Mathematical Discipline
UD’s First Recipient of the Trjitzinsky Memorial Award
Date Published: Nov. 27, 2017
Sophomore Mary Kate Tomassi, BA ’20, “embodies the diligent student who loves learning mathematics,” explained
Assistant Professor of Mathematics John Osoinach, as faculty and students gathered
in Constantin Garden on Wednesday, Nov. 15, to honor Tomassi’s achievement as UD’s
first recipient of the Waldemar J. Trjitzinsky Memorial Award.
As one of seven undergraduates to receive this year’s award given by the American
Mathematical Society (AMS), Tomassi will delve further into the field of mathematics
in her studies at UD, as well as explore her interest in computer science. UD was
one of seven schools in the country selected by the AMS to bestow the award on one
worthy student who plans on pursuing a career in mathematics.
“There are plenty of deserving math students at UD,” said Tomassi. “I’m honored to
receive such an award, and I’m especially grateful for the support of my professors
in the Mathematics Department.”
Although still undecided where her career in mathematics will take her after UD, Tomassi
would like to make a positive impact in society by working on issues such as homelessness
or human trafficking. “Mathematics allows you to explore and work in so many different
disciplines,” she said.
“I truly enjoy studying mathematics, because it gives you an opportunity to further
explore philosophical thought in a more tangible sense,” she said. “Learning about
the process of mathematics has helped me form better methods of decision making and
critical thinking, which benefit not only my studies at UD but my day-to-day life.”
According to her award biography, “Mary Kate is one of those rare students who not
only excels in mathematics, but also embraces the mathematics culture at the university
by working in the Mathematics Department office.”
Additionally, Texas Right to Life named Tomassi one of 38 2017 Dr. Joseph Graham College
Fellows in April. Over the summer, she participated in a week-long training program
as part of this fellowship to gain pro-life knowledge and leadership skills to bring
back to UD.
This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Waldemar J.
Trjitzinsky Memorial Awards, which was made possible by a bequest from the estate
of Waldemar J., Barbara G. and Juliette Trjitzinsky. These funds help support mathematics
students who lack financial resources. Each year the society selects a number of geographically
distributed schools who in turn make one-time awards to assist students in pursuit
of mathematics careers.
Discover more about UD's Mathematics Department.