Grace Marie Bareis facts for kids

Grace Marie Bareis (December 19, 1875 – June 15, 1962) was an American mathematician and teacher. She made history by becoming the first person to earn a doctorate degree in mathematics from Ohio State University. Bareis was an assistant professor at Ohio State University. She taught there for 40 years before she retired in 1946.

Early Life and Education

Grace Marie Bareis was born on December 19, 1875. Her hometown was Canal Winchester, Ohio. She went to public school there. Later, she attended Heidelberg University in Ohio.

She was a top student and graduated in 1897. After that, she continued her studies. She did graduate work at Bryn Mawr College and Columbia University. Grace then took a break from school. She worked as a teacher in Philadelphia for six years.

In 1906, Bareis joined the graduate program at Ohio State University. Three years later, she achieved something amazing. She received the first Ph.D. in mathematics from the university. Her main research was on "Imprimitive Substitution Groups of Degree Sixteen."

Career as a Professor

While studying for her doctorate, Grace Bareis started teaching. In 1908, she became an assistant professor of mathematics. She held this important job until she retired in 1946.

As a professor, she helped many students. She guided them with their master's theses. She also held different roles in the university's Education and Women's College.

Bareis even taught mathematics to soldiers. These were World War II veterans. This program was called the "Army Specialized Training Program." She continued teaching for two years after retiring. This was because there was a shortage of math teachers.

Personal Life and Interests

Grace Bareis was a very active person. She was part of many different groups. She was involved with her church, the Evangelical and Reformed Church. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross.

She was a founding member of the Mathematical Association of America. This is a big group for mathematicians. Bareis also belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was part of the Ohio Historical Society too.

At Ohio State University, she joined the Faculty Club. She was also part of the Alumnae Association. In 1950, Heidelberg College gave her an honorary doctorate. This was a special award.

Grace Bareis loved gardening. She also enjoyed taking care of her farm in Brice, Ohio.

Legacy and Honors

In 1949, Bareis made a generous donation. She gave $2000 to Ohio State University. This was to celebrate the university's 75th anniversary. The money helped fund a writing competition for students.

Today, "The Grace M. Bareis Mathematical Prize" is still awarded. It is part of the Rasor-Bareis-Gordon Competition. This competition happens every year in her honor.

Grace Bareis had a home in Canal Winchester, Ohio. But she later moved to Columbus. She lived with her friend and colleague, Margaret F. Jones. They lived together for 26 years. Grace Bareis passed away on June 15, 1962, after a long illness.

Heidelberg University built a building in her honor. It is called the Bareis Hall of Science.