Dec. 1, 2007

The Simpson College mathematics department will hold its annual Math Day Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Math Day allows high school students and their parents to mingle with faculty members, current students and graduates after attending a few brief presentations about Simpson’s math program and the benefits of being a math major.

The event helps prospective students understand what they can do with a degree in mathematics. Rick Spellerberg, professor of mathematics, said it is a common misconception that being a high school math teacher is the only job possible for those majoring in math. Graduates from Simpson’s math program have gone on to have careers in areas such as insurance, computer science and accounting.

Many alumni of the math program will be on hand to talk about their post-college career paths and the ways in which their math degrees helped prepare them for their jobs. Spellerberg said the alumni’s passion for Simpson demonstrates how active and strong the college’s math program is.

Approximately 15 to 20 students from across the region attend the event each year.

Interested students or teachers may contact Rick Spellerberg at rick.spellerberg@simpson.edu for more information.