It’s been said that mathematics is a universal language, but the adage only superficially describes how it unites human beings. Math is more than just a way to describe the world, and it is more than just a set of skills, like doing arithmetic or factoring a quadratic.
For Dr. Francis Su — Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a former president of the Mathematical Association of America — math is a deeply human enterprise that fulfills basic human longings, “such as for beauty and truth, and when taught well, it builds virtues like persistence, creativity, and a competence to solve problems you’ve never seen before.”
Su is this year’s speaker at the Wayne State University Department of Mathematics' 29th Annual Owens Lecture, which will take place at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, in the Science Hall. Those interested in attending can RSVP here. Coffee will be served at 2:30 p.m. before the start of the lecture. Su’s book Mathematics for Human Flourishing (2020), winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, offers an inclusive vision of what math is, who it’s for and why anyone should learn it.
"We are excited to have Dr. Su as our speaker for this year's Owens Lecture. He'll help us to appreciate even more of the beauty of mathematics as it relates to human characteristics," said Richard Pineau, associate professor of Teaching in WSU's Department of Mathematics. "We invite everyone, students especially, to explore the endless possibilities that mathematics can bring to us all."
In 2013, Su received the Haimo Award, a nationwide teaching prize for college math faculty, and in 2018 he won the Halmos-Ford writing award. His research in geometric combinatorics includes many papers co-authored with undergraduates. His work has been featured in Quanta Magazine, Wired and The New York Times.
The Owens Lecture is named for the late Owen G. Owens, a former WSU mathematics professor. The lecture is supported by the Owens Fund, which was established by the family of Professor Owens. The first annual Owen Owens Memorial Lecture was held in March 1992.
Having already taught extensively at various universities since his graduation from the University of California, Owens was appointed to an associate professorship at Wayne State University in 1957, his specialty being partial differential equations. In 1959, Owens was awarded a full-professorship and continued at Wayne State University until his retirement and Emeritus appointment in 1969.
Upon his death, Dr. Owens' brother, John Owens, left to the Department of Mathematics a contribution in memory of his late brother. The Owen Fund was established and is used to sponsor events in support of the department's research program.