Caption: Martin V. Bonsangue, the 2011 Outstanding Professor Award recipient, will present “America’s Math Story: Where We’ve Been, Where We Are and Where We Could Be” on March 12. Photo: Robert Tran Download Photo
Outstanding Professor Lecture March 12
Mathematician to Tell ‘America’s Math Story’
March 5, 2012 :: No. 103
Who/What:
“America’s Math Story: Where We’ve Been, Where We Are and Where We Could Be” is the topic of Cal State Fullerton’s March 12 Outstanding Professor Lecture by Martin V. Bonsangue, professor of mathematics and the 2011 recipient of the university’s highest faculty honor. The free lecture is open to the public. See his videotaped invitation to attend.
When:
Monday, March 12
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. program
Reception follows lecture
Where:
Cal State Fullerton, Titan Student Union’s Portola Pavilion
800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 92831
The Lecture:
According to Bonsangue, everyone has a mathematics story: some are happy, some are sad, but few are neutral. In his talk, he will raise questions such as "What is it about math that defines our deepest sense of ourselves, both as individuals and as a nation, and about our intelligence? Why do we believe that only some — perhaps very few — can do math, and what is the effect of this belief?" More important, Bonsangue will address why these perceptions must be changed to increase student interest and success in learning math.
“My main message is: Just as we, as a society, expect everyone to be literate, we must expect and ensure that everyone is ‘numerate,’ or mathematically competent,” said Bonsangue, who has taught at the university for 20 years. “In a highly competitive and technological world, ‘being bad at math’ is no longer an acceptable option. This talk explores possible ways that this vision could become a reality.”
New Math Scholarship:
The Outstanding Professor honor includes a monetary award of $4,000 from the President’s Associates. Bonsangue will donate the entire award to start a $25,000 endowed student scholarship. The Bonsangue Family Scholarship will provide financial support for a first-generation college student majoring in math. “I know that having similar support made a big difference for me, both financially and emotionally, when I went to college,” said Bonsangue, adding that creating a student scholarship has been a longtime desire.
Background:
The Yorba Linda resident, a former middle school and high school math teacher, earned his master’s degree in mathematics at Cal State Fullerton in 1980 and joined the faculty in 1992 —the same year he earned a Ph.D. in mathematics education at Claremont. A passionate educator, Bonsangue has been awarded $8 million in grants to work with elementary, middle school and high school teachers to develop new methods of teaching math, and he is recognized by his peers for his outreach to K-12 teachers and students.
Among his works, Bonsangue has authored 21 peer-reviewed articles in mathematics education journals, four book chapters, five papers in conference proceedings and six major technical reports, as well as seven articles co-authored with Cal State Fullerton students.
Outstanding Professor Award:
Cal State Fullerton annually recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates a record of superlative teaching and scholarship and also contributes to the stature of the university and the California State University system. As part of the honor, the recipient receives a cash award, is recognized at the Honors Convocation and leads the platform party during commencement ceremonies. The following year, the honoree gives a public lecture.
Media Contacts:
Martin V. Bonsangue, Mathematics, 657-278-2728 or mbonsangue@fullerton.edu
Debra Cano Ramos, 657-278-4027 or dcanoramos@fullerton.edu
