On Monday, April 6th, the Mathematics Department held a retirement celebration in honor of Dr. James Choike who is retiring from the department after 45 years of service and achievement.

Dr. Choike began his teaching career at OSU in 1970. In brief remarks to those present, Dr. Choike indicated that he has enjoyed his career at OSU and that the Mathematics Department has been a good fit for his professional goals and aspirations, providing him with many exciting academic challenges, stimulating faculty friendships within and beyond the Mathematics Department, and unique professional and pedagogical opportunities that he couldn't possibly imagine receiving at any other university. Twice the University has recognized him for his outstanding teaching, in 1982, with the AMOCO Foundation Teaching Award, and in 1995, with the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award. In 1995, the OK-AR Section of the MAA also honored Dr. Choike for his "Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics." During his time at OSU Dr. Choike has been successful in securing funding in excess of $10 million, from NSF, USDOE, and the State of OK, for various mathematics-related projects in distant learning for middle/high school mathematics and for AP Calculus as well as for professional development projects for mathematics teachers. His work in distance learning instruction led to his being awarded the Noble Foundation Professorship for Technology-Enhanced Learning Systems. In addition to his professional activities, Dr. Choike enjoys reading, especially history and historical novels, and travel with his wife Marilyn. Many of Dr. Choike's current and former colleagues were in attendance at the celebration in addition to his wife, Marilyn, two of their three children, and grandchildren.
Thank you, Dr. Choike, for your dedication and hard work. The Mathematics Department appreciates and thanks you for everything that you've done.