Five Westminster College mathematics students participated in the 72nd annual William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition Dec. 3 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:

Gregory Clark, a sophomore mathematics and philosophy major, is a son of Jeffrey and Shari Clark of Cranberry Township and a graduate of Seneca Valley High School.

Coty Hainsey, a senior mathematics major, is a son of Allen and Bonnie Hainsey of New Paris and a graduate of Chestnut Ridge High School.

Richard Ligo, a senior mathematics major, is a son of Jesse and Amy Ligo of Mercer and a graduate of Mercer Area High School.

Connor MacKenzie, a sophomore economics and mathematics major, is a son of Dwayne and Amy MacKenzie of Ephrata and a graduate of Ephrata High School.

Robert Rhodes, a senior mathematics major, is a son of Rocky and Barbara Rhodes of New Paris and a graduate of Chestnut Ridge High School.

Contact Fontes-Merz at (724) 946-7290 or email for additional information.

Front: Rich Ligo (l), Coty Hainsey. Back (l-r): Gregory Clark, Robert Rhodes, Connor MacKenzie.