PAMS Focus - May 2008

PAMS Focus is the bi-monthly electronic newsletter for alumni and friends of the NC State University College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS). If you have any suggestions or comments, please share them with us by e-mailing pams_info@ncsu.edu.

Saari to speak on “Chaotic Elections” at Scope Academy 2008

Donald Saari, a UC-Irvine mathematician and economist who is widely cited as an expert in voting methods, has been announced as the keynote speaker for Scope Academy 2008. Considering the proximity of his Oct. 11 visit to the November election, Saari’s lecture is very appropriately titled “Chaotic Elections: A Mathematician Looks at Voting."

Formerly known as PAMS Alumni and Friends Weekend, Scope Academy will be Oct. 10-11, 2008. In addition to Saari’s keynote lecture, the weekend also includes a brunch for friends and alumni of the Department of Mathematics; seminars by our world-class faculty on topics such as the science of tornadoes, the physics of sports, diving for science, and many more; a celebration of the successful conclusion of the Achieve! Campaign for NC State; and Realizing Possibilities, the College’s annual endowment donor recognition dinner.

More information will be mailed and posted to the PAMS Web site shortly. Please save the date now for this exciting event!

Fornes receives Holladay Medal

Raymond E. Fornes, professor of physics and PAMS associate dean for research, was a 2008 recipient of NC State’s Alexander Quarles Holladay Medals of Excellence. Named in honor of the university’s first president, the Holladay Medal is the highest award given to faculty by the Board of Trustees and the university. It recognizes “a lifetime of outstanding achievement in support of NC State’s mission.” For more information, please visit http://news.ncsu.edu/news/2008/05/mkbaccalaureate.php.

State Climate Office announces Young Weather Photographers Contest

Is your kid a big weather fan? If so, let him or her know about the North Carolina State Climate Office (SCO) Young Weather Photographers Contest. By submitting his or her original photo of a North Carolina weather phenomenon, your child will have a chance to win a spot on the SCO Web site and a prize package! The contest ends June 30, so get those cameras out! For complete rules and submission instructions, please go to http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/education/contest.php.

New additions to the Office of Development and College Relations

The Office of Development and College Relations has added two new staff members to better serve PAMS alumni and friends.

Steve Townsend joined the office in January as director of communications. Steve is responsible for all the College’s print and electronic communications, including Scope magazine, PAMS Focus and the College Web site. He is always looking to promote the achievements of PAMS alumni, so please send your updates to him at pams_info@ncsu.edu.

Marla Gregg joined the office in April as director of development for alumni and donor relations. Marla is responsible for engaging alumni, friends, donors and potential supporters of the College and its individual departments. Please let Marla know if you have ideas for new ways to get alumni and friends involved, or if you are interested in getting more involved yourself. She can be reached at pamsalumni@ncsu.edu.