views.

I am proud to have been able to call Hamza my friend. I know everyone in our department feels the same way. We feel as though we have lost a close family member.

Hamza loved life. He struggled to hold on to it as long as he possibly could. Long live his memory, and now may he rest in peace.

Joan Sabourin, Delta C, and Andrew Tierman, SVSU
John Mooningham, SVSU

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