Dr. William Guy, perhaps one of the most well known math professors at the university, passed away May 22, 2011. Guy was a legendary figure on campus and received numerous teaching honors, from the Student Association Teaching Award to his inaugural membership in the Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

To honor Guy’s legacy and memory, the Department of Mathematics is creating the William T. (Bill) Guy, Jr. Endowment in Mathematics.

Alumna Marilyn Tipton Halpin (B.A. ’69, M.A. ‘71) and her husband Bob Halpin have generously pledged $25,000 as the lead investment for the endowment, which will ultimately need to reach $300,000 to sponsor a professorship.

“This gift is intended to serve as a catalyst for others to add to this endowment in Dr. William Guy’s honor,” says Marilyn Halpin. “I would like to see the endowment ultimately grow through matching donations. An endowed professorship would empower the university to continue to recruit outstanding faculty in the Department of Mathematics.”

In the meantime, endowment funds will be used in various ways to support students, faculty, visiting scholars and programs in the department.