FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 284-4579
February 21, 2011 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—How do you get middle school students to be interested in math and science? Make it fun! That’s the idea behind Hypatia Day, to be held this Saturday, February 26 at Saint Mary’s College. The mathematics department will host more than 100 female seventh grade students from all over Michiana, who were nominated by their math and science teachers to attend. The students will get an early taste of what it is like to be a math or science major by spending the day with college students and faculty, immersed in labs and various other activities on campus.
Hypatia Day is unique to Saint Mary's College. The event is named after the daughter of ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher Theon. Hypatia (pronounced “hi-pay-sha”), born in 370 A.D, is known as the first female mathematician. Theon trained her in mathematics even though women did not receive such extensive education at the time. Hypatia Day was started at the all-women’s Saint Mary’s College in 1991 by Sister Miriam Cooney, CSC, professor emerita of mathematics and a strong supporter of women in math and science. Saint Mary’s mathematics professors have faithfully upheld her legacy, as this year’s event will be the 20th Hypatia Day.
Kristin Jehring, assistant professor of mathematics and this year’s director of Hypatia Day, believes that young girls today need more personal attention while developing their interest in math and science. Jehring says, “There are two main goals of the event. The first is to encourage the mathematical and scientific interests of middle school aged girls and to provide them with an opportunity to meet and interact with role models. The other main goal of the event is to celebrate and share enthusiasm for science and mathematics with college women preparing for careers in math and science related fields.”
This year’s Hypatia Day will begin with keynote speaker Dr. Tracy Kijewski-Correa, associate professor and chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Kijewski-Correa has worked on many innovative projects in recent years, which you can read more about at www.nd.edu/~dynamo. The day will also include panel discussions and presentations geared towards helping parents learn how best to foster their daughters’ interest in math and science.
Studies show that getting girls interested in careers in math and science must happen long before they go to college and that young girls are often under-encouraged, at school and at home, to enter these fields. “We want to provide encouragement for continuing their strong mathematics and science interest,” Jehring said.
Hypatia Day will be held at Saint Mary’s College (various locations) on Saturday, February 26, 2011 between 8:30am and 2:45pm. For a map, click here. To download the day's itinerary, click here.
About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE.