Scholarship and Award Recipients

Faculty and Staff Awards

Sharon Crook

SHARON CROOK 

Charles Wexler Teaching Award
Endowed by Helen and Jonathan D. Wexler 

Professor of Mathematics - joint appointment with the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and the School of Life Sciences

PhD Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland

Born in California but grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

What does winning the Charles Wexler Teaching Award mean to you?  
I honestly am thrilled to receive this award. Interacting with students, both in the classroom and as a research advisor and mentor, is what I enjoy most about my job. Receiving recognition for this work is extremely rewarding.

What do you like most about teaching mathematics?
I really enjoy trying to come up with practical, real-life examples for how to use everything that I teach. I also enjoy watching students slowly figure out how to develop and use mathematical models to answer questions. This is very rewarding.

What is something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I grew up in an environment that embraced diversity. In spite of that background and coming to my career with a relatively open mind, interacting with students and faculty from many different backgrounds has made me even more empathetic to the views and situations of others. 

Naala Brewer

NAALA BREWER 

Outstanding Instruction and Service Award

Lecturer Senior

MS Applied Mathematics - Georgia Institute of Technology

Born in Wahiawa, Hawaii. but raised as an army brat, so grew up in Hawaii, Kentucky (twice), California (twice), Texas, New York, and Belgium. 

Why did you originally decide to study mathematics, and then decide to teach it at the university level?
I love mathematics and I always knew I wanted to be a mathematics professor. I even wrote it on my SAT entrance form in high school where they ask you what occupation you see yourself doing in the future.

What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
Prison Education - Our higher purpose is to give back and I can’t think of a better way to give back.

What do you think is most misunderstood about mathematics by the general public?
That mathematics is hard or that you have to be born as a natural mathematician. Mathematics can be learned by *anyone*. It just takes the right attitude, the right information, and lots of practice.

Julia Inozemtseva

JULIA 
INOZEMTSEVA

Outstanding Lecturer Award for The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Outstanding Instruction and Service Award

Lecturer

MS Mathematics, Odessa National University, Ukraine
MS Mathematics, Georgia Southern University
MS Applied Mathematics, University of Utah

Born in Siberia and grew up in Odessa, on the beach of the Black Sea in Ukraine

What do you like most about teaching mathematics?
I love the logic behind every problem and how intellectually challenging math is. Some problems calm you down and even feel like meditation, while other drive you crazy and you might be stuck thinking about them for weeks!
I love that mathematics has so much space for creativity and that every topic can be explained in many different ways. Also, since I moved to the USA, I’ve learned so many amazing applications of math! Now I use every possible moment to show some cool math animations, simulations and world problems in biology, coding & AI, physics, engineering and even medicine. I am attending as many applied math seminars, conferences and talks as I can, and then use what I’ve learned in my classes. I love how amazed students are by all the new worlds unfolding in front of them. I try to find topics that might touch their hearts, and this helps a lot to bring interests and excitement into math learning.

Melanie Smock

MELANIE SMOCK 

Michelle Howe Staff Award for Outstanding Service

Assistant to the School Director

Born and raised in Benicia, CA

What does receiving the Michelle Howe Staff Award for Outstanding Service mean to you?
It’s very humbling. SoMSS has an amazing staff and we all work very hard every day to serve our students, faculty, and stakeholders. Being selected out of such a remarkable group is an honor. And I count myself very lucky to have known Michelle, who was an amazing, beautiful person in every way.

What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
Until I joined SoMSS and learned about the incredible research our faculty members are doing, I didn’t appreciate how math is inherent in every aspect of our lives. And with the recent global pandemic, I have an even greater appreciation for mathematical modeling and how it can help us track and treat disease.

