Nature
Pi Mu Epsilon is dedicated to the promotion of mathematics and recognition of students who successfully pursue mathematical understanding.
History
The Pi Mu Epsilon Fraternity, incorporated on May 25, 1914, under the laws of the State of New York, is celebrating its golden anniversary as a national mathematics honorary fraternity with nearly 100 active chapters in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Its first Director General, Dr. Edward Drake Roe, Jr., had organized a Mathematical Club at Syracuse University in the fall of 1903 and had guided it through ten years of successful endeavor. At the club meeting on November 17, 1913, he proposed the establishment of a mathematical fraternity. Details were worked out in committees, and on March 2, 1914, a convention was held and a constitution was adopted. Specific names for the Fraternity were considered on March 23, and the Greek Letters EPM, "To promote scholarship and Mathematics", were adopted, but with the order of letters changed to PME. Those present then took the following pledge and signed their names as charter members of the Fraternity.
National Conference
To promote mathematics, the National Pi Mu Epsilon Council sponsors an annual conference in conjunction with the Mathematics Association of America's (MAA) annual MathFest. Traditionally, this conference occurs the first weekend of August. Undergraduate members of Pi Mu Epsilon are encouraged to give a 15 minute presentation on a mathematical topic of interest. The content of the presentation does not have to include original research. Although some presentations may impart new results, the majority often show results of exploration of a topic beyond what is traditionally covered in an undergraduate class. Feel free to contact an officer to verify a topic is suitable for presentation.
In the past, Pi Mu Epsilon has been able to provide travel funds for student speakers at this conference. In addition, the American Mathematical Society has provided funding for awarding cash prizes to outstanding presenters at the meeting. Recognition of all student speakers and prize winners occurs at the PME/MAA banquet. Every student participant should not miss this banquet which recognizes student achievement. After the banquet, PME sponsors the J. Sutherland Frame Lecture. This annual event has a speaker of national recognition present a topic of interest to undergraduate students. This well-attended talk is one of the annual highlights of the conference.
Journal
One of the ways that Pi Mu Epsilon promotes scholarship in mathematics is through the publishing of the Pi Mu Epsilon Journal.
The sole purpose of this Journal is to present papers and mathematical problems by and for its members.