2023 Award Recipient

William Hrusa
Professor of Mathematical Sciences
Mellon College of Science

Bill Hrusa is a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. He holds B.S degrees in mathematics and mechanical engineering from Syracuse University (1978). He completed his graduate studies in applied mathematics at Brown University, receiving an Sc.M. degree in 1979 and a Ph.D. in 1982. He began his career at CMU as an Assistant Professor in the fall of 1982 and he has been in residence at CMU’s Pittsburgh campus continuously since then, except for three semesters (in 1983, 1984 and 1986) which were spent as a visiting faculty member at the Math Research Center of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He has held several administrative positions in the Department of Mathematical Sciences including interim head, associate head and director of graduate studies; the latter role for 22 years. He is currently the director of the Bachelor of Science in Computational Finance Program. He has won several previous education awards at CMU: the Ashkin Award, the Ryan Award, the Moore Award and the Lazarus Award. He has supervised six Ph.D. students, three honors master’s students and well over 100 undergraduate research students. He has served on numerous committees concerning educational activities at CMU, has created (or co-created) several courses and produced educational materials for a variety of other classes as well. He has been heavily involved with SUAMI (Summer Undergraduate Applied Mathematics Research Institute) since its inception in 1991. SUAMI provides research opportunities for students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in mathematics.

He is the academic advisor for the Quant Club, and helps to organize events such as mock interviews, quantitative problem-solving competitions, panel discussions, market making games, etc. 

He has two children (Daniel and Sarah) and one grandchild (so far). When he is not around CMU, his favorite place to be is on the water at Conneaut Lake in his Cobalt Bowrider, his classic Century Resorter or riding his jetski.

He is grateful to have a job that he really loves for more than 40 years where he has the opportunity to interact with wonderful students and colleagues.

Learn more about Professor Hrusa