Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America
Distinguished Service Award

Citation to

Dan Callon

The Indiana Section Distinguished Service Award was initiated in 1993 to honor a member of the Section by acknowledging his or her extraordinary contributions to the Section and outstanding efforts consistent with the stated purposes of the Mathematical Association of America and the Section, namely, assisting in promoting the interests of, and improving education in, the mathematical sciences in America, especially at the collegiate level.

This year's recipient has distinguished himself in his service to his institution, the Section, and the mathematics profession. He is generous with his time, talents, and resources and has always been a welcoming member at local and national meetings. He has helped several freshly minted Ph.D.'s transition to college mathematics teaching across the Section by being a Project NExT mentor. At the end of the last century, he served capably as chair and vice-chair of the Section.

Professionally, he is recognized for his leadership in assessment, the use of technology in the classroom, and his senior capstone group exam-a test which has involved several Section members. He spent a sabbatical researching career opportunities for math majors not interested in teaching or graduate school. He then shared his findings on why employers hire math majors through local meetings, Math Club talks, and MAA publications. Informed by his work, he redesigned the curriculum from top to bottom at Franklin College to better prepare both majors and non-majors for a variety of meaningful careers using mathematics-a model for promoting mathematics across disciplines.

This individual received his BA from Franklin College, his MS from Indiana University, before leaving the state for his Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati. He was "Back Home Again in Indiana" when he returned to Franklin College in 1987. His interests outside the profession include working with his church, doing genealogical research, and keeping track of his two children. His character is marked by optimism, energy, curiosity, and a love for young people--especially college students.

While there are many deserving candidates, I am pleased to award this year's Indiana Section Distinguished Service Award to G. Daniel Callon of Franklin College.

Amos Carpenter, Chair
Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America
April 1, 2005