Celebrating Pi Day: Highlights from This Year’s Piathlon
The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics recently hosted their annual Pi Day Piathlon, a lively celebration of mathematics featuring friendly competition, creativity, and plenty of campus spirit.
Students participated in a range of events, including team challenges, circle drawing, Pi recitation, and a brand‑new creative addition: Pi‑ku poetry. Attendance was strong, and the event saw enthusiastic participation from students across multiple courses and departments.
Piathlon Team Winners
Congratulations to this year’s winning teams!
- Philosophy, Biochemistry, and Math!
Kaitlin Hopper, Nathan Tejeda, & Kani Broderick - Team Bulldozer
Cooper Samson, Bryan Doser, & Ryan McMahon - Oscillating Otters
Alex Zell & Rory Sauereisen
Individual Events
- Pi Recitation:
Jason Darminio delivered a standout performance, surpassing his own record from last year (431 digits) by reciting an impressive 767 digits of π. - Circle Drawing:
Awarded to Nathan Tejeda (with cartwheel flair!).
Pi‑ku Poetry: A Creative Highlight
A last‑minute Pi‑ku poetry event turned into a surprise hit. Students submitted short, π‑inspired poems —many humorous, some heartfelt. Favorites included the titled poem “An Ode” and several clever expressions blending programming humor and math pride. Plans are underway to print and display the Pi‑kus in the department space.
Thanks to Our Community
The department extends sincere thanks to the administrative staff members, students, faculty, and staff who attended and supported the event, helping to create a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. Events like the Piathlon are a reminder of how community engagement brings mathematics to life... and, after all, who doesn’t love pie?
