News Archives - 2009

Garver receives Goldwater scholarship

When he arrived at Augsburg College several years ago, Alex Garver '10 didn't think he had a talent for any certain discipline. It turns out he was indeed talented—in mathematics.

Garver, a mathematics major and religion and economics minor from Madison, Wisc., was recently awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. He joins Brian Krohn '08, who will study environmental change and management at Oxford, and Victor Acosta '04, who is earning his doctorate in physics at Berkeley.

"I was really surprised to get this award in some ways," Garver says. "I have worked very hard, but this award isn't just about me. It's a testament to the faculty...I think the faculty here are really outstanding."

Garver says Augsburg faculty have encouraged and inspired him in many ways, particularly to pursue graduate school, something he only recently imagined himself doing. "I've had incredible faculty in every department where I've taken courses. They are passionate people who are willing to help students...very inspiring."

As a math tutor, Lilly Scholar, Honors student, co-president of the Mathematics Club, and member of the StepUP program, Garver says he has enjoyed being involved on campus. "I like the idea feeling a part of an academic community."

Garver currently conducts research in dynamical systems with associate professor Jody Sorensen. He is considering studying at a mathematics program in Budapest next spring and hopes to continue his education in graduate school.

The Goldwater Scholarship is a national academic prize for undergraduate work in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Applicants must be nominated by their school in order to apply.