Math Alliance Club members

Inspiration and Conception

SUNY Potsdam's Math Alliance, May 2015

The idea for the icosahedron sculpture was born out of Jonathan Doane's deep appreciation for the Math Department and his desire to leave a lasting legacy. The Math Alliance Club, under his leadership, aimed to explore mathematics in new, fun, and engaging ways. This project was the perfect vehicle to fulfill that mission.

Pictured (Left to Right): Genevieve, Vice President Jacob, Becky, President Jonathan Doane, Laura, Andrew, Bradley, Christina, Robin, Emily

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Proposal and Approval

Gaining Institutional Support

Securing approval for the sculpture was no small feat. Jonathan and the Math Alliance Club worked tirelessly to gain the support of President Esterberg's Council. This involved ongoing communication to ensure that the project aligned with the university's standards and vision.

Icosahedron sculpture contract image
Pictured (Left to Right): Excerpt from Math Alliance's contract with Physical Plant, Math Alliance's proposal to President Esterberg's Council
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SUNY Potsdam Physical Plant laying the cement foundation

Collaboration with Physical Plant

Building the Foundation

One of the critical aspects of the project was coordinating with SUNY Potsdam's Physical Plant. The team worked closely with the Physical Plant staff to ensure that the cement pad and icosahedron sculpture were built to code. This involved meticulous planning, obtaining necessary approvals, and drafting a contract to declare ownership and maintenance responsibilities.

Pictured: SUNY Potsdam's Physical Plant laying down the foundational cement pad.

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Lowe's sponsorship for the project

Securing Sponsorships

Community and Corporate Backing

Fundraising played a vital role in bringing the project to life. The Math Alliance Club reached out to various local businesses for donations and discounts. Lowe's generously donated wood, stain, and tools, while Great Northern Printing provided discounted custom T-shirts for a fundraiser. Mike's Trophies also contributed by offering discounts on custom plaques.

Pictured (Left to Right): Becky, Hannah, David

Lowe's logo
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Math Alliance Club members and volunteers

Volunteer Efforts and Construction

Hands-On Collaboration

Under the guidance of sculptor Alicia Quijano, the Math Alliance Club members and volunteers dedicated countless hours to the construction of the sculpture. The process involved drilling pilot holes, securely bolting custom joints to the cement pad, and welding the intricate components together. Each member played a crucial role, showcasing their skills and commitment to the project.

Pictured (Left to Right): Ioherase, Hayley, Genevieve, Jonathan Doane, Becky, Leo'el, David, Christina, Laura

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Leo'el drilling pilot holes for the bolts

Drilling

Precision in Action

One of the initial tasks was drilling pilot holes for the bolts. Leo'el, one of the dedicated volunteers, took on this precise task to ensure that the bolts would be securely fastened.

Pictured: Leo'el drilling pilot holes for the bolts.

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The scultpure's base secured to the cement pad

Securing the Base

A Solid Foundation

The next crucial step was securely bolting the custom joints to the cement pad. Jonathan's design and Alicia's welding skills were instrumental in ensuring the stability and durability of the structure.

Pictured: The scultpure's base secured to the cement pad

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Sculptor Alicia Quijano with the sculpture

Sculptor Alicia Quijano

Crafting with Expertise

Alicia Quijano (formerly Alicia Conway) played a pivotal role in the project, bringing her sculpting expertise to the table. Her involvement ensured that the artistic vision was flawlessly executed, adding an extra layer of professional craftsmanship to the sculpture.

Pictured (Left to Right): Alicia Quijano, Jonathan Doane, Alicia Quijano

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The Pi Day Fundraiser

Raising Funds with Creativity

To raise additional funds, the Math Alliance Club organized a Pi Day fundraiser featuring custom Pac-Math T-shirts. Great Northern's discounted services allowed the club to meet their fundraising goal of $450, which covered the costs of specialized tools, T-shirts, plaques, and the unveiling ceremony.

Excerpt from Math Alliance's communication with Great Northern Becky and Jonathan Doane hosting Math Alliance's Pi Day of the Century
Great Northern logo College Store logo
Pictured (Left to Right): Excerpt from Math Alliance's communication with Great Northern, Becky and Jonathan Doane hosting Math Alliance's Pi Day of the Century
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Unveiling ceremony invitation

Invitation

Bringing Together the Community

The unveiling ceremony was meticulously planned to celebrate the culmination of the Math Alliance Club's hard work and dedication. Invitations were sent out to a broad spectrum of the SUNY Potsdam community, including sponsors, advisors, councils, faculty, emeriti, staff, and students. This ensured a diverse and supportive audience to witness the grand reveal. We were even featured in the local newspaper, North Country Now!

