Goals Pi Mu Epsilon is a non-secret organization whose purpose is the promotion of scholarly activity in mathematics among students in academic institutions. It aims to do so by:
- Electing members on an honorary basis according to their proficiency in mathematics.
- Engaging in activities designed to promote the mathematical and scholarly development of its members.
- Taking any other measures which further the purpose stated above.
Organization Pi Mu Epsilon is a mathematical society consisting of chapters at various approved institutions of learning, and affiliate chapters at approved non-academic institutions. Each such chapter derives its existence either directly from the Act of Incorporation of the society, as in the case of the parent chapter, or from a charter granted in accordance with the constitution of the society by virtue of the powers conveyed in the said Act of Incorporation. The ultimate authority on affairs of the society at large shall rest with the chapters, each chapter having one vote; but the chapters may delegate to the officers, committees, and conventions of the society authority to deal with questions not specifically relegated to the chapters by this constitution.
Requirements Standards for membership are set by the national organization. They include
- A minimum of three math courses, two or more of which are from the 200 level or above.
- Sophomores need a 3.75 math average with a 3.4 cumulative overall average.
- Juniors and seniors need a 3.4 math average with at least a 3.0 overall.
- Seniors with more than five math credits need a Pi math average with at least a 3.0 overall.
Pledge "I solemnly promise that I will exert my best efforts to promote true scholarship, particularly in mathematics; and that I will support the objectives of the Pi Mu Epsilon society."
History The Pi Mu Epsilon society was incorporated in 1914 under the laws of the State of New York. This was a sequel to an earlier mathematics club at Syracuse University organized in 1903. St. Lawrence formed a mathematics club called Alpha Mu Gamma which was open to all interested students of mathematics. In June of 1935 the New York Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon was installed at St. Lawrence as the 30th chapter in the country and the 5th in the state. Dr. O. K. Bates and Professor T. Cook were the two faculty members initiated along with eight students that first year. They met jointly with Alpha Mu Gamma upstairs in Carnegie Hall. On May 6, 1939, our chapter sponsored the First Annual Mathematics Contest for high school students. Nine schools participated and Ogdensburg won the Pi Mu Epsilon Interscholastic Cup. The society also sponsors the Pi Mu Epsilon award, given to an outstanding underclass student based on performance in math courses through the sophomore level.
Motto & Insignia The colors of the society are violet, lavender, and gold. The seal is round, with the design of the pin raised in the center. The words "Pi Mu Epsilon, Incorporated" are inscribed about the edge. The flower is a violet. The shield is divided into four parts: in the upper right hand corner is the design of a violet; in the lower right, a summation sign; in the upper left is an integral sign; and in the lower left, three stars representing society, morality, and scholarship. Just above the shield proper, the pin is represented, and below is the Greek motto, which is "To promote Scholarship and Mathematics"