Pi Mu Epsilon is pleased to announce that Brigitte Servatius has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the C. C. MacDuffee Award for Distinguished Service, one of the Society’s highest honors. This award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to Pi Mu Epsilon and its student members. First presented in 1965, the MacDuffee Award is bestowed only occasionally—“often enough to be recognized and seldom enough to be meaningful”—and Brigitte Servatius now joins a small and distinguished group of honorees.
For Servatius, the most meaningful moments of her PME service have always centered on students. Whether mentoring chapter officers, advising research presentations, or helping organize regional and national PME events, she has found her greatest fulfillment in supporting students as they discover their mathematical voice.
“Serving as PMEJ editor was also especially rewarding,” she reflected, “because it allowed me to help shape opportunities that reach far beyond a single campus. It was also a creative outlet for me.”
Among the contributions she is most proud of is her transformative work as editor of the Pi Mu Epsilon Journal. At a time when such efforts required both boldness and vision, Servatius led a redesign of the Journal and introduced innovative and creative features, including the art page From the Right Side and the now-beloved Mathacrostic puzzles created by Dan Hurwitz.
She also guided the Journal to major milestones in scholarly recognition. Under her leadership, PMEJ became indexed and reviewed in MathSciNet and achieved full archival inclusion in JSTOR—by invitation only. Today, JSTOR provides both long-term preservation and a yearly revenue share for the Society, further extending the Journal’s reach and impact.
Upon learning she had been selected for the MacDuffee Award, Servatius described feeling “a mix of gratitude, surprise, and humility.”
“PME is filled with dedicated individuals who give so much of themselves to the organization,” she said. “To be recognized among them was deeply moving. My first thought was of the many students and colleagues, authors and readers who made the work joyful. This honor feels like a reflection of our shared efforts.”
Servatius credits Pi Mu Epsilon with shaping her professional life in profound and unexpected ways. Through PME, she strengthened her commitment to undergraduate mathematics, broadened her view of mathematical communities, and connected with colleagues who continually inspired her.
“Working with PME students reminded me why I entered academia in the first place: to help others discover the beauty, creativity, and power of mathematics,” she shared. “Those experiences influenced my teaching, my mentoring, and even my approach to leadership.”
When asked what motivated her long-term service, Servatius responded simply:
“I have always considered PME to be my extended family. Family service and commitment is never limited to any term—the motivation is the family itself.”
Servatius expressed hope that PME will continue publishing its print journal, noting the enduring value of physical copies in accessibility, equity, and permanence. She also shared excitement about installing Brandeis University as a new PME chapter and looks forward to the Society’s continued growth.
A Message to PME Members
“To the students, faculty, and volunteers who make PME what it is: thank you,” she said. “This honor reflects the strength of our community and the shared belief that mathematics is something worth celebrating together. I’m grateful for every conversation, every presentation, every moment of mentorship, and every opportunity to serve. I look forward to seeing how each of you continues to shape the future of PME and the broader mathematical world.”
About the C. C. MacDuffee Award
The C. C. MacDuffee Award for Distinguished Service honors individuals who have made significant, sustained contributions to Pi Mu Epsilon and its mission. First awarded in 1965, it is not given annually but only when service of exceptional impact merits recognition.