A Perfect Match at Mudd

This short article is about Maria M. Klawe, president of Harvey Mudd College, a college that is known not only for its excellence but also---according to the article---for being "a home for eccentrics and pranksters." Klawe, who has a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Alberta, says the college's personality matches hers. She juggles, paints, runs marathons, plays video games, and skateboards (as pictured, at left). Last December upon arrival at work she found a 12-foot long "Zen pond" with fountain and plastic fish in her office. Was her response to put the pranksters on double-secret probation? No, she says, "It was fabulous. I loved it. That is so Mudd-like."

--- Mike Breen