Student Involvement

Mathematics and computer science students have several opportunities throughout the year to further their learning through getting involved with student organizations and departmental programming.

Bernard Society of Mathematics

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department confers the honor of membership in the Bernard Society of Mathematics on departmental majors and others with outstanding interest and ability in mathematics or computer science.

The society's activities and assistance, supported by the Bernard Society Endowment and funded by gifts from alumni, faculty, and friends include:

• The Bernard Lecture along with a banquet for juniors, seniors, and faculty featuring a prominent authority on mathematics or computer science
• Math & Computer Science Coffees and other departmental events
• Encouraging student participation in conferences and competitions of regional, national, and international scope
• Student copies of Math Horizons, the undergraduate magazine of the Mathematical Association of America
• Publishing the Bernard Review, our newsletter for students and alumni
• Support of innovation in mathematical activity, instruction, research, and outreach by Davidson students and faculty

In short, the Bernard Society promotes interest and activity in mathematics, encouraging students to emulate Professor Bernard's exemplary dedication to the discipline.

Bernard Society Leadership Council

The Bernard Society is at its heart a student organization, administered by student volunteers. Leaders suggest activities, assist with their organization, and take leadership roles in the Bernard banquet and lecture. If you are interested in helping out, please email the department chair.

About Richard Ryerson Bernard (1917-1997)

After receiving a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, Professor Bernard began his college teaching career at Yale, but returned south in 1955 to join the Davidson faculty. His Davidson career spanned a quarter of a century during which he taught countless Davidson undergraduates the lessons of instruction by example, clear thinking, compassion, good humor, and gracious manners. He initiated the Math Coffee series, and in 1957 designed and taught the first course in topology at Davidson. Named the first Vail Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Bernard received a Senior Fellowship from the National Science Foundation and was honored with the Thomas Jefferson Award for teaching excellence at Davidson.

Support the Bernard Endowment

Davidson College and the Mathematics and Computer Science Department deeply appreciate the generosity of the founders and the continuing supporters of the Bernard Society of Mathematics and welcome contributions to the Bernard Society Endowment. Explore ways to give to Davidson or contact the department chair if you would like to find out how you can contribute.