SUN DEVIL AWARD FOR SERVICE

40 years
HAL SMITH

35 years
ANDREW BREMNER

30 years
DIETER ARMBRUSTER
ERIC KOSTELICH
ANMIN ZHU

25 years
CARL GARDNER
ELZBIETA JACKIEWICZ
SCOTT SURGENT

20 years
STEFANIA TRACOGNA

15 years
SHARON CROOK
DAVE HECKMAN
SUE McCLURE
JELENA MILOVANOVIC
BETH SCHLENKER
PAT THOMPSON

10 years
MING-HUNG KAO
RODRIGO PLATTE
JESSE TAYLOR

5 years
CINDY EILTS
BRIAN ENGLAND
SHARMIN KARIM
BRENT KNUDSON
STEPHEN SHAFFER
SHARMA VANDANA
 

Graduate Awards and Fellowships

Enahoro Iboi

ENAHORO IBOI

Graduate Research Award

PhD in Applied Mathematics (May 2020)

Born and raised in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria

What do you like most about mathematics and your area of concentration?
How mathematics can be used to solve global issues, such as cancer, malaria, and COVID-19.

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Abba Gumel taught me to be very hardworking, dedicated in all I do, and most importantly, to be a good person in life.

Abigael Nachtsheim

ABIGAEL NACHTSHEIM

Graduate Research Award

PhD in Statistics (Summer 2020)

Born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota

What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
Taking classes and attending research seminars with a mixture of statistics and applied mathematics students has given me perspective on how practitioners from the two fields approach problems differently, bringing different skills and different sets of tools. This has emphasized how important cross- collaboration is; we all approach problems differently but working together we can draw on each other’s strengths to develop innovative and creative solutions.

Lauren Dickman

LAUREN DICKMAN

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award  

PhD in Applied Mathematics (May 2020)

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona

What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
To take advantage of all the opportunities afforded you. Attend the seminars, conferences, and luncheons. Talk to different professors and students. You are constantly surrounded by unbelievably bright minds, and you can learn something through each interaction. Also, do not forget the importance of taking breaks every now and then. Sometimes the most productive move is to step away from your work and get outside for a while.

Shuyi Li

SHUYI LI

Dennis Young Graduate and Early Scholar Statistics Award
Endowed by Dennis Young and friends

Pursuing PhD in Statistics

Born and raised in Jinan, Shandong, China

What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
Be more communicative. During the Coffee Break every Thursday, I could see many students and professors there sharing their research, or something else, which surprised me and helped me realize the importance of sharing and communication.

Why did you choose ASU for your graduate studies?
ASU is the #1 university for innovation. Also, it's good to see desert.

Julia Judson-Garcia

JULIA JUDSON-GARCIA

Floyd L. Downs Teaching of Mathematics Fellowship Award
Endowed by Floyd Downs and Elizabeth Lenci-Downs 

PhD in Mathematics Education (Spring 2021)

Born and raised in Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona

What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
My PhD program completely change my outlook on how students (including myself) understand a mathematical concept. I always wondered why I “got” mathematics so easily and others did not. When the reality is everyone experiences mathematics differently and engages in ideas and concepts in different ways. Each individual has their own reality and constructs their own mathematics. 

Kathryn Wifvat

KATHRYN WIFVAT

Robert G. Maule Excellence in Teaching Mathematics Award 
Endowed by Elaine Maule 

PhD in Applied Mathematics (Spring 2021)

Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN

What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I learned the power of being able to come together to help each other and to not give up when things get tough. 

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I had a class where I could watch applied math colloquiua for extra credit. I was very inspired by the many ways math and sta0s0cs can be applied in the real world. 

DEREK ECKMAN 
GPSA Teaching Excellence Award - Fall 2019

FRANKLIN YU
GPSA Teaching Excellence Award - Fall 2019

ISHTESA KHAN
GPSA Teaching Excellence Award - Spring 2020

Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards

Rose Lopez

ROSE LOPEZ

Charles Wexler Mathematics Prize
Endowed by Helen and Jonathan D. Wexler 

BS Mathematics
Minors: Physics,
Music Performace (Piano)
Certificate in Cryptology

Born and raised in Mesa, AZ

What’s something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
During my time at ASU I learned that you should study what you like more that what you think will be the most useful or lead to the best job. One of my friends said that she has no idea what the job market will be like when she is looking for a job, so that is why she just studies what she likes. This surprised me because it is not the common thing for people to say, and it changed my perspective because many people say that "pure" math is not as useful and applicable as "applied" math, but I realized after hearing her advice that it doesn't really matter which one is more useful.

