notable

Poster proofs presented When Margret Hjalmarson talks about "tiling," she's not referring to refinishing the bathroom but to independent research in geometry that earned her a $100 award for mathematical excellence at a national conference. She and Laurel Reilly-Raska '98 gave poster presentations at the annual joint meetings of the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association, held January 7-10 in Baltimore.

Hjalmarson's research, pursued under the direction of professor Harriet Pollatsek, began as independent work during fall semester and is developing into her senior thesis. It concerns "non-edge-to-edge tiling"; one example of such tiling, Hjalmarson explains, would be a brick wall. The senior mathematics major presented her work on a proof of a theorem to about twenty mathematics professionals at the conference, and nabbed one of five prizes awarded by a panel of judges.

Laurel Reilly-Raska's research began as a summer project under the direction of professor Donal O'Shea, continued into the academic year, and is developing into a thesis advised by professor Margaret Robinson. Reilly-Raska, a double major in mathematics and studio art, says her poster presentation was in the field of algebraic geometry. "I am trying to find a general formula for curvature, which basically tells you how curvy a graph is," she explains, saying her poster showed she'd taken several significant steps toward finding the formula, but does not yet have a full proof. Presenting this work in progress at a professional conference "was really helpful," Reilly-Raska said. "It sharpened the areas I was comfortable with, and several people made suggestions for areas that I wasn't sure about."

Organ transplant Larry Schipull, Mount Holyoke's organist since 1988, has added another gig to his busy schedule. As of February 1, Schipull will assume permanently the position of organist at the First Congregational Church on College Street, where he is a member. Schipull, professor of music and chair of the music department, has been temporarily filling in as both organist and choir director at the church in the wake of the retirement of Barbara Conant from these duties at the church. However, he is not assuming the choir director duties on a permanent basis.

Student leadership praised at Convocation At the January 28 Convocation, six students were honored with special awards. The Maurice L. Rabbino Award went to Analisa L. Balares '99. The award recognizes a student "who has made an especially significant contribution to the life of Mount Holyoke College." Avery Ouellette '98 received the Helen Warren Smith Award, which honors a student "whose interest, involvement, and service to the Mount Holyoke College community have been outstanding." The Frances H. Williams Award went to Markeisha J. Miner '98. It is presented annually to a student of color "who best exemplifies the ideals to which Frances Williams' life has been dedicated--the capacity to create a dream and the passion to pursue it; the ability to soar with that goal whether it be academic excellence, social justice, or service to others." The MHC Community Service Award went to ThaoMee Xiong'98 and Thuy Thanh Tran '99. The award, made possible by the College Bookstore, honors involvement in the community beyond the campus that demonstrates a high level of personal commitment. And the Karen Snyder Sullivan Award was given to Kelly M. Emminger '99. It provides assistance for a student who has not previously traveled abroad to plan a trip that satisfies her curiosity and heightens her awareness of other cultures.

Recipients of other student leadership awards were: Naveen Balkhi '98, Angela Bellas '98, Alanna Murray Boyd '98, Linzy A. Brekke '98, Quo Vadis Cobb '98, Shanthi Divakaran '98, Eileen Drumm '98, Johanna Fausto '98, Melissa Griffin '98, Jennifer Horton '99, Stephanie A. Mackler '98, Markeisha J. Miner '98, Therese C. Mitchner '98, Mizue Morita '98, Avery Bradford Ouellette '98, Mojabeng Phoofolo '98, Milena Uribe '98, Erica Wilson '98, and ThaoMee Xiong '98.

Sampling the Sycamores Over 200 local residents toured the Sycamores, a historic mansion owned by the College, at an open house on January 10. The open house was sponsored in part by the South Hadley Historical Society, which is weighing an offer by the College to sell the society the mansion, which is need of substantial repairs, for $1. Over the course of its 210 year history, the Woodbridge Street home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has served many purposes from private residence and boys' school to college dormitory and temporary home for the National Yiddish Book Center. The South Hadley Historical Society is also exploring how best to use the home should they decide to take it on.

What's new with you? Send news for "New & Notable" to Emily Weir, Office of Communications, or email eweir@mtholyoke.edu.