It is important for Christians to be active participants in all walks of life. A liberal arts focus at Mississippi College prepares each graduate of the Department of Mathematics to actively participate as informed persons in the profession as well as in their respective communities. Through the courses they take and through interaction with the Mathematics faculty and fellow students, our graduates are challenged to excel in the discipline. Through relationships with other students and the entire Mississippi College faculty, Mathematics students are also challenged to seek a deeper relationship with Christ and to share that with others in meaningful ways.
The Epsilon-Delta Society is a group of mathematics alumni and friends who believe in Mississippi College and who support the work of the Department of Mathematics.
The society takes it name from the definition of limit (Remember the notation … !). Our members choose to use Mathematics to make a positive (that's the part) difference (the part) in their part of the world.
The Epsilon-Delta Society was founded in 2004. All Mathematics graduates at MC become members of this distinguished group. Each is encouraged to participate further in the work of the society by helping support the department's needs as the opportunity arises.
For those able to participate financially, several avenues are available:
- Online giving - One time gift via credit card. Designate to Epsilon-Delta Society.
- Monthly Bank Draft - Mail this form. Even $5.00 a month makes a big difference.
- Check via regular post
- Gift at annual meeting
Of course, all donations to Mississippi College are tax deductible. For more information, contact department chair Daniel Watson via email: dwatson@mc.edu, phone: 601.925.3817 or postal mail: Box 4025, Clinton, MS 39058.
Current Needs
Luncheon sponsor for graduating senior @ $15 each
Since Spring of 2005, the Epsilon Delta society has supported an annual banquet to honor our graduating students. At this banquet, the students are individually roasted by the mathematics faculty and officially inducted into the Epsilon Delta society.
Support for student travel to regional professional meetings
Each Spring, the department takes a group of students to the annual section meeting of the Mathematical Association of America to compete in problem solving competitions. This annual need for funding offsets the costs of housing and feeding these students. $100 will support up to four students staying in one room for one night.
Students are encouraged to attend other regional professional meetings including the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics. $30 will support the registration fee for one student.
Departmental Membership in national mathematical society
Due to budgetary cutbacks, the department has dropped its institutional membership in the Mathematical Association of America. The corresponding journals this provided which are maintained in the Mathematics Reading Room are no longer being received. Five gifts of $100 will support this membership.
Faculty attending professional meetings
Also due to budgetary cutbacks, institutional support for faculty to attend professional meetings does not come close to covering the costs incurred. In order for faculty to stay current in their fields and to represent the University at both regional and national meetings, additional travel support needs to be provided.
Graduate students to attend national meeting
Graduate Teaching Assistants at Mississippi College receive a very modest stipend. To encourage these students in the profession and to reward them for their contribution to the students at MC, travel support needs to be provided.
Burnside Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship fund was founded over 10 years ago to honor Dr. James Burnside--longstanding Mathematics faculty member, department chair and mentor to many of MC's mathematics graduates. Proceeds from this scholarship support needy students in Mathematics and Computer Science.
Currently the endowment for this fund stands at $17,000 but needs to be increased to at least $50000.
Brewer Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship fund was founded over 20 years ago to honor the life of Mathematics major Carl Brewer by his parents. Proceeds from this scholarship support an outstanding Mathematics student.
Bartleson Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship fund was provided through the estate of a Mathematics alumni. Proceeds from this scholarship support needy students in Mathematics and Computer Science.
Epsilon Delta Academic Achievement Award
This award (generally $100 each year) is granted each year to an outstanding graduating senior based upon their score on the Major Field Exam and high grade point average.
Endowment to assist with continued funding needs in Mathematics
If you would like for your gift to go toward any of these needs, please contact the department chair using the contact info above.