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Katie Kolossa was my MAT 300 professor. I think she taught me the most important lessons because she taught me how to think critically about math problems and how to write clear proofs. She really emphasized the importance of memorizing definitions to really understand them, breaking problems down to the basic logic, and learning and imitating strategies from other proofs. She also emphasized the importance of struggling and getting stuck and frustrated with a problem and working through it. Learning MAT 300 with Dr. Kolossa opened me up to taking all the other courses that I have loved. 

Alyssa Burgueno

ALYSSA BURGUENO

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Medal

BS Mathematics
BS Physics
Certificate in Cryptology

Born in Cottonwood, Arizona and raised in Phoenix, Arizona

What was your “aha moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I originally enrolled in ASU with the intent to receive a major in physics. I knew physics required a deep understanding of mathematics; thus, I enrolled in a double major with math. However, I had an “aha” moment in MAT 300 when I learned the proof that the square root of 2 was not a rational number. I found it so simple, elegant, clever, and honestly beautiful. Once I got a taste of logical beauty, I was hooked and have since shifted my focus to number theory. Though I am still pursuing a degree in physics, I am mainly interested in number theory and ways to apply number theory to modern physics.

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Nancy Childress has been one of the most influential people throughout my academic career. She has shown me the beauty of mathematics and the thrill of math research. The most valuable lessons she taught me are to persevere in the face of challenges, to always give the your best effort, and failure is a part of learning.

Janani LASKHMANAN

SWARNALAKSHMI JANANI LASKHMANAN

Ioana Elise Hociota!!! Memorial Mathematics Scholarship
Endowed by Andrew T. Holycross, family and friends 

BS Mathematics

Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and grew up in Houston, Texas, as well as Chennai and Phoenix, Arizona

What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the IEH!!!MMS means so much to me: not only for its celebrated purpose of helping students from an international background pursue this universal field, but also because Ioana Hociota’s story is one that should be remembered. I consider her a source of inspiration, one in a hallowed line of intrepid women mathematicians. This award speaks to the spirit of adventure and enthusiasm and courage required to scale mountains, pursue higher education, and seek truth in the way only a mathematician can.

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Matthias Kawski has been more than invaluable as a mentor, but the lesson of his that I believe to be the most important is that I must choose my words carefully. In academia, flowery language and complexity of jargon is both celebrated and disparaged. Clear communication, whether within my discipline or between fields, is highly prized.

Gordon Turner

GORDON 
TURNER

Boggess Family Foundation Scholarship in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
Endowed by the Boggess Family Foundation

BS Mathematics

Born and raised in Peoria, AZ

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Originally, I chose to major in mathematics simply because it was one of the things that I was good at and I knew that I would have a future that I would enjoy, because even though I had no idea where I wanted to go in life, I knew I would find joy in math. Now that I’ve been given so many opportunities to expand my point of view at ASU, I’ve realized just how many jobs I’d love to do in the future, and it feels great to now have to narrow down what I’m truly passionate about rather than struggle to find passion in the first place, and it’s all thanks to the many wonders of math.

What do you like to do in your spare time for fun?
I’ve recently fallen in love with arranging music for my a cappella group, the ASU Devil Clefs.  I often listen to music and think about what twists I would put on it, and it’s really fun to be able to try out so many things with the group and finally get those ideas out of my head and into the real world.

AJ Brittingham

ALEXANDER (A.J.) BRITTINGHAM

André Levard Mackey Scholarship
Endowed by Dorothy and Harold Mackey Jr. 

BS Mathematics

Born in Chandler, Arizona but grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

What would you like to say to the Mackey family who endowed this scholarship?
I would like to say thank you for supporting people of color in their endeavors in the field of math. I think that representation in all things matter, and I hope that one day I can set as much of an example as Mr. Mackey has.

What do you like most about mathematics (and your area of concentration)?
The thing I like most about mathematic is that it is literally everywhere. Some might argue that math doesn’t apply to subjects like the social sciences, but you would be surprised what things are applicable. Regarding my area of concentration, I really like how simple equations can accurately model the world. For example, the Ross-McDonald model is two equation system that accurately models Malaria and was eventually used to develop techniques to combat it.

Suzanna DeFusco

SUZANNA DeFUSCO 

John Olson Scholarship
Endowed by June Olson and John's family and friends 

BS Mathematics (Statistics)
Minor in Sustainability

Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I would have to say the moment I knew I wanted to study mathematics was when I finished my last required math class as a Finance, BS major. I was so disappointed at being done with math courses and I knew it was what I loved. The next semester I switched to the math school and never looked back.

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Don Jones has been essential to my education at ASU. He has taught me that despite the difficulty and extreme circumstances I am surrounded by, I can always overcome and come out stronger by staying focused and dedicated to my work. Further, he has never given up on his students or shown frustration to any of us. He is the epitome of a great teacher and I am so honored to have him as my professor!

Isamar Navarro

ISAMAR NAVARRO 

Compassion and Empowerment Award
Sponsored by President's Professor Matthias Kawski

BS Mathematics

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I was going to community college when a counselor asked, "What would you do if money was not an issue?” and without hesitation, I said, “I would teach.” She said, “What would you teach?” and again without even thinking about it, I said, "Math." Finally, she said, “Okay, well, that’s what you need to do.” 

What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I learned that being a student in mathematics is not a solo activity. It is being a part of a broad community. 

Justin Bennett

JUSTIN 
BENNETT

Jack H. Hawes Memorial Mathematics Research Scholarship
Endowed by Sandra Baldwin

BS Mathematics

Born and raised in Bryan, Texas

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I was always more interested in statistics, but the exposure to mathematical research under Dr. Yang Kuang was the moment I realized I wanted to study mathematics. The work didn’t seem like work – I found myself frequently enjoying myself while analyzing data and performing simulations.

What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I regularly attend the colloquiums at Wexler. Many of the presentations are difficult to interpret, almost like drinking water from a fire hose. But I learned to love attending these- they may take days to break down and understand, but they provide very valuable information.

Maosheng Guo

MAOSHENG 
GUO

Jack H. Hawes Memorial Mathematics Research Scholarship
Endowed by Sandra Baldwin

BS Mathematics
Minor in Physics

Born and raised in Shanghai, China

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Professor Rodrigo Platte taught me that in Applied Mathematics, there are no perfect processes for approximations, only the one with the minimal downsides and as much practical accuracy as possible.

What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
At the beginning of the school year, I attended several math colloquiums. Seeing those lectures up close really opened up my perspective on what math could achieve at a higher level.

Kiara Pelestor

KIARA PELESTOR 

Joaquin Bustoz Memorial Mathematics Scholarship
Endowed by Kathleen K. Church, family and friends 

BS Mathematics (Secondary Education)
Minor in Spanish

Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
My original major coming into ASU was mechanical engineering and my goal was to become an OBGYN. But by October I realized that – while I truly admire the work doctors and engineers do and while I would love to learn everything they learn – I was unhappy with what I was doing and the environment I was in. Also, the prospect of doing this for the rest of my life didn’t excite me: it stressed me out. When I talked to Cindy, she encouraged me to think about what I enjoy and am passionate about. Two things I’m passionate about are math and education. Cindy encouraged me to talk to my friend Jessica Campos since she was majoring in math education, and I realized that’s what I wanted to do.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
A piece of advice I would give to those still in school is to not let their background, whatever issues they may be facing, etc. prevent them from putting in their best effort or from asking for help when they need it.

 Henry Meyers

HENRY MEYERS 

Tom and Zona Lorig Scholarship
Endowed by Tom and Zona Lorig

BS Actuarial Science

Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Phoenix, Ariozna

What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
One of the first times I attended a Gamma Iota Sigma meeting we played a game where we assessed risks and tried to pick insurance policies for a company. It was during this game that I realized the potential of the job we do to impact people’s lives.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
Show up for class, be as present as you can, connect with those around you, and take advantage of every opportunity you are given to learn more and meet professionals in the field.

