Awards

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department confers several annual and occasional awards.

These awards include the Computer Science awards given to outstanding senior and sophomore students, the McGavock Award to a particularly outstanding senior Mathematics major, and the Vinson Award to a particularly promising sophomore in Mathematics. The Jackson Award includes a partial scholarship and is given biannually to a rising junior Mathematics major.

The Senior Computer Science Awards

The Senior Computer Science Award is given to that member of the senior class who has demonstrated the greatest promise and accomplishment in computer science during his or her Davidson career. The award is given by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science annually, when it feels that there are qualified candidates.  This award is sponsored by the Bernard Society of Mathematics.

The Sophomore Computer Science Award

The Sophomore Computer Science Award recognizes unusual mastery of the field of computer science exhibited through the sophomore year, and for significant promise for further study. This award is sponsored by the Bernard Society of Mathematics.

The William G. McGavock Award

The William Gillespie McGavock Mathematics Award is given to that member of the senior class who has demonstrated the greatest promise and accomplishment in mathematics during his or her Davidson career. The award is given by the Mathematics Department annually, when it feels that there are qualified candidates.

Honored by the award is Professor William Gillespie McGavock, greatly loved professor of mathematics, whose tenure on the faculty at Davidson College ranged over the period 1934 to 1975. The award is intended to reflect Professor McGavock's deep and genuine interest in the mathematical abilities and accomplishments of his students. It recognizes as well Professor McGavock's devotion to Davidson College and the superior quality of his contribution to the development of mathematical studies here.

The William D. Vinson Award

The William D. Vinson Mathematics Award is given to a rising junior and recognizes unusual mastery of the field and significant promise for further study.

The award was established by the Vinson family in memory of William Daniel Vinson, LL.D., who was Professor of Mathematics at Davidson from 1883 until 1897.

The R. Bruce Jackson Jr. Award

The R. Bruce Jackson, Jr., Mathematics Award is given to a rising junior mathematics major who has demonstrated great promise in mathematics and its application. The award is given by the Mathematics Department once every two years when it determines that there are qualified candidates.

This award honors R. Bruce Jackson, Jr., long-time member of the Mathematics Department (1956-95) and chair (1978-83). He led a strengthening of the curriculum in probability and statistics, reflecting his interest in applicable mathematics in the liberal arts setting. The award recognizes Prof. Jackson's leadership in College matters and his legendary devotion to students, from beginners to majors.