12/10/09 MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT, FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY

MATH COLLOQUIUM, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009,

11:00 AM, STARR 138

SPEAKER: Michael J. Dekker, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Department of Mathematics, Ferris State University

TITLE: The United States of Mathematics Presidential Debate.

Abstract:

In this time of crisis for the great nation of mathematics, who should be the next president of the United States of Mathematics? Should it be the figure-eight knot, representing fresh new mathematics and the changes we believe in, or should it be the Euclidean algorithm, representing the needed stability that comes from the traditional roots of mathematics? Using rhetoric worthy of Shakespeare, in this bare-knuckled debate, the two candidates do their best to humiliate each other in public. The stakes are high, the debate legendary – one for the history books.

REFRESHMENTS: 11:00 AM, STARR 138

Please visit Math Colloquium website at

http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/artsands/Math/MATH_COLLOQUIUM/ColloquiumWeb/index.html