Dr. Vasily C. Cateforis, Professor of Mathematics and Department Chair at the State University of New York, Potsdam is the Seaway Section of the Mathematical Association of America's nominee for the 2000 Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. Professor Cateforis received his BA in Mathematics from Morgan State University, and a MS and Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
Professor Cateforis' nomination stems from a distinguished thirty-three year teaching career in which his influence upon his students and colleagues extends far beyond his classroom. He has proven to be an exemplary teacher whose classroom strategies and techniques, enthusiasm for his students and love for mathematics are readily adopted by all who come in contact with him. His ability to expertly blend ""student sensitive teaching"" with high expectations is clearly exemplified in the following quotation from Armond E. Spencer, Professor Mathematics Emeritus: The special relationship Vasily has with his students extends beyond academics and continues well after graduation...the accomplishments of his students is the best testimony to his art.""
In addition to his outstanding teaching credentials, Professor Cateforis service to SUNY Potsdam and the mathematics profession also attests to his lifelong commitment to students. He has served on the Seaway Section's ad hoc Committee on Advising, as a members of the SUNY Math Alert Steering Committee, and as advisor to SUNY Potsdam's Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon.