Richard V. Andree





Richard V. Andree
Quoting from the November 1987 issue of The Computing Teacher published by the International Council for Computers in Education:


 * Oklahoma Leader Dies, Memorial Scholarship Established


 * Richard V. Andree, who was president of the Oklahoma Educational Computer Users Program, died this past May after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Andree, sons David and Peter Andree, daughters Suzanne Hodgson and Jeane Andree, and granddaughter Alethea Andree.


 * Dick Andree was a pioneer in introducing computers into precollege education. He published an article in 1958 describing his work in teaching computer programming to high school students.


 * Dick taught mathematics and computer science at the University of Oklahoma in Norman for 37 years. He served as chairman of the University of Oklahoma mathematics and astronomy department from 1961 to 1969. He and his wife founded Mu Alpha Theta, a national high school mathematics club, in 1957.


 * A memorial scholarship in Mr. Andree's name has been established by the University of Oklahoma. The scholarship will be awarded to a bright, creative, undergraduate math major for two semesters at a time, for $500 each semester. Donations to the scholarship fund may be sent to:


 * Richard V. Andree Memorial Fund
 * University of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc.
 * 100 Timberdell
 * Norman, OK 73019

Personal Note by David Moursund
I first encountered Richard Andree's work when I read his 1958 book (Programming the IBM 650 magnetic drum computer and data-processing machine) in the summer of 1959.This was the first book on computer programming that I read. It is an excellent book and I still treasure my copy.

Later, after I had started the International Council for Computers in Education (which is now named the International Society for Technology in Education) I interacted with Richard with respect to the Oklahoma Educational Computer Users organization that he had started. He was gracious in these interactions and helping the organization to become an ICCE (now, ISTE) affiliate.

Pi Mu Epsilon Richard V. Andree Awards
The Richard V. Andree Awards are given annually to the authors of the papers, written by undergraduate students, that have been judged by the officers and councilors of Pi Mu Epsilon to be the best that have appeared in the Pi Mu Epsilon Journal in the past year.

Until his death in 1987, Richard V. Andree was Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Oklahoma. He had served Pi Mu Epsilon for many years and in a variety of capacities: as President, as Secretary-Treasurer, and as Editor of this Journal.

History of Mu Alpha Theta
Richard V. Andree chaired the committee whose work led to the devleopment of the Mu Alpha Theta organization. Quoting from the linked reference:


 * The Mu Alpha Theta National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society is an organization dedicated to engendering keener interest in mathematics, developing sound scholarship in the subject and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics between high school and two-year college students.


 * Mu Alpha Theta was first conceived by a committee of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics under the chairmanship of Dr. Richard V. Andree of the University of Oklahoma. This committee recognized the need for a club to help high school and two-year college math teachers promote an interest in their subject.


 * Pi Mu Epsilon, the National Collegiate Honor Society of Mathematics, contributed funds for the organization’s original expenses; the University of Oklahoma provided space, clerical help, and technical assistance; the Mathematical Association of America, a primary sponsor of the organization since 1958, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics nominated the first officers and Board of Governors.


 * In October 1956, a group of mathematicians, under the leadership of Dr. and Mrs. Andree, drew up a constitution for Mu Alpha Theta. The organization was fortunate to have Henry Adler as its first president.  He was a farsighted mathematician with faith in young people and a talent for inspiring enthusiasm.  The club began formally in the spring of 1957.

Books Authored
Here is a list of some of the books written by Richard V. Andree.

Andree, Richard Vernon (1958).Programming the IBM 650 magnetic drum computer and data-processing machine. NY: Holt.

Andree, Richard Vernon (1966). Computer programming and related mathematics. NY: Wiley.

Andree, Richard Vernon (1973). Computer programming techniques, analysis and mathematics. Prentice Hall.

Articles Authored
Heimer, Ralph T., Ed. (1968). This historical document published by the NCTM includes a reaction paper by Richard Andree. Complete book available at ED030592. Computer-Assisted Instruction and the Teaching of Mathematics. Proceedings of a National Conference on Computer-Assisted Instruction (The Pennsylvania State University, September 24-26, 1968).