Pi Mu Epsilon New York Omega Chapter

The Department of Mathematics sponsors the New York Omega Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society. Pi Mu Epsilon (abbreviated PME or ΠME) was founded on May 25, 1914 at Syracuse University and currently has over 300 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States. The New York Omega Chapter of PME was chartered at St. Bonaventure University on May 2, 1978. PME is dedicated both to promoting scholarly activity in mathematics and to recognizing mathematical achievement among students at academic institutions. Election into PME is based on mathematical achievement and overall scholarship.

An undergraduate student at SBU may be elected to membership in the New York Omega Chapter of PME if the student satisfies all of the following requirements: the student has completed Math 151 (Calculus I) and Math 152 (Calculus II) or their equivalents; the student has completed at least six credits of mathematics courses at SBU from among the courses at the 200-level or higher that lead to the fulfillment of the requirements for a mathematics major; the student has a GPA in his or her mathematics courses of 3.25 or higher; the student has an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher; and the student has a long-term commitment to mathematics, typically exhibited by declaring a minor or a major in mathematics or declaring a major in a closely-allied area.

The National Pi Mu Epsilon Council promotes scholarly activity in mathematics among students by sponsoring, in conjunction with the Mathematical Association of America, an annual national conference. The PME conference is held during the first week in August. Undergraduate members of PME are encouraged to give 15-minute presentations on mathematical topics. The presentations need not include original research. Most students present explorations of topics that go beyond the content of traditional mathematics courses. In the past, Pi Mu Epsilon has provided travel funds for student speakers. Students whose presentations are judged as outstanding are awarded cash prizes, which are provided by the American Mathematical Society.

Pi Mu Epsilon publishes an undergraduate mathematics journal called The ΠME Journal. Published biannually, The ΠME Journal contains articles and a problems section for undergraduates and others interested in mathematics. The Department of Mathematics subscribes to The ΠME Journal and keeps recent issues in the Mathematics Suite.

For further information about the SBU chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, contact the Faculty Advisor, Dr. Chris Leary (De La Roche 102, chleary@sbu.edu). General information about  Pi Mu Epsilon may be found at the official PME web site. Starting in 2006, problems in the problems section of The ΠME Journal are posted in the PME web site here.

The Pi Mu Epsilon logo, to the left, depicts the organization's shield, pin, and motto. The shield is divided into four parts. The upper right-hand section features the design of a conventionalized violet; the lower right-hand section  shows a summation sign; the upper left-hand section shows an integral sign; and the lower left-hand sections shows three stars representing friendship, morality, and scholarship. Above the shield proper, the PME pin is represented. Below the shield, the PME motto, "To Promote Scholarship and Mathematics," appears in Greek. The logo is rendered in gold, violet, and lavender, which are the organization's colors.

Spring 2007 Induction

On May 2, 2007, the Omega Chapter inducted Kaitlin Ames and Kris Austin. Kaitlin is a pre-med mathematics major and Kris is computer science major with a minor in mathematics. Congratulations!

The new inductees pose in front of the Omega Chapter's charter.
From left: Kaitlin Ames and Kris Austin.

Spring 2006 Induction

On April 25, 2006, the Omega Chapter inducted Kaitlin Drago, Beth Hartnett, Kevin Miller, Susan Minchin, and Craig Vicini. Kaitlin and Craig are finance majors with mathematics minors, Kevin is a physics major with a mathematics minor, and Susan is a chemistry major with a mathematics minor. Beth earned a B.S. in mathematics from SBU in 2005 and she is currently pursuing a master's degree in secondary mathematics education. Congratulations!

After partaking of cake and cider, the new inductees pose in front of the Omega Chapter's charter.
From left: Beth Hartnett, Kevin Miller, Susan Minchin, and Craig Vicini. Not pictured: Kaitlin Drago.

Spring 2005 Induction

On April 20, 2005, the Omega Chapter inducted senior mathematics major Lindsey Besch. Congratulations, Lindsey!

After discussing the history and mission of Pi Mu Epsilon,
 Dr. Leary gives Lindsey her certificate of membership.

Lindsey holds her membership certificate in front of the Omega Chapter's 
charter. She is wearing the gold and purple Pi Mu Epsilon honor chords, 
which she will don again in May for the 2005 graduation ceremony.