Citation: Thomas Sibley earned his bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Boston University, specializing in mathematical logic. In between earning these degrees, Tom taught high school mathematics as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zaire, Africa.
Since obtaining his Ph.D., Tom has taught at Cuttington University College in Liberia, at Beloit College in Wisconsin, and at St. John's University in Collegeville, where he has served as department chair and is a full professor. His excellence in teaching was recognized by the Distinguished Teaching Award from the North Central Section of the MAA in 2003, and the Linda Mealey Teacher-Scholar Award from the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University in 2004.
Tom has published numerous refereed journal articles in logic, geometry, algebra, combinatorics, mathematical biology, and any other topic that falls within his far-ranging interests. He has written three textbooks entitled Geometric Patterns: a Study in Symmetry (unpublished but in use), The Geometric Viewpoint-A Survey of Geometries (Addison Wesley), and Foundations of Mathematics (Wiley).
Tom has supervised several dozen undergraduate research projects and student talks, given both at the annual Pi Mu Epsilon conference and at other conferences. He himself has given many talks on a wide variety of topics to a wide variety of audiences-not only at sectional and national meetings, but also at other colleges, high schools, and even for the Girl Scouts. He has served as a frequent reviewer and referee, has spoken on many panels and at workshops, and has advised individual mathematics majors and supervised various student math club activities, including the famous donut coloring contest and the creation of a stellated rombicosidodecahedron.
Tom has been very active in and has made many contributions to the North Central Section, including serving as Treasurer from 1999-2005 and serving as President-Elect, President, and Past-President from 2006 to 2009. Tom continues to be an active supporter of the MAA and the North Central Section. With this award, we thank and honor him for his generous and dedicated service.
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