Recently, Dr. Ted Vessey of the math department was honored as the winner of the 2001 North Central Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics.

The Math Association of America gives the award to professors of mathematics in 10 regions throughout the country. Nominated by Professor Paul Zorn, the award highlights Vessey's accomplishments as a teacher, and his work in developing an enthusiastic and welcoming atmosphere for learning and teaching mathematics.

The St. Olaf math department sees Vessey as a leader in creating a remarkable math department. "Ted Vessey, perhaps more than any other single person, deserves credit for the development of St. Olaf's successful mathematics program over the past thirty years," said Zorn.

The award came as a surprise to Vessey. He said, "I had no idea it was coming." Reluctant to credit himself for the award, Vessey continued, "It's mostly an award for the St. Olaf math department." However, the math faculty and students acknowledged Vessey for being responsible for the success of the math department.

Vessey first began teaching at St. Olaf in 1970, and served as department chair from 1975-85 and 1987-90. During that time he changed the math department into a very encouraging but challenging environment, in order to get more students excited about math and consider it as a major. Laura Chihara, a former member of the St. Olaf math department, describes Vessey as "an enthusiastic and tireless promoter of the mathematics program."

As more students flocked to the math major, St. Olaf began graduating astounding numbers of math majors, far above the national average. The sheer numbers of St. Olaf math majors who have gone on to get their Ph.D. in math in recent years is dramatic. The department now ranks sixth compared with those in the nation's colleges and universities, treading at the heels of schools like MIT and Chicago.

So how does St. Olaf produce so many math majors? "The difference is not in the courses­it's attitude," said Vessey. He believes math is a subject that everyone should consider as preparation for life after Olaf. "What better preparation than math to go and do something?" said Vessey.

Zorn credits Vessey's welcoming attitude for the amount of students that have found their way to a math major. "Ted has always believed that mathematics is not a province of a select few, but can benefit and reward almost every student" said Zorn. Professor Matt Richey shares this view of Vessey: "[Vessey] believes in mathematics and sees no reason why students at all levels should not be exposed to its beauty and power."

Vessey's passion for math has spread like fire to his students and colleagues. "The enthusiasm he had for mathematics was contagious!" said Bruce Hanson, a former student of Vessey and now a member of the math department. In addition to creating an attractive atmosphere in the math department, Vessey also connects with his students and takes a strong interest in them. "His special interest and pleasure in student's achievements inspires us as his colleagues," said Zorn.

Outside of math, Vessey has been involved in the St. Olaf community in a number of ways. He has coached the Alpine Ski team, which evolved from a club into a varsity sport. The only coach outside the athletic department, Vessey stayed twelve years, during which the team dominated the Midwest and went to nationals to place third three times. Vessey also has led St. Olaf's term in Asia in Œ93 and has taught around the country and world.

The math department will be throwing a party/cookout in honor of his award on Thursday, Apr. 3, from 4:00-6:00 in the Science Center Courtyard.