Anna Irwin Young facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna Irwin Young
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| Born | November 25, 1873 |
| Died | September 3, 1920 |
| Burial place | Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Agnes Scott College |
| Occupation | Mathematics professor |
Anna Irwin Young (born 1873, died 1920) was an amazing American professor. She taught mathematics, physics, and astronomy. In 1916, she helped start the Mathematical Association of America.
Who Was Anna Young?
Anna Young was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois. This was on November 25, 1873. Her father was Rev. Samuel Young. Her mother was Eliza Caskey Young.
Growing Up and Learning
Anna went to Westminster College in 1892. The next year, she started studying at the Agnes Scott Institute. This school is now called Agnes Scott College. It is in Decatur, Georgia. She finished her first studies there in 1895.
She kept studying and earned her A.B. degree in 1898. From 1898 to 1902, she worked as the institute's librarian. She also taught summer classes at the University of Chicago in 1898 and 1901.
Her Teaching Career
In 1897, Anna Young began teaching at Agnes Scott. This was before she even earned her first degree! The next year, she joined the Mathematics Department.
When Agnes Scott became a college in 1905-1906, Anna kept teaching there. She felt it was important to have a degree. So, she took more classes and earned her B.A. degree in 1910.
From 1910 until she passed away in 1920, she was a professor. She taught mathematics, physics, and astronomy at Agnes Scott. She also taught summer school at the University of Georgia.
In 1914, Anna took a break from teaching. She went to Columbia University in New York. There, she earned her master's degree in education.
Anna Young was known as a wonderful teacher. One story tells of a student who struggled with trigonometry. Miss Young helped her pass by giving her a quiet place to work. She knew the student could do it!
Anna was also very active in school life. She was a founding member of the school's alumnae association. She stayed involved until she died.
A Sad Farewell
In 1920, Anna Young visited relatives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She became sick with pneumonia. She passed away on September 3, at 46 years old. She was buried in Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia.
At her funeral, Agnes Scott President Frank Henry Gaines spoke. He said she was a true woman and a devoted Christian. He also said she was a very helpful part of the college.
The students who graduated in 1920 dedicated their yearbook to her. They wrote that her loyalty was an inspiration. In 1923, a new building at Agnes Scott was named after her. It is called the Anna Young Alumnae House.
Memberships
Anna Irwin Young was a founding member of the Mathematical Association of America (in 1916). She was also named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1907.
