Honoring Achievement: Spring Luncheon Celebrates a Year of Success in Mathematics
Honoring Achievement: Spring Luncheon Celebrates a Year of Success in Mathematics
On May 8, 2025, the Department of Mathematics came together for its annual Spring Luncheon, an end-of-semester tradition that brings faculty, staff, students, retirees, and guests together in celebration. Held just before final exams, the luncheon offered a relaxed and festive atmosphere to reflect on the accomplishments of the academic year.
The event recognized the exceptional work of both undergraduate and graduate students, celebrating their academic achievements, research excellence, and departmental contributions. It was also a moment to honor students who have completed their master’s and doctoral degrees, applauding the dedication and hard work that brought them to this milestone.
With good food, great company, and a shared appreciation for scholarly success, the luncheon underscored the strength and spirit of the mathematics community. It was a fitting close to the semester and a reminder of the department’s ongoing commitment to excellence.
Undergraduate Award Recipients
Clare Pruss - Beth Wilson Award
Rita Dicarlo - Outstanding Mathematics Major Award
Matthew Freeman - Outstanding Mathematics Major Award
Danielle Paraiso - Outstanding Mathematics Major Award
Brady Zimmerman - Outstanding Mathematics Major Award
Kendall Ladtkow - Outstanding Mathematics Education Major Award
Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award Recipients
Drew Anderson, Mitch Minyard, Betty Montero, and Indalecio Ruiz-Bolanos
Graduating M.S. Recipients
Katherine Harveson, Christian Nwaeme, and Ishara Saparamadu
Graduating Ph.D. Recipients and Advisors
Indalecio Ruiz-Bolanos, advisor Daniel Herden
Eduardo Servin Torres, advisor Qin Sheng
Guanjie Huang, advisor Markus Hunziker
Isaac Echols, advisor Jon Harrison
Quotes From Some of Our Award Winners
Clare Pruss - Beth Wilson Award
"I am very honored to receive this award. While I initially came to Baylor hoping to study classics, mathematics captured my heart, thanks in large part to the support of the faculty in this department, especially my thesis advisor, Dr. Jon Harrison. I am looking forward to pursuing my mathematical studies further as I begin working toward a PhD at UT Austin this fall.”
Rita Dicarlo - Outstanding Mathematics Major
“I am honored to be receiving this award from the Mathematics Department. I count all the hours spent in math classes as a blessing, as I did not only learn math, but I also learned the value of challenging myself and the importance of resilience. Every faculty member I have interacted with has been instrumental in my academic development, and I am thankful for all their work and support throughout my time at Baylor. I am grateful to all my professors for their role in shaping me into the person I am today, for their guidance and advice when discussing my future, and for always having my wellbeing at heart. As I continue to pursue a career in actuarial sciences at JM Family Enterprises, a leading company in Forbes' America's Top Private Companies, I carry with me more than math lectures. The wonderful memories and relationships I have built in the past four years will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Brady Zimmerman - Outstanding Mathematics Major
“I am very honored to receive this reward. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the math department these past four years. I greatly enjoyed working with Dr. Graber last year as well as the summer project with Dr. Fischbacher. I am certainly a better math student now than I was four years ago. I look forward to continuing my love of math with the Navy at Naval Nuclear Power School, where I will serve as a math instructor, and hopefully, upon completion of my service, attend law school. Thank you, Baylor Math!”
Kendall Ladtkow - Outstanding Mathematics Education Major
“I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Baylor Mathematics Department. Throughout my experience at Baylor, my math classes have been the highlight of each day. I've loved mathematics since high school, and the Baylor Mathematics Department has continued to cultivate my passion for the subject. In each of my classes, I have learned so much about mathematics, and it has inspired me to want to continue studying mathematics even after graduation. I've wanted to become a mathematics teacher since high school, and each of my professors further inspired this choice. Through their in-depth discussions about different mathematical ideas, I could tell how much they loved the subject, and this love inspired me to persevere and grow in my understanding. Throughout my experience, I've loved how each of my professors was open and willing to help me learn the content. With their support, I was able to deeply understand the subject. I am looking forward to teaching high school mathematics this coming year. Thank you to all of the professors who helped support my dream of becoming a math teacher.”
Julie Posey
Office Manager
