University Relations

Colorado Math Olympiad celebrates 25th year

More than 300 middle and high school students from around the state will be on campus today for the 25th Colorado Math Olympiad

The CMO, chaired by Alex Soifer, professor, Interdepartmental Studies, offers middle and high school students a chance to exemplify their academic skills and to have the opportunity to compete for medals, scholarships and other prizes.

Registration began at 8 a.m. in the University Center Gymnasium. There, students were assigned to a room and given four hours to tackle five mind-bending problems.

The CMO is the largest essay-type mathematical competition in the United States, with participants competing against one another, grades 6th through 12th. Annually, prizes are provided by the competition sponsors, such as CASIO, Wolfram Research and Texas Instruments, just to name a few.

UCCS Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak will offer the top three winners – gold, silver and bronze medalists – a $1,000 scholarship to UCCS.

The event is designed for middle and high school math students who want to test their talents and ingenuity in a competitive format. There is no fee for student participation, and no limit on the number of schools or students who may participate.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony o April 25 in the Lodge. At that time, Soifer will review the answers to the five questions, deliver a lecture on mathematics, and present the awards. A reception will follow.

For more information about the Math Olympiad, and to view problems from previous years, visit http://www.uccs.edu/~olympiad/

• Margie Teals-Davis