Carmen Latterell
Duluth, MN
Class of 1988
Math and Education

Tell us about the work you do:  I am an associate professor of mathematics at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  I spend my time in three areas: teaching, service, and research.  I teach a variety of mathematics courses, such as Calculus I, Foundations in Mathematics and Geometry, and Mathematics for Elementary Education Majors.  In service, I do such things like writing and maintaining the mathematics test which places incoming freshmen into their first math course.  I have researched and published two books: Math Wars: A Guidefor Parents and Teachers (Praeger, 2005) and How to Prepare for College Mathematics Placement Tests (Rowman and Littlefield, 2007).

A source of pride in your life:  After I finished my Ph.D., I realized that, although I hadn't married, I was in a position financially and emotionally to parent.  In considering my options, I decided to adopt a baby girl from China.  China still has a rule that prevents families from having as many children as they want and cultural influences cause families to have a preference for male children.  Therefore, there are many little girls who need homes.  My mother and I traveled to China in 2002 and brought home a beautiful, perfect 1-year-old girl.  Lily Marie Li Latterell is a lovely little person who is now five.  She wrote a letter to Santa this year to make sure all her school friends would be receiving toys, but reassured Santa that she had plenty of toys herself. 

Best St. Scholastica memories:  I will give one example that involved one of my favorite professors, Sister Sheila Gilbertsen, and illustrates the faculty’s sense of humor and fun.  One day, Sister Shelia showed up for class a little late and all out of breath.  She said, "I'm sorry I am late but I was locked out of my office.  It is a good thing I had my keys."

Significant influences:  Sister Sheila, who was a mathematics professor, has since passed away.  I still miss her.  I am still in touch with Louis Friedler, a mathematics professor who left St. Scholastica to take a job closer to his family.  Another great mentor is Meridel Kahl.  She taught me that labeling people is not constructive, but some labels are worth accepting.  For example, Meridel readily accepts the label "teacher" - as do I.

Greatest professional moment:  I was proud when I received each of my degrees, the B.A., the M.S., and the Ph.D.  Each represented a lot of "hanging in there," considerable luck, and ultimately, gifts from God.  I still feel good that I was able to experience education to the degree that I have.  I was proud when publishers picked up my books.  It is a nice achievement to have two of them published.  I have had many research articles published and I'm proud of each of them.  I was proud to receive tenure and promotion at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  But, I suppose I am most proud when a student says that I have helped him/her.  Because I am a teacher, that is my greatest professional achievement.

Tell us something interesting about your life:  I have an antique iron collection.  I have over 200 pressing irons (yes, the things you use to get the wrinkles out of clothes) from various countries and ages.  My oldest is about 300 years old.  I have found them all over, including auctions, but have only bought three or four from eBay (some nice German ones).  I used to buy them and take them home on airplanes but now I can't carry them in my luggage!

Further education:  I earned an M.S. in mathematics from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and a Ph.D. in mathematics education from the University of Iowa.

Philosophy:  It is important to live a life of gratitude, accept things that cannot be changed, and actively look for small things in which to find happiness.  I think that these things give glory to God.

Impact of the Benedictine values:  One of the greatest things I have taken from the Benedictine values is the idea of balance.  It isn't good to pick out just one Benedictine value, no matter how wonderful, and make that one's entire life.  Working hard is good, for example.  But if my daughter's memory of me is that I was always working, what good is that?  Balance actually takes discipline.  When one gains some success in an area, it is easy to have that take over one's life. But, this isn't healthy and it isn't right.