The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is proud to announce this year’s Meritorious Service Award recipients: John Bukowski, Karen Clark, Minah Oh, Ronald (Ron) G. Smith, and Violeta Vasilevska.
Meritorious Service Awards
Meritorious Service Certificates are awarded based on recommendations from MAA Sections, recognizing significant service either at the national level or to an individual Section. First presented in 1984, these awards annually honor exceptional dedication and contributions across several Sections.
John Bukowski
The Allegheny Mountain Section proudly recognizes Dr. John Bukowski with the Certificate of Meritorious Service for his outstanding commitment and leadership. Having served in six officer roles, Dr. Bukowski has demonstrated sustained dedication to the section. As Historian, he was instrumental in compiling one of the most thorough section histories in the MAA, ensuring a complete record of all past meeting locations and elected officers. His impactful service has left a lasting legacy within both the section and the broader MAA community, making him a truly deserving honoree.
“I am delighted and honored to receive the MAA Certificate of Meritorious Service, and I thank my colleagues in the Allegheny Mountain Section for nominating me for this award. It has been a great pleasure to serve my Section and the larger MAA community for over twenty years.”
Karen Clark
The New Jersey Section of the MAA proudly presents Dr. Karen Clark with the Certificate of Meritorious Service in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the MAA at both the national and sectional levels. Dr. Clark has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the inaugural Chair of the MAA Committee on Section Meetings, as well as various positions within the New Jersey Section. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to the MAA’s mission exemplify the spirit of service this award honors, making her a most deserving recipient.
“I would like to thank the MAA-NJ Section for nominating me for this award, and for their many years of collaboration, friendship, and support. It has been a privilege to serve the organization, and I am grateful for the ways in which the MAA has enriched my professional career.”
Minah Oh
The Maryland–District of Columbia–Virginia Section has awarded Dr. Minah Oh the Certificate of Meritorious Service in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the section and the broader mathematical community. She has served as Section Chair, Program Chair, and Executive Committee Member, and has led numerous initiatives supporting women in mathematics. Her leadership in organizing the section’s first-ever virtual meeting during the pandemic was both inspiring and effective. The Maryland–District of Columbia–Virginia Section proudly commends Dr. Minah Oh for her exemplary dedication and service.
“Thank you for giving me such a big award for simply doing something that I enjoy and truly care about. Serving the Maryland-District of Columbia-Virginia Section of the MAA has always been rewarding to me, and it has been an honor to work with such dedicated mathematicians and educators in the community.”
Ron Smith
The Oklahoma–Arkansas Section proudly honors Dr. Ronald (Ron) G. Smith with the Certificate of Meritorious Service in recognition of his longstanding leadership and commitment to the section. Over the course of fifteen years, he has served in multiple roles, including twice as Section Chair, as a Representative to the MAA Congress, and as a member of the Section’s Nominating Committee. Dr. Smith’s steadfast dedication and impactful service make him a most deserving recipient of this award.
“I enjoy being a member of the MAA so much that I encourage my young new faculty members to join and to participate in Section NExT. I hope to introduce a new generation of mathematicians and math faculty to the MAA. I just hope that they can enjoy the MAA Community as much as I have been able to enjoy it.”
Violeta Vasilevska
The Intermountain Section proudly presents Dr. Vasilevska with the Certificate of Meritorious Service in recognition of her exemplary dedication to the Mathematical Association of America at both the national and section levels. She has served in numerous officer roles and contributed meaningfully through her work on national MAA committees. Her unwavering dependability and strong leadership embody the spirit of this award, and the section is proud to honor her many years of impactful service.
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive a 2025 MAA Meritorious Service Award. I have been involved with our MAA Intermountain Section for over 15 years. Throughout the journey that led to this moment, I have had the privilege to work with an amazing group of colleagues that I am honored to call my friends. I am incredibly grateful for their support and encouragement as well as their mentorship over the years.”
Learn more about MAA prizes and submit a nomination.
About MAA
The Mathematical Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. We accelerate our understanding of our world through mathematics because mathematics drives society and shapes our lives. Learn more at maa.org.