Euclidean Circle (Indiana University)

The Euclidean Circle was formally established September, 30 1907. Its purpose was to promote mathematical studies and to foster social relationships among Indiana University mathematicians, with membership limited to faculty of the Mathematics Department and to students who had more than fifteen credit hours of work in the department. Early meetings were held on alternate Mondays at seven in the evening. The original officers included William A. Austen as President, Raymond L. Modesitt as Vice President, and Cora B. Hennel as Secretary. Gatherings over the years were frequently characterized by presentations on historical figures in mathematics, including Newton, and talks entitled “Mathematics, Wise or Otherwise,” and the “Theory of Finite Fields,” as well as performances by vocal and instrumental groups. The Euclidean Circle also took on many tasks, including, in its first year, 1907-08, the compilation a complete roster of Mathematics Department graduates with their professional histories. The group last appears in the 1944 Arbutus.

The Indiana University Euclidean Circle was a social organization established in 1907 to promote mathematical studies; membership was limited to faculty of the Mathematics Dept. and to students who had more than fifteen credit hours of work in the department. The group seems to have disappeared from campus around 1945.