Euphemia Haynes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Euphemia Lofton Haynes
Born	(1890-09-11)September 11, 1890 Washington, D.C., United States
Died	July 25, 1980(1980-07-25) (aged 89) Washington, D.C., United States
Alma mater	University of the District of Columbia, Smith College, University of Chicago, The Catholic University of America
Scientific career
Fields	Mathematics
Thesis	Determination of Sets of Independent Conditions Characterizing Certain Special Cases of Symmetric Correspondences (1943)
Doctoral advisor	Aubrey Edward Landry

Martha Euphemia Lofton Haynes (born September 11, 1890 – died July 25, 1980) was an amazing American mathematician and educator. She made history as the first African American woman to earn a PhD in mathematics. She achieved this important degree from The Catholic University of America in 1943.

Meet Euphemia Lofton Haynes: A Math Pioneer

Early Life and Education Journey

Euphemia Lofton was the only daughter of William S. Lofton and Lavinia Day Lofton. Her father was a dentist and financier. Her mother was a kindergarten teacher. Euphemia was a very bright student. She was the top student, or valedictorian, at M Street High School in 1907.

After high school, she studied at the Normal School for Colored Girls. This school is now known as the University of the District of Columbia. She graduated with honors in education in 1909. She then went to Smith College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1914. She also studied psychology.

In 1917, she married Harold Appo Haynes, who was also a teacher. They did not have any children. Euphemia continued her studies, earning a master's degree in education from the University of Chicago in 1930. Later, in 1943, she earned her PhD in mathematics. This was from The Catholic University of America. Her advanced research was about special mathematical conditions.

A Dedicated Educator and Leader

Dr. Haynes dedicated 47 years of her life to teaching in the public schools of Washington, D.C. She taught first grade at Garrison and Garfield Schools. She also taught mathematics at Armstrong High School. Later, she became the head of the Math Department at Dunbar High School.

In 1966, Dr. Haynes became the first woman to lead the DC Board of Education. She served on the board until 1967. Her work on this board was very important for students in the district.

Fighting for Fair Education

While on the DC Board of Education, Dr. Haynes spoke out against a system called the "track system." She believed this system was unfair to African American students. It grouped students in ways that limited their chances to prepare for college. She argued that all students deserved the same opportunities.

Her strong efforts helped lead to a lawsuit called Hobson v. Hansen in 1967. This lawsuit eventually ended the unfair track system in Washington, D.C. This was a huge step towards making education more equal for everyone.

Continuing Her Impact

Dr. Haynes retired from the public school system in 1959. However, she didn't stop working for education. She started the mathematics department at the University of the District of Columbia. She also taught part-time at Howard University.

She was very active in her community. She worked with many groups that helped people. These included the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women and the DC Health and Welfare Council. She was also involved with the National Urban League and the NAACP. These groups worked to improve life for many people.

Honoring Her Achievements

Awards and Special Recognition

Dr. Euphemia Lofton Haynes received many honors for her amazing work. In 1959, Pope John XXIII gave her a special award called Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. This award recognized her service to the church. In 1998, she was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This is a high honor for scientists.

Lasting Tributes and Fellowships

Her legacy continues to be celebrated through various awards and programs:

• Honorary Doctorate of Science: In 1975, the University of the District of Columbia gave Dr. Haynes an Honorary Doctorate of Science. This recognized her great contributions to education and mathematics.
• Euphemia Lofton Haynes Mathematics Prize: Smith College created this prize in 1996. It honors Dr. Haynes's legacy. The prize is given each year to a graduating student who excels in math and helps their community.
• Mathematical Educator Award: In 2001, the American Mathematical Society honored Dr. Haynes with this award. It celebrated her big influence on mathematics education.
• Martha Euphemia Lofton Haynes Fellowship: The National Association of Mathematicians started this fellowship in 2010. It helps graduate students from groups that are often underrepresented in math. This continues Dr. Haynes's work of supporting new mathematicians.

Her Enduring Legacy

Inspiring Future Generations

Dr. Haynes passed away from a heart attack on July 25, 1980, in Washington, D.C. She left a large gift of $700,000 to The Catholic University of America. This money created a special fund to support professors and help students with loans in the School of Education. Her family's important papers are kept in the Catholic University archives.

In 2004, a public charter school in Washington, D.C., was named the E.L. Haynes Public Charter School in her honor. The Catholic University of America also created the Euphemia Lofton Haynes Award. This award recognizes excellent junior math students who show great promise.

In 2024, Smith College renamed one of its residential houses to Haynes House. This was done to honor their famous alumna. Dr. Haynes's efforts created a path for fairer education. She made sure all students, no matter their background, had the chance to succeed in school.

Published Works

Dr. Haynes wrote important academic papers during her career:

• Euphemia Lofton Haynes. The Historical Development of Tests in Elementary and Secondary Mathematics. University of Chicago, Department of Education (1930).
• Euphemia Lofton Haynes. Determination of Sets of Independent Conditions Characterizing Certain Special Cases of Symmetric Correspondences. Catholic University of America Press (1943).

See also

In Spanish: Euphemia Lofton Haynes para niños