2/7/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Douglas Shaw, assistant professor, Dept. of Mathematics, (319) 273-6805

Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761

University of Northern Iowa offers Web-based math contest

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Iowa high school students and University of Northern Iowa students may participate in the Wright Challenge, a Web-accessible mathematics contest now entering its third year.

Between now and May 10, the "mysterious Doctor E" will present six puzzles, roughly one every other week, on the World Wide Web at www.math.uni.edu. The puzzles will be printed in the UNI student newspaper and posted on campus, as well. The first problem is now posted, with solutions due Feb. 22 to: doctore@math.uni.edu; or Doctor E, c/o the University of Northern Iowa Mathematics Department, 320 Wright Hall, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0506.

Prizes will include certificates suitable for framing and more than $100 in cash.

"The University of Northern Iowa math department sponsors this contest to encourage Iowa students' enthusiasm for mathematics and to share their love of the subject with the community at large," said Douglas Shaw, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics, and creator of the Wright Challenge.