 

 Carsten Rolofson

CARSTEN ROLOFSON

Robert G. Maule Actuarial Excellence Scholarship
Endowed by Elaine Maule

BS Actuarial Science
Certificate in Risk Management

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up in Greeley, Colorado, Gilbert, Arizona, and finally Normal, Illinois. 

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I learned about actuarial science through a friend that was preparing for one of the professional exams.  I had always been good at math, but I didn’t necessarily know what I wanted to do with that skillset yet.  He recommended I look into the field, and I came to find that passing these aforementioned exams means that you are guaranteed more money.  I was already a great exam taker, but I viewed this as a seemingly rare way to dictate my own career growth.  I found this to be too good to be true, so I knew I had to give it a shot.  While at ASU I still wasn’t completely sure what an actuary was, but in my second semester things began to click.  I was understanding insurance concepts and I could see how my mathematics and critical thinking could be applied in a truly meaningful way.  After passing my first professional exam, I knew I made the right decision as the feeling of elation was almost incomparable. After that, I was completely hooked!

Zaynab Alzahir

ZAYNAB ALZAHIR 

SOMSS Actuarial Science Scholarship 
Sponsored by Allstate Insurance

BS Actuarial Science

Born and raised in Qatif, Saudi Arabia

Why did you choose ASU?
I chose ASU because it was listed as one of the top 100 universities in the world, according to the Saudi Ministry of Education. Furthermore, I feel at home at ASU because it is similar to Saudi environment.

What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I have learned how to be independent and this helps me to leave my comfort zone and embrace more learning.

Fernando Correa Chavez

FERNANDO CORREA CHAVEZ

SOMSS Actuarial Science Scholarship 
Sponsored by Allstate Insurance

BS Actiarial Science
Certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Ken Levine taught me one of the most important lessons here at ASU. He once told me something along the lines of “we are interviewing every day whenever we meet someone new.”

What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
Overcome any challenge that you are faced with, no matter how large it may be. I like living by a quote by Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

Sean Kratsch

SEAN KRATSCH

SOMSS Actuarial Science Scholarship 
Sponsored by Allstate Insurance

MS Actuarial Science
BS Finance

Born and raised in Ham Lake, Minnesota

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I did not know I wanted to study actuarial science until I was about to graduate with my degree in finance from W.P. Carey. Actuarial science was a great option to expand upon the content of finance with more refined mathematical and analytical skills in a field that has excellent professional opportunity.

What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I was surprised most by how involved the faculty is with student success. A lot goes into keeping everyone on track and working towards being successful not only at ASU but beyond.

Ali Boucenna

ALI BOUCENNA

Actuarial Strategies and Tactics Scholarship
Endowed by Bernie and Ann Erickson 

BS Actuarial Science

Born and raised in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
My first calclusu professor, Hedvig Mohacsy, taught me to tackle my problems one step at a time.

What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I couldn't believe the felling of being part of a large gathering like that of a sporting event.It changed my perspective on the power of large groups of people.

Brandon Huemiller

BRANDON HUEMILLER

Kenneth and Sarah Levine Family Actuarial Scholarship
Endowed by Kenneth and Sarah Levine

BS Actuarial Science
Certificate of Analysis and Management of Insurance Risk

Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona

What do you like most about mathematics (and your area of concentration)?
Math and stats can tell a story as well as any language.

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in? 
When I realized that chasing down a dream is about hard work, accepting a chaleenge, and looking for opportunity.

Joanthan Kiperman

JONATHAN KIPERMAN

Optumas Actuarial Science Scholarship
Endowed by Optumas

BS Actuarial Science

Born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona

What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
Something I learned, particularly in actuarial science, is that failure is okay, and even a good thing. The reaction to failure is what makes someone who they are, and most actuaries have failed at one point or another and decided to try again and again until they reached their goal. Failure was something that scared me coming into college, and even though I never plan on failing, I see it now as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

 Dylan Ketcham

DYLAN KETCHAM

W.R. Berkley/Nautilus Insurance Analytics Scholarship
Endowed by W.R. Berkley/Nautilus Insurance

BS Actuarial Science 4+1
Will continue with MS in Actuarial Science

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in? 
I have always been a math geek, from youth until now. As a kid on long car rides, I used to ask my parents to give me improper fractions so I could simplify them. When starting to think about careers in my junior year, my mother pointed me towards actuarial science. She was able to introduce me to a few actuaries, who showed me an amazing career opportunity. As soon as I joined the Actuarial Science program at ASU, I found a lovable and accepting group of people who soon became my close friends.

