Every year, the Mathematics Department at RVC solicits applications for its two awards: the R. David Gustafson Prize and the Kyle D. Mitchell Memorial Award.  The Mathematics Department is honored to announce the winners of this year's awards.

Alexandria Sterenberg is the winner of the 2022 R. David Gustafson Prize.

The Gustafson Prize is awarded to a student who has displayed exceptional mathematical talent at RVC. The prize is named for Mr. Gustafson, who was the chair of the RVC Mathematics Department for 25 years. He helped students develop their mathematical skills and to appreciate the power and beauty of mathematics. Upon his retirement, the prize was established and has been awarded annually for over 20 years.  

The prize is not explicitly designed for a student intending to major in mathematics. Still, it is meant to honor a student who has displayed exceptional mathematical talent at Rock Valley College. The Mathematics Department recognized Alexandria with this award because she exhibits its ideals and will represent RVC Mathematics with the highest distinction.  

One nominating professor had this to say about Alexandria, "I was so impressed by her drive to succeed, her tenacious spirit, and her talent for mathematics."

"I have a deeply founded, permanently ingrained love for mathematics. I enjoy the challenge that math presents and the opportunity to sharpen my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. I find joy geeking out over the complexities of math in the
classroom and at home, and I know with certainty that my love for math will never fade," said Alexandria when presented with the award.

Gabriel Schroepfer is the winner of the Kyle D. Mitchell Memorial Award.  

The Kyle Mitchell Award was established in the memory of Kyle Mitchell, an RVC student who went the extra mile, always searching for the best solution to a problem and was always willing to help others. Kyle Mitchell was a student at Rock Valley College, and during his time here, he maintained a GPA of 4.0 and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. He competed in the AMATYC competition and attained the highest score both semesters during his sophomore year.

He was planning on attending the University of Illinois and majoring in Agricultural Engineering but lost his life in a tragic accident. This Award was created and funded by the Mathematics Department to honor Kyle's memory. It is given annually to an outstanding mathematics student who, like Kyle, has demonstrated dedication and excellence in the study of mathematics.  

The Mathematics Department proudly recognized Gabriel because he fully represents the ideals of this award.  

"He has shown his pursuit of excellence in everything he does. He is trustworthy and very responsible. He knows what he wants and works hard to pursue his dreams," one professor said about Gabriel.

According to Gabriel, "To me, math just makes sense, and it brings me joy to see equations manipulated and solved."

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