Donna LaLonde

In the past, I’ve not made New Year’s resolutions, but the opportunity for success was too great to pass up this year. My resolution was to spend time engaged in new endeavors. Success was guaranteed.

In January, rather than beginning the new semester as I had done for the preceding 23 years, I began my new position as ASA director of programs. I was fortunate to work with amazing colleagues as a faculty member and administrator at Washburn University. Also, the work with talented undergraduates as they pursued their capstone projects was extraordinary. I also enjoyed teaching the courses that were part of the university mathematics requirement and, on occasion, hearing from students that they saw both the value and the beauty of the subject.

I grew up in Bath, New York, and attended Colgate University, but after 23 years in Kansas, the transition to life in Virginia is clearly captured by the line, “Toto (aka Charlotte and Cowboy), we are not in Kansas anymore.” Charlotte and Cowboy are my two rescued dogs who share a Kansas heritage with Toto, but are on the other end of the size spectrum. They use all their considerable dog persuasion techniques to ensure we walk at sunrise (or before). I’ve learned there is indeed order out of chaos if I just do what they want. Their persistence keeps my running program on track and guarantees we are home in time to pursue my passion for puzzles with Will Shortz on Weekend Edition Sunday. I am also enjoying being a Metro ride away from Busboys and Poets and Politics and Prose Bookstore.

Although I was aware of the work accomplished by the ASA, I spent time viewing videos of the JSM presidential addresses and rereading a number of the President’s Corner columns to complement my knowledge. This reinforced the unique contributions of each of the presidents and the shared vision of championing initiatives that support, encourage, and enhance the professional practice of the members. I look forward to working with all of you, and my talented staff colleagues, to advance these initiatives and investigate other opportunities. Linus Pauling said, “The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.” It will be great to see you at JSM and learn about your ideas.