Retired high school math teacher Bruce White was honoured in 2006 with the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence. The University of Windsor awarded him an honorary doctorate for his contributions to students and learning. The University of Waterloo awarded him a Descartes Medal in recognition of his contributions to mathematics education.
Now, thanks to the generosity of one of his former students, Dr. White’s inspiration of many thousands of math students has been recognized in another very special way.
The University of Waterloo Faculty of Mathematics dedicated the Bruce White Atrium in the new Mathematics 3 (M3) building on April 27, 2012. The atrium is named in honour of Dr. White by Waterloo Math alumnus John Hele, executive vice president & chief financial officer MetLife Incorporated.
"In each of our lifetimes, there are only a few who make a truly lasting impression,” says Hele. “Dr. Bruce White is one of those people, and he has done this for thousands of students. Dr. White does not just teach mathematics; rather he teaches 'How to Learn Mathematics'. In fact, he teaches one how to learn. This is the lasting legacy of Dr. Bruce White.”
“His history with the University of Waterloo dates back 40 years. It is my great pleasure and honour to help the University of Waterloo with the new Math 3 building and to recognize the exceptional achievements of Dr. Bruce White," says Hele.
“It’s heartwarming that one of our alumni has named this space in honour of his high school math teacher,” says Ian Goulden, Dean of Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics. “This beautiful atrium is a focal point for our faculty and we’re thrilled to recognize Bruce White for inspiring generations of students to achieve excellence.”
Dr. White retired from formal teaching at Vincent Massey Secondary School in Windsor in 2004, but remains very active in encouraging math students. He continues to run Math Clubs with over 200 students on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and ‘Sunday Math’ for a select group of really exceptional students.
The students solve challenging math problems and prepare for math competitions. They develop their problem-solving skills by breaking down complex questions, and grow in confidence by presenting solutions in front of their peers. In addition to excelling at competitions, Dr. White’s students shine once they reach university-level math classes.
He has taught over 8,000 math students. Their advanced problem-solving and presentation skills have formed a strong foundation for careers in such fields as engineering, teaching, IT, medicine and business.
Yifan Li is one of Dr. White’s former students. A graduate of Vincent Massey Secondary School, she is finishing her final term in math at the University of Waterloo and hopes to attend medical school in the fall. Yifan volunteers with the campus emergency response team and is head coach of the Waterloo math team.
Dr. White’s program inspired Yifan to pursue math in university. She credits him with developing her talent for problem-solving, which will serve her well as she plans to specialize in emergency medicine. “He encouraged us to know what we know and to learn how to learn,” she says.
Dr. White was thrilled to hear from John Hele after many years. He remembers Hele as “bright, focused, enthusiastic and a team player – a great problem solver who absorbed techniques with great ease and was also able to share his skills with the other students.”
“I never expected this prestigious and enduring honour. It is very humbling.”
Dr. White hopes that how he teaches mathematics continues to affect how his students approach problem solving in all aspects of their lives. He has always encouraged them to pursue their studies in math at the University of Waterloo for its caring environment and high graduation rate. “Most students who liked math were able to find a path which suited them at Waterloo,” says White. “There is a positive community of genuine people who like math.”
“It is hard for me to find the words to really show my appreciation for this honour, but I hope that John knows how very grateful I am.”
Listen to Dr. White and Mr. Hele's interview on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Radio's 'The Early Shift' and to coverage on 570 News.
Globe and Mail's "A shiny new atrium for the teacher".
Canadian Institute of Actuaries (e)bulletin's "CIA member's tribute to an inspirational teacher".