Students Take Annual Putnam Examination
Posted on Thursday, December 9, 2010
Four Westminster College mathematics students participated in the 71st annual Putnam Examination Dec. 4 on campus.
Sponsored locally by Westminster's Mathematics and Computer Science Department, the exam was proctored by Dr. Natacha Fontes-Merz, Westminster associate professor of mathematics.
The Putnam Exam is a challenging individual mathematical test taken by thousands of undergraduate students in the U.S. and Canada each year. Participants attempt to solve 12 problems that can typically be solved with only basic knowledge of college mathematics, but require extensive creative thinking.
Noted for its rigor, the exam's median score is usually one or two points out of 120 possible. The five highest-ranking individuals are designated Putnam Fellows by the Mathematical Association of America. Test results are expected in late March.
Westminster students who participated this year are:
Todd Changoway, a senior mathematics major, is a son of Bill and Eileen Changoway of Edinburg and a graduate of Mohawk Area High School.
Stephen Donnel, a senior mathematics major, is a son of Paula Donnel of Evans City and Douglas Donnel of Warner Robins, Ga., and a graduate of Seneca Valley High School.
Richard Ligo, a junior mathematics major, is a son of Jesse and Amy Ligo of Mercer and a graduate of Mercer Area High School.
Aaron Zavora, a senior mathematics and computer science major, is a son of David and Suzanne Zavora of Westmoreland City and a graduate of Norwin High School.
Contact Fontes-Merz at (724) 946-7290 or e-mail fontesnc@westminster.edu for additional information.
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