Pictured: Invitation to the unveiling ceremony

North Country Now logo
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Musicians Kyle McGrath and James Myer providing a warm musical welcome

Musicians

Setting the Tone with Live Music

To create an inviting and celebratory atmosphere, live music was performed by talented musicians Kyle McGrath and James Myer. Their performances welcomed guests as they arrived, setting the perfect tone for the event.

Pictured (Left to Right): Kyle McGrath, James Myer

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Unveiling of the Icosahedron sculpture

Unveiling the Icosahedron

The Big Reveal

The highlight of the ceremony was the grand unveiling of the icosahedron sculpture. This moment was the culmination of months of hard work, collaboration, and dedication. The unveiling was met with applause and admiration from the gathered audience, symbolizing the successful realization of a collective vision.

Pictured (Left to Right): President Jonathan Doane, Becky, Vice President Jacob, Robin

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Donation speech by Jonathan Doane

Donation Speech and Acknowledgements

Gratitude and Reflection

During the ceremony, President Jonathan Doane delivered a heartfelt speech, acknowledging the sponsors and supporters who made the project possible. He highlighted the significance of the icosahedron in mathematics and expressed gratitude to the Math Department and Dr. Clarence F. Stephens for their inspiration and support.

Pictured (Left to Right): Vice President Jacob, President Jonathan Doane

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Speech and Plaques

Donating the Icosahedron Sculpture

The icosahedron sculpture features two carefully crafted plaques. One plaque details the geometric properties of the icosahedron, serving as an educational tool for students and visitors. The other plaque outlines the inspiration and dedication behind the donation, ensuring that the story of this meaningful project is preserved for future generations.

Speech and plaques Plaques with geometric properties and inspiration
Mike's Trophies logo SUNY Potsdam logo
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The donation plaque that narrates the journey and inspiration behind the icosahedron sculpture

Inspiration Behind the Donation

Commemorating a Passion for Mathematics

The donation plaque on the icosahedron sculpture is a testament to the passion and dedication that drove this project. It details the journey of the Math Alliance Club, from the initial idea to the final unveiling. The plaque serves as a reminder of the collective effort, creativity, and community spirit that made this project a reality.

Pictured: The donation plaque that narrates the journey and inspiration behind the icosahedron sculpture

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Math Faculty and Emeriti accepting the donation

Math Faculty and Emeriti

Accepting the Donation

The Math Faculty and Emeriti at SUNY Potsdam gathered to officially accept the donation of the icosahedron sculpture. This gesture symbolized the department's appreciation for the Math Alliance Club's hard work and dedication. The sculpture now stands as a lasting tribute to the club's innovative spirit and commitment to giving back to the Mathematics Department.

Pictured (Left to Right): Doctors Kerrith Chapman, Jim Parks, Vasily Cateforis, Laura Person, Armond Spencer, Cheryl Miller, Hector Foisy, Blair Madore, Joel Foisy, Jason Howald, Cornelia Yuen, Victorie Klawitter, Advisor Derek Habermas

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Inspiration from the Icosahedron Sculpture

A Student's Reflection on Choosing SUNY Potsdam

An excerpt from an FY 100 student at SUNY Potsdam, as reported to me by Dr. Joel Foisy in September of 2018:

"Above is a picture [not included, here] of me with the icosahedron outside of Carson Hall. Its role is to remind us that mathematics professors and students of SUNY Potsdam are held to the highest standard they can be held to. It’s been around since only 2015, and I don’t know if that’s enough time for it to have given anyone else inspiration. What I do know, however, is that it inspired me. During my first visit to this campus in 2016, I noticed this. I went up and read the associated marker. I don’t know what it was, but something about it struck me. Before, I was considering many colleges. A lot of my friends were going to UB, Binghamton, or Corning Community College. I would be the only one here if I chose Potsdam. From the moment I read that sign, I knew that this would be my first choice."

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Icosahedron sculpture outside of Carson Hall

Legacy and Impact

Inspiring Future Generations

Today, the icosahedron sculpture stands proudly outside Carson Hall at SUNY Potsdam. It serves as a lasting reminder of the Math Alliance Club's commitment to innovation and community. The project not only beautified the campus but also left an indelible mark on the Math Department, inspiring future generations of students to pursue their passions with dedication and creativity.

Pictured: The icosahedron sculpture outside of Carson Hall, being enjoyed by (hopefully) future mathematicians.

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Conclusion

A Testament to Dedication

The icosahedron sculpture project was more than just a mathematical endeavor; it was a journey of collaboration, perseverance, and impact. Jonathan Doane and the Math Alliance Club demonstrated that with passion and teamwork, even the most ambitious projects can become a reality. This story is a testament to their unorthodox level of dedication and innovation, leaving a lasting legacy at SUNY Potsdam.

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Profile picture of Jonathan Doane
Jonathan Doane, Ph.D.
- together we soar, reaching new heights -