Faculty List

Timothy A Sipka

Timothy A Sipka

Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
Joined Alma College Faculty in 1979
SAC 252
(989) 463-7234
Office Hours: MWF: 12:30-1:30; MTWTh 2:30-3:30
Download My Full Vita

Education

  • B.A., Anderson College (1975);
  • M.A., M.S., Western Michigan University (1978 & 1979);
  • M.S., Central Michigan University (1986)

Research Interests

Graph Theory, History of Mathematics, Problem Solving, and Mathematics Education

Recent Courses Taught

  • Discrete Mathematical Structures.  MTH 223.
  • Elementary Statistics.  MTH 116.
  • Calculus 1.  MTH 121.
  • Introduction to Graph Theory.  MTH 391.

Selected Articles

  • Timothy A Sipka.  "A Generalization of the Pythagorean Theorem."  Proceedings of the 15th Biennial Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences.  Huntington College. 193-97
  • Timothy A Sipka (with John F. Putz).  "On Generalizing the Pythagorean Theorem."  College Mathematics Journal.  2003. Vol. 34. No. 4. 291-295.  September 2003.
  • Timothy A Sipka.  "Alfred Bray Kempe's 'Proof' of the Four-Color Theorem."  Math Horizons.  2002. Vol. 10. No. 2. 21-24.  November 2002.

Recent Presentations

  • Timothy Sipka.  "Alfred Kempe's "Proof" of the Four-Color Theorem."  Calvin College Math Colloquium.  Grand Rapids, MI.  February 23, 2012.
  • Timothy Sipka.  "Alfred Kempe's "Proof" of the Four-Color Theorem."  Mathematics Colloquium.  Hope College.  October 20, 2011.
  • Timothy Sipka.  "Are You Smarter Than A 19th Century Mathematician?."  Albion College Math Colloquium.  Albion College.  October 2010.
  • Timothy Sipka.  "Alfred Kempe's "Proof" of the Four-Color Theorem."  Summer Undergraduate Research Institute.  Michigan State University.  June 2010.
  • Timothy Sipka.  "An On-going Experiment with Posters."  37th Annual Mathematics Conference.  Miami University.  September 2009.
  • Timothy Sipka.  ""VI.31: A Generalization of the Pythagorean Theorem"."  15th Biennial Conference of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences.  Huntington College (IN).  June 2, 2005.

Awards, Honors, Recognitions

  • Andison Excellence in Teaching Award, 2010
  • Outstanding Faculty Award in the Natural Sciences, 2007.
  • Posey Award for Faculty Excellence, 1999.

Professional Memberships

  • Pi Mu Epsilon
  • Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences
  • Mathematical Association of America

Service to the College

Service to the Profession

 

Alma College’s sports teams have been known as the “Scots” since 1931 when Alma students voted on the name. Soon thereafter, “Scotty” emerged as Alma’s official mascot and is regularly seen on campus, in the community and at athletics events.

Read More

 

Graduate Profile

Shaina Buhl

Shaina Buhl
Graduation: 2011
Major: Art and Design
Minor: New Media Studies

When Shaina Buhl ’11 is being creative, she says she feels most like herself. It’s no wonder then that she chose to major in art and design and minor in new media studies.

“I chose to major specifically in graphic design because I enjoy creating art with communication in mind,” she says. “It makes me feel like I’m reaching out to convey a message that will help someone, somewhere, and that makes me feel good about my work.”

Read More