Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University hosted its annual Sonia Kovalevsky Day on May 16 at its Queens, NY campus, marking the first event in several years. The celebration aims to encourage high school students to pursue mathematics and honors Sonia Kovalevsky, the first woman in modern Europe to earn a doctorate in mathematics.

More than 60 students from Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, NY, and William H. Maxwell Career and Technical Education High School in Brooklyn, NY attended the event. Teresa Delgado, Ph.D., Dean of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, welcomed the students, expressing her enthusiasm for sharing a passion for mathematics education.

David Rosenthal, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at St. John’s University, shared his excitement about reviving the tradition. "I am very happy that we were able to restart this tradition at St. John’s and to have such a great turnout," he said.

Joan E. DeBello, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of Computer Science, Mathematics and Science at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS), echoed similar sentiments: “I was thrilled to bring back this event and see many high school students appreciating mathematics in everyday life.”

The event featured workshops presented by faculty members from various schools within the university including St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management Insurance and Actuarial Science, and CCPS.

Students participated in math games, workshops, a lunch-and-learn activity where they solved math puzzles under supervision from St. John’s student assistants, culminating with a presentation of certificates.

Zack Varley, a junior from Kellenberg Memorial High School stated: “This was a good experience to expand my view on various aspects of mathematics.” Gabriella Cruz also commented on how well-organized the event was: “The classroom presentations were very interesting too... Now it is at the top of my list.”

Mary Beth Farrell, a mathematics teacher at Kellenberg Memorial High School reflected positively on the day: “Our kids really enjoyed being a part of Sonia Kovalevsky Day at St. John’s... We would certainly want to be invited back again.”

The event received financial support from the Patrina Foundation and Clare Boothe Luce Program as highlighted by Jacqueline H. Grogan ’90SVC,’95MBA,’01PD,’10Ed.D., Associate Provost for Enrollment Partnerships and Engagement who noted: “We invited high school partners to campus today for a day full of math fun.”