Computer science completes program review

Over the 2009–10 academic year, our department underwent a program review, the first since 2000–01. The highlight was a visit by two distinguished faculty who have reviewed mathematics and computer science programs for many liberal arts colleges. The visitors were upbeat about the development of computer science at Hendrix: They wrote, In the 9 years since the previous computer-science review, the college, department, and computer science faculty have made remarkable progress.

In June, we completed the computer science review by completing a plan for future development; we'll complete the mathematics review in the fall. We have already begun some changes, including the introduction of Python as a third core language of our computer science program and introducing a full-credit capstone course to help students with developing their senior papers and presentations. And we composed plans for how we could use additional funding to improve our facilities and programs. We look forward to the next decade of building an even stronger computer science program. [More information] 30 June 2010

Class of '10 graduates

Today's commencement ceremonies honored 13 students graduating in department-related majors. In computer science were Colby Christopher, Tony Johnson, Claire Luikart, Sonya Morgan, Adrian Parreiras Horta, and Katie Wright. In mathematics were John Christie, William Longley, Drew Tillis, and Henry Wang. And Laura Johnson completed a customized interdisciplinary major in mathematical physics. We congratulate our newest alumni and wish them well! Class photo… 15 May 2010

Student awards presented

At Honors Day today, the college presented our departmental awards. Drew Tillis and Henry Wang received the Hogan Mathematics Award, William Longley received the Parker Undergraduate Mathematics Research Award, and Christopher Akcali, Innocent Bushayija, and Safari Sibomana received the McHenry-Lane Freshman Mathematics Award. Departmental distinction went to John Christie, Tony Johnson, William Longley, Drew Tillis, Henry Wang, and Katie Wright. Congratulations to all recipients! 29 Apr 2010

Students and faculty return from conference

At the 33rd annual Hendrix-Rhodes-Sewanee Undergraduate Symposium, held April 16–17, at Rhodes College, Two Hendrix mathematics students spoke about their senior projects at the symposium: Henry Wang spoke on the Riemann Hypothesis and p-adic Numbers, while Will Longley spoke on Constructions of Fractals of Specified Dimensions. Four other students, Dr. Burch, and Dr. Campbell also attended. 20 Apr 2010

Students place at local programming contest

Congratulations to Domingo Galdos, Brett Geren, and Whitney Maguffee, who placed second out of the 18 teams at the Collegiate Programming Competition held at the University of Central Arkansas campus across town and sponsored by Acxiom Corporation. Past contest results. 9 Apr 2010

Seniors present projects April 7 and 8

Seven computer science seniors will give presentations about their senior projects on Wednesday, April 7, and Thursday, April 8, in MCRey 315. Full schedule. 5 Apr 2010

Twelve students travel to computer science conference

This weekend, twelve Hendrix students went to CCSC:MS, a regional computer science conference held this year at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. The students attended the conference, presented some of their own research papers, and competed in a programming contest. With four student presentations, Hendrix constituted half of the student research papers: Student presenters were Brett Geren, Winn Haynes, Claire Luikart, Whitney Maguffee. The programming teams placed 5th, 6th, and 7th among the 17 teams competing. Additionally, Dr. Ferrer was the conference chair and presented a research paper of his own, while Dr. Burch was the Nifty Assignments chair and presented a tutorial session. 27 Mar 2010

Student earns top Putnam score in MAA section

Mathematics senior Henry Wang earned the top score in the Oklahoma-Arkansas region on the annual Putnam competition, a highly prestigious nationwide contest where students discover difficult mathematical proofs individually. Having a student who scores the highest in the region earns Hendrix a plaque that has rotated among colleges since 1971. This is the eighth time the plaque has come to Hendrix, and it has spent more time only at Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. 25 Mar 2010

Teams place first and seventh at state mathematics contest

Results are in from the Arkansas Undergraduate Mathematics Competition held this year in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, on February 27. Hendrix won first place among the 10 teams at this contest; the team members were Whitney Maguffee, Gilbert Ndayambaje, and Henry Wang. The other Hendrix team, with Erik Istre, Etienne Nabarushimana, and Lambert Rugamba (all first- and second-year students), placed seventh. 12 Mar 2010

Upcoming events

Friday, November 13, our college is sponsoring an event specifically for women students in computer science, led by New York City-area developer Gloria Jacobs. Women from all area colleges and universities are welcome. More information…

Tuesday, November 17, University of Arkansas professor Giovanni Petris will speak at 11:10am in MCRey 315. His talk is titled A random walk to the top, and he will also discuss graduate programs at Fayetteville. Pizza will be available.

Finally, Pi Mu Epsilon will be hosting Math Night at 7pm on Friday, November 20, in the Burrow. There will be food and lots of math-related fun. They are looking for people to submit acts: jokes, skits, poetry, basically anything related to math. If you are interested in participating, please send a description of your act to callawaydc@hendrix.edu by November 18. 11 Nov 2009

Programming teams place at ACM contest

Hendrix sent three teams to compete at the Mid-Central Regional ACM Programming Contest on October 24, 2009. The teams placed third, fifth, and seventh in Arkansas (22nd, 29th, and 35th in the whole five-state region, among 140 teams). More information. 30 Oct 2009

Wanted: Mathematics professor

Hendrix College invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in mathematics beginning in August 2010. A Ph.D. in the mathematical sciences is required; candidates from all specialties are welcome. More information... 5 Oct 2009

Mathematica speaker comes to Hendrix

A representative of Wolfram, who produce Mathematica, is coming to Hendrix to speak about Mathematica 7 in Education and Research. All are invited; no previous experience with Mathematica is required. The talk is at 11:10am on Tuesday, September 15, in MCReynolds 110. 15 Sep 2009