 Simon Edwards

SIMON EDWARDS

Actuarial Science Scholarship
Endowed by John Zicarelli

BS Actuarial Science

Born in Salt Lake City, Utha, and grew up in Fountain Hills, Arizona

What do you like most about mathematics (and your area of concentration)?
I really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of a tough problem; it always helps me to think in different ways.

What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
My perspective of math was changed when I entered more advanced classes. I learned that there is plenty of math that doesn’t involve computation, and that it is just a continuation of logical structures.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
If you hate what you are doing, choose something else.

 Kinsey Turk

KINSEY TURK

Actuarial Faculty Pioneers Scholarship
Endowed by Al and May Boggess, Jelena Milovanovic, Matt Hassett 

BS Actuarial Science 4+1
Minor in Spanish

Will continue with MS in Actuarial Science


Born and raised in Chandler, Arizona

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Jelena Milovanovic has taught me to apply to every possible scholarship, participate in every case study, attend every event, and to never let a potential opportunity be passed up. Even though sometimes I am reluctant, I always end up benefiting from it thanks to her encouragement.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
In high school, it was easy to never learn the concepts that I disliked and instead use memorization to get through the course. In college, this is not an option. If you don’t understand a concept or a result, learn it, don’t avoid it. 

Gina Gilkey

GINA GILKEY

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Actuarial Scholarship
Endowed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

BS Actuarial Science

Born in Edina, Minnesota, and grew up in Plymouth, Minnesota

What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
The “aha” moment that made me realize I wanted to study actuarial science was when I passed my first actuarial exam, Financial Mathematics, on my first attempt. I already knew I found actuarial science interesting, but it was not until I passed the first exam that I had the full confidence in my abilities to become an actuary.

What do you like most about mathematics (and your area of concentration)?
I like the sense of community amongst the actuarial science and mathematics students. I believe it is more of a tight-knit group compared to other larger majors.

Lydia Gabric

LYDIA GABRIC

Nationwide E&S/Specialty Actuarial Science Scholarship
Endowed by Nationwide Insurance

BS Actuarial Science

Born and raised in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
My favorite spot on campus is Wexler, the mathematics building. Even though it might not be the newest building, it just feels like a safe place. I love to go to the Math Community Center (MC^2) between classes. On certain days, there is always a big group of actuarial science students either just talking or helping each other in different courses. I also like to sit in the breezeway that connects the two buildings together. There are wired tables and chairs I like to sit at to get fresh air while still being able to work. There are also chalkboards that line most of the walls. You never know if you are going to find someone working on an integration proof or just see a positive message someone left.

LIAM LAWSON

score 45

WALKER KROUBALKIAN

score 43

AAREYAN MANZOOR

score 31

William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition – Top ASU Scorers

Out of 488 schools that submitted teams, ASU placed 20th.

That put the team in the top 5%, almost 4%. An excellent result for our Sun Devils!

 

SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

Matthias Kawski - Chair
Don Jones
Jelena Milovanovic

Wenbo Tang

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS

Actuarial Strategies and Tactics, Inc. Allstate Insurance Sandra Baldwin Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Al and May Boggess Boggess Family Foundation Kathleen K. Church Doug Cochran Floyd Downs and Elizabeth Lenci-Downs Bernie and Ann Erickson Matt and Peggy Hassett Andrew Holycross Intel Corporation Matthias Kawski Elaine Laframboise-Maule Kenneth and Sarah Levine Tom and Zona Lorig Dorothy and Harold Mackey Jr. Alex Mahalov Maureen McGovern Jelena Milovanovic Nationwide Insurance Nautilus Insurance June A. Olson Optumas State Farm Insurance Patrick W. Thompson Jonathan Wexler W.R. Berkley Corporation Charitable Foundation Dennis and Mary Young John Zicarelli