RAPID CITY, S.D. (April 15, 2013) – More than 2,000 college students from across North America compete each year in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematics Competition. Over the course of six grueling hours, students will attempt to solve 12 seemingly impossible problems.
More than half will fail.
But for the few who score, the dividends are big: fame, a little bit of fortune and entry to one of the most exclusive clubs in North America.
Established in 1938, the contest has presented an irresistible challenge to the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for the past 16 years.
This year, four Mines students rose to the challenge, with Dean Laganiere, a senior computer science and applied and computational mathematics major from Racine, Minn, nearly scoring in the top 25 percent.
Congratulations to all Mines students, also including Daniel Nix, a senior physics and computer science major from Sioux Falls; Chris Cody, a senior applied and computational mathematics major from Saint Peter, Minn.; and Rachel Krohn, a senior mechanical engineering and computer major from Rapid City.