March 14 Is PiEinstein Day!
March 14 is an especially significant date at the College of Medicine. While many other institutions of higher learning mark Pi Day—a reference to the numeral 3.14… that represents this important mathematical constant—we get to enjoy an extra layer of fun as we also recognize our namesake, Albert Einstein, whose birthday is also on March 14. Somewhere in the time continuum he is celebrating, too!
Albert Einstein would be 144 this Pi Day. Will this year's pi recitation champion reach double that many digits beyond the decimal point? The reigning champion got as far as 224 last year!
PiEinstein Day InsPIrations
- A “grab ‘n go” at the Einstein Café, where you can get a free slice of pie along with a choice of coloring pages and stickers featuring our beloved mascot, Uncle Albert.
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A “Where’s Uncle Albert?” scavenger hunt that can be played on campus. Or, if you prefer, try our virtual scavenger hunt, following clues connected to our website.
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Our annual pi recitation contest. Last year, medical student Albert Wang became the new champion, reciting pi to the 224th decimal—99 beyond previous champion Srinivas Aluri, who reached 125 numerals. Step up to the challenge to see if you can beat Srinivas (perhaps by reaching 144 for the number of years since Uncle Albert was born) or if you can surpass Albert’s insPIring feat! Remember, there will be prizes for the top two contestants.
Those interested in competing in the recitation contest are asked to come to Main Street by 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14. And, of course, if you haven’t yet done so, start practicing!
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A Pie Bake-Off. This new aspect of PiEinstein Day invites all members of the Einstein community to take part—as an individual baker or a team—to see who our campus’ “best bakers” will be. Contestants can compete by entering a pie in either the fruit or non-fruit categories. Those with young bakers at home can encourage them to enter a pie in the youth category.
To throw your disposable pie tin into the ring, simply complete this online form to register and then bake your best pie! To be considered, yummy creations must be delivered on March 14 to the Lower Education Center (off Main Street, in Forchheimer) by 3:14 p.m. And yes, there will be prizes for the top baker(s) in each category.
The registration form provides full details and rules for the bake-off. Judging will be done by members of the dean’s office. Non-bakers and pie-eating aficionados, be sure to stop downstairs in the education center at 4 p.m. to watch the judging and learn who our first champion bakers will be! While you wait for the judges to deliberate, enjoy a taste; those with food allergies, please check the listed ingredients for each.
To learn more about these opportunities for PiEinstein Day fun, visit our special webpage where you can even download and print the Uncle Albert coloring pages and view video of each year’s champion recitation!
Supporting Einstein Students and Programs
Adopting the special day as a Giving Day since 2020, the office of development and alumni relations has been raising support for Einstein students and other programs at the College of Medicine. These include an annual scholarship fund, student hardship fund, medical education & innovation fund, support for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a graduate student fund, each of which can be found on the Pi Day Giving Page.
“Those offering support can select to give to any of these funds or can designate their donation to ‘area of greatest need,’” noted Arianne Andrusco, director of annual and special giving.
“We were thrilled by the success of last year’s giving day, thanks to the generosity of so many who took part in the activities we offered,” added Arianne. “This year, we’ve been challenged to reach 314 total gifts, which if we accomplish, will unlock an additional $50,000.”
As a special incentive toward reaching that asPIrational goal, for every 50 gifts received, two Einstein Trustees have pledged to give an additional $5,000 to support Einstein students and programs!
As has been the case in recent past Pi Days, there will be opportunities for alumni and other supporters to participate from wherever they may be, and to post on social media. View our PiEinstein site or the Pi Day Giving Page for additional details.
Something for Everyone
Because of its connection to Albert Einstein’s day of birth, PiEinstein Day has an extra-special meaning at our College of Medicine. The overall aim of the day is to celebrate our namesake and engage all members of our campus community in the festivities.
“We’re pleased to offer a variety of fun ways for everyone to enjoy our annual celebration of Pi” said Renee Rodriguez, manager of special programs and events for the graduate division. “Whether using your Einstein knowledge to scour campus looking for Uncle Albert, showing off your pie-baking capabilities, or demonstrating your prowess at memorization, we hope you’ll join us!”
Cassandra Jean-Baptiste, director of employee relations, agreed. “Even if you simply want to enjoy some pie while coloring in images of Uncle Albert, we hope you’ll come out for some PiEinstein Day fun.”
“We’re very excited to introduce the bake-off and see the amazing pies that will be baked,” added Mohanlall “MT” Teloki, director of student life. “And whether you cheer on the pi recitation contestants or step up to the mic and demonstrate the ability of the human brain to retain impressive amounts of information, we hope PiEinstein Day 2023 will be a most memorable day.”
Posted on: Friday, March 10